meathunter wrote:Great thread!
I own two Tikka T3s (Plastic/SS) they are very accurate (but so are my $600 zastava's at half the price)
I will share my opinions but please don't let this hinder anyone's purchase as they are a great hunting rifle, but don't kid yourself thinking you've ''basically purchased a Sako''
They are not top loading. The ugly looking polymer magazine is single stack and tends to loosen up when it's seated in the rifle with time. This has happened to both my T3s after 50-60 rounds.A flush-fitting magazine would be ideal too, and don't loose them in the bush as they're not cheap! The polymer bolt shroud & trigger guard. The long action, regardless of calibre and I also don't like a 2-position safety. 3 position is ideal for the field, as you can lock the trigger but work your bolt.
If you visualise a Tikka T3 with a much larger ejection port, stainless steel hinged floor plate and 3 position safety, that is a perfect hunting rifle to me, CRF or not. Too bad i'm a lefty as these options exist in RH configuration by other brands...
I won't comment on the other points you've made because they gave been covered but tell me more about the "The ugly looking polymer magazine is single stack and tends to loosen up when it's seated in the rifle with time. "
As I've said before I've shot thousands of rounds through mine (.223, 7-08, .308) but I've never heard of this.
Chronos