Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

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Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by izzi88 » 11 Sep 2022, 8:32 pm

Out here to get some guidance/recommendations...
Currently looking for decent rifle for deer and pigs and decided on a 308 calibre.
I'm stuck between Tikka T3X's (unsure which model) and Lithgow La102 however my main concern is weight regarding the lithgow and a hot barrel on the tikka's. I plan to do a mix of stalking and spotlighting so requiring a versatile rifle.
Current budget will be $2500-3000 (including scope) - happy for some scope recommendations as well!
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by Billo » 13 Sep 2022, 11:18 am

Id skip both rifles and got straight to the Bergara B14 HMR, comes with a much better stock than either mentioned and if you can afford it go the Pro with the better trigger. Weight will be similar to a Lithgow so if weight is an issue fall back to the T3X
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by MontyShooter » 13 Sep 2022, 12:14 pm

I wouldn't want to walk around with an la102. Maybe the Tupperware version would be ok but it's a heavy rifle. I have an la102 and a t3x Super lite and I know which one I'd be taking in the bush.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by solarpak » 13 Sep 2022, 1:36 pm

As fine as a rifle the LA102 is - its no stalking rifle unless you have a good masseuse or physio!! I have owned one in the past and was just too heavy to be carried for kilometres over the shoulder.
The Tikka T3x - would choose the Hunter Stainless fluted - suitable scoped for a total weight around 3.7-3.8 kgs would be the biz for a rifle you could do all with.
Scope wise - one of the Meopta Meostar's that are currently on super special (around $800) would be the ticket - great scopes indeed.

C.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by bladeracer » 13 Sep 2022, 4:24 pm

Billo wrote:Id skip both rifles and got straight to the Bergara B14 HMR, comes with a much better stock than either mentioned and if you can afford it go the Pro with the better trigger. Weight will be similar to a Lithgow so if weight is an issue fall back to the T3X


The HMR (4.3kg) is at least 800gm heavier than the LA102 (3.5kg), and the LA102 is already a very hefty rifle for bush walking. The Ruger American Compact and Predator, and the Howa 1500 Carbon Stalker are around 2.75kg. The Howa Super Lite is finally in shooter's hands, and it does live up to the hype - at least regarding the weight. The .308 weighs 2.13kg, so may be worth a look. How it holds up long term is yet to be seen. When we might see them in Australia is a question mark perhaps. I have not yet seen anybody actually shooting one to know how well they work. Shooting a .308 that light doesn't sound like a ton of fun.

Skip to 9:40 to see it weighed at 4lb 11.25oz.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by Billo » 13 Sep 2022, 7:33 pm

Bladerace if you stuck an equivalent stock from McMillan on a LA102 and she will come up to 4kgs easy peasy, as I mentioned elsewhere Super Lite have already landed.

There is also the Bergara B14 hunter which is about 7lbs.
Last edited by Billo on 13 Sep 2022, 8:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by Faedy » 13 Sep 2022, 7:50 pm

I've got a couple of T3X rifles, and love them.
In comparison to Lithgow, they are way lighter and the trigger is so much better.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by Peterwho » 13 Sep 2022, 9:16 pm

Your budget of $2500-$3000 is enough to get some great rifles and scope imo. But I would skip both your suggestions and look at a second hand Remington 700 or Ruger m77 from reputable gun shops or known third parties. Scope choices are difficult to make but the suggestion by solarpak of Meopta is a good one.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by bladeracer » 13 Sep 2022, 9:47 pm

Billo wrote:Bladerace if you stuck an equivalent stock from McMillan on a LA102 and she will come up to 4kgs easy peasy, as I mentioned elsewhere Super Lite have already landed.

There is also the Bergara B14 hunter which is about 7lbs.


Sure, you could put a much lighter stock on the B14, or just buy a rifle which is already so much lighter.
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Re: Tikka T3X vs Lithgow La102 for game rifle

Post by bman940 » 13 Sep 2022, 11:28 pm

Hard to beat a Tikka T3X topped with a Meopta MeoStar scope. Prime European quality rifle and glass. No reason to buy and modify for what your use is going to be.
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