I’m looking at getting a Tikka T3x Lite chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. This will primarily be a deer gun used by my teenage sons. There is a Roughtech version of this gun available from EuroOptic for $1000. The base model is available for $590. The Roughtech has everything that the base model has along with a Roughtech stock and a muzzle brake. The special stock has a “fully integrated aluminum bedding that ensures precise, rigid chassis, as well as a rough surface texture that ensures a solid grip in all weather conditions.” This stock and the muzzle brake are supposed to reduce recoil significantly.
I’m not a huge fan of muzzle brakes in a deer blind, but I see their value.

Seeing as this will primarily be used by my kids, is the extra $400 for the Roughtech justified or should I just buy the base model? The older 2 boys (13 and 16) shoot a .243 with no issues, but my 9-year old son will graduate from his youth model in a couple years, as well. So I’m thinking ahead a few years, too.

I would appreciate opinions from anyone who uses MBs regularly for whitetails and anyone who may have been on the fence with MBs.

On a 6.5 CM a muzzle brake should not be needed for a 13yo. or older boy unless you are going to suppress it. Then all you really need is a threaded barrel.

I have the same only in 308. It has a fluted barrel and bolt with an upgraded knob. Also a threaded cap if you do not want to wear the brake. Shoots great.
I bought it a couple of months ago, new for around 900 in Fairfield.

If you do the more expensive , the weight of a 20” ctr would help tame the recoil and the stock is not bad

I recently spent some time behind the Tikka Roughneck and I know you would be very happy with that choice.

yep and ear muffs are cheap

Or should I get the discontinued Sako A7 Roughtech Pro (Big Game) for $850?

I bought a base T3X, a Bell & Carlson Medalist stock, bottom metal from High Desert Rifle Works and a 5 round mag. After sanding the barrel channel for float all the way to the recoil lug, I have a great white tail set up that I also kill a lot of pigs with in 6.5 Creedmoor. Probably right at $950.00. I'd do it again if I needed to put a hunter in a great rifle. The muzzle brake isn't necessary, IMO. I also have a CTR in .308. I like both.

Bix n Andy coming out with a precision trigger for Sako 85 and Tikka

highrollers only......$250


pre order at Bullet Central

I went ahead and just ordered the Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech. I got Euro

I went ahead and just now ordered the Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech. EuroOptic knocked off $50, so it was $950 before tax and shipping.

Regarding capping the brake, is that something available off the shelf (I've never had a muzzle brake before)?

The Roughtech should come with a thread protector. You just screw the muzzle brake off and spin on the thread protector.
BTW, the Roughtech is also black cerakote, vs traditional blued steel, so that is another upgrade over the standard Tikka.

The Roughtech should come with a thread protector. You just screw the muzzle brake off and spin on the thread protector.
BTW, the Roughtech is also black cerakote, vs traditional blued steel, so that is another upgrade over the standard Tikka.[/quote]

This.

I can't find any literature that states that the Roughtech is cerakoted. If so, that will be a nice bonus.

Talking to a buddy, he just bought the Tikka T3X Alpine Veil. That is the model that comes cerakoted, not the Roughtech that I bought.

Your boys will shoot it for years, good choice I'd leave the break on and let them shoot it.
As a test let them shoot with break on them remove break and let them tell you if there is a difference.

What is the roughtech stock? The base model of the Tikka seems like a cheap plastic stock.

Good looking rifle

Tikkas already have outstanding triggers.