Tikka T3
Tikka · Rifle · Out Of Production · 2003
Also known as: Tikka Master Sporter T3
Overview
The Tikka T3 is a Finnish bolt-action hunting rifle introduced in 2003 and produced by Sako at the Tikkakoski factory in Riihimaki, Finland. Designed by a Sako product team led by Kari Kuparinen, it became one of Europe's most successful modern sporting rifle platforms thanks to a rigid two-lug action, a fast 70-degree bolt throw, a cold-hammer-forged free-floating barrel, and a famously crisp adjustable single-stage trigger. The T3 was offered in over 20 chamberings ranging from .204 Ruger to .300 Winchester Magnum, and was sold in Lite, Hunter, Tactical, Varmint, and many other configurations. It was succeeded by the improved Tikka T3x in 2016, which retained full backward compatibility with T3 stocks and accessories.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2810 g (99.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1085 mm (42.72") |
| Barrel Length | 570 mm (22.44") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 13 N (2.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3500 J (2581 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary — also known as .308 Win, 308 Win
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
- 6.5x55mm Swedish — also known as 6.5x55 SE, 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag
- .223 Remington · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Rem, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety, Trigger Safety Blocks Bolt
- Features: Two Lug Bolt, 70 Degree Bolt Throw, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, User Adjustable Single Stage Trigger, Removable Bolt Handle, Spring Loaded Plunger Ejector, Polymer Or Wood Stock Options, Detachable Polymer Magazine
Variants
- Tikka T3 Lite — Lightweight
- Tikka T3 Hunter — Hunter Wood Stock
- Tikka T3 Tactical — Tactical
- Tikka T3 Varmint — Varmint Heavy Barrel
- Tikka T3x — Successor Overhaul 2016
Production
Production years: 2003-2016
Replaced by T3x in 2016; one of the best-selling European sporting bolt-action rifles of the 2000s and 2010s
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Kari Kuparinen (Sako product development team)
Discontinued: 2016
Notes
T3 weights ranged from approximately 2.8 kg (Lite) to 5.1 kg (Tactical/Varmint). Replaced by Tikka T3x in 2016 with improvements including an enlarged ejection port, a steel recoil lug (replacing aluminum), a metal bolt shroud (replacing plastic), and a redesigned stock. T3 magazines, stocks, and most accessories remain compatible with the T3x.
Background
Tikka rifles have been built in the Finnish town of Tikkakoski since 1918, but the company didn't design its own rifle until 1981 - earlier 'Tikka' rifles were largely subcontract work. The T3, designed under Sako ownership in 2003, finally gave Tikka a globally dominant platform; its 70-degree bolt throw and silky-smooth action made it the rifle that taught a generation of European hunters that a budget Sako could shoot like an expensive one.