Tikka decision

Well I was all set to buy a tikka t3x CTR, but then I came across the T3x TAC, basically same as the CTR, but with adjustable stock, and heavier barrel profile. From what I can find the TAC uses the same barrel as the sako trg, and a cheaper magazine. The CTR uses the more expensive trg magazine. I plan to keep the factory stock on whatever I decide to get. The TAC is a little more expensive from what I can tell, but I have not gotten a price quote from my the gun shop yet. I was quoted 885.00 + tax for the CTR. Anyone done a side by side comparison on these two rifles?? I wish I could see and hold both rifles before I decide, but no one around here has them. Decisions decisions!!

I can't advise you on which to buy, but I would check prices at www.grabagun.com before you make the deal. They're hard to beat on Tikkas.

Either will be fine . The tac model is slightly heavier. Depending on which caliber you want should dictate which model you choose. If your wanting a 308 it is offered in both models . The tac model not having TRG mags would make it a little more appealing. Not being offered in 260 or 6.5 creedmoor would be a deal breaker for me.

I like that TAC.

CTR. Bottom metal with trg magazines is superior. The stocks on all tikkas are junk.

TAC looks similar to the Varmint with an adjustable cheek piece. After having my Varmint for awhile, that's probably the only feature I wouldn't mind adding. I love it as-is, but that would be a nice feature. The Varmint is also considerably cheaper, so you do pay for that difference.

I'd go with the TAC just for the cheaper mags if nothing else. I don't think the CTR even has an adjustable cheek piece, so I'm not sure why you would even buy that over the Varmint? The TAC looks like the ticket to me. I don't like the blued bolt & handle, but cosmetics are not a deal-breaker for me on a functional rifle like this.

I like the looks of both, and the tikka stocks don't bother me. My 695 3006 is a TAC driver in the factory stock. The heavier barrel adjustable cheek piece and cheaper mags has me leaning toward the TAC. For my purposes I can't see needing the 10 rounds and more expensive trg mag.

i have the Tac, for a cheap plastic stock , the rifle as a whole shot well
good trigger, compact/handi for hunting and short range target

They guarantee 1 MOA, i shot it with my handload 165 gr BT with .020" jump and was able to
squeeze .5" groups

it put a SAKO brake on mine; killed 4 deer with it so far
will put a thermal on it

get it you'll like it

expect a price of $1350-$1500

My junk shoots.

Yep. My point is that none of the stocks on any of the models should be a factor in which model to buy. Barrel contour, weight, and bottom metal/mag capacity is what OP should base his decision on.

Why not the stock? Replacements are $500+. If you're never going to spend that much, you might as well get the stock you want from the start. TAC has adjustable cheek piece, CTR does not.

Go with the CTR; you're getting far more value for your dollar. And take the reports of Tikka plastic stocks being junk with a grain of salt. I have a precision rifle in a Manners T4A; I know what great stocks feel like. The Tikka plastic stock is nowhere close to a manners by any stretch of the imagination, but for the price, they're the best factory plastic stock in the industry. Furthermore, the new X model CTR stock is surprisingly comfortable. I have a Triad stock pack on mine, and it's very shootable.

And they just flat-out SHOOT.

I would really steer you against choosing the TAC model just because of the cheekpiece. The $200 $700 difference can buy a lot.

CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Thanks guys. Been looking at prices on gun broker and my local gun shop. From the local gun shop I was quoted 885+ tax for the CTR and 1415+ tax for TAC. Think I'm going with the CTR, can't wrap my mind around the extra money for an adjustable stock. For the price difference I could buy another stock. But as I said before I don't have a problem with the factory stock on my 695 or the t3s I have had over the years. And being a tikka either should shoot great. I was also looking at the super varmint but can't seem to find one. Probably get the shop to order the CTR this week.

Oh man I had no idea the TAC was that high. Yeah there's no reason to pay $500+ for the same stock with adjustability. I assumed it was less than the CTR.

Congrats on getting the CTR. That's a good price and a great rifle.

If you have to have it, here's a cool adjustable cheek kit that is made to retrofit the T3 stock: http://www.kalixteknik.com/

Somebody is bringing them in the US now; just can't remember who.

That looks pretty good. I will have to check in to that further after I get the rifle. Thanks for the link.

I'd like to know who is bringing those adjustable cheek risers to us. Couldn't find anything google searching