Starting from these considerations for the Finnish house it was not easy to find innovative solutions to improve and further evolve aweapon already popular with shooters and hunters all over the world. Precisely for this reason the main mechanical parts have remained unchanged. The barrels are cold hammered in first choice stainless steel or Cr-Mo alloy, totally free to float, fixed to the action by means of a sturdy hand-lapped thread. The shutter remains the classic Tikka with two tenons, with safety that acts not only on the trigger group, but also as a firing pin block. The Scatto is equipped with a stecher for maximum performance on long-distance shots. The steel trigger features vertical grooves for a better grip even with gloves.
La T3x maintains the wide product range of the previous T3 in the following variants: Hunter, Lite, Sporter, Tactical, Varmint in a variety of calibers (20), with burnished, burnished “fluted“ or stainless barrels. The stocks can be in black polymer also in “adjustable”, “camo” polymer or in wood. The news focuses on a series of small details that added up make the difference compared to the previous version. Observing the action you will immediately notice that the upper part has been made flat to allow a better coupling with the Weaver and Picatinny bases, also the ejection window has been enlarged to facilitate the manual loading of the single shot, particularly useful in the range or hunting in case a quick recharge is required. Although the shutter has remained unchanged, it has a metal “pine cone”, an accessory that can also be replaced on the previous T3s. The "recoil lug" has also been replaced by a steel one, compatible with the old model.
The stock T3x TrueBody in walnut wood or in glass fiber reinforced technopolymer, it is light and sturdy at the same time. An optional butt plate fitted with spacers offers the possibility of adjusting the length. The knurling is specifically designed to ensure additional comfort and a secure grip. T-shirts are available as standard. In addition, the technopolymer stocks have an expanded foam filling which considerably reduces the noise in the event of accidental impacts. Also on this type of stock, a series of accessories have been developed to improve its performance: Pistol Grip replaceable with one of more generous dimensions and with vertical trim, indicated, together with the optional beavertail forend with generous width, for those who use the weapon at the shooting range or for hunting from rooftop with a good support, all easily removable with the help of a simple Torx key. The new recoil pad significantly reduces the recoil effect allowing the hunter to concentrate exclusively on the perfection of the shot.
A group of journalists was invited by Beretta, Sako and Tikka's exclusive distributor for Italy, for a field test of these carbine. For the occasion, the following rifles had been prepared by Fausto Massolo, product manager of Beretta: one T3x Hunter cal. 308 with fluted barrel and Steiner Ranger 3-12 × 56 optics, two T3x in cal 300 Win Mag with muzzle brake, one stainless and one blued both with Steiner Ranger 4-16 × 56 optics, one T3x cal. 308 Win with Steiner Ranger 4-16 × 56 optics, a T3x Varmint cal. 308 Win with Burris Fullfield E1 6.5-20 × 50 optics and a T3x Tactical with Burris Veracity 5-25 × 50 optics, also the latter in cal. 308 Win. The use of Sako ammunition guaranteed excellent shot patterns over distances of 100, 200 and 300 meters. Sako guarantees 3 shots in 1 MOA for the Tikka T3x and, as per tradition, Tikka has successfully passed the test providing groups always below this standard.
Basically T3x is a rifle with an unbeatable price-performance ratio. Coupled with the excellent Steiner Ranger 4-16 × 56 optics, it can be the ideal choice for the most demanding hunter who wants unquestionable quality at a decidedly competitive price (less than 3.000 Euros, Sako Optilock bindings included). T3x is a rifle designed and built by hunters for hunters able to give great satisfaction even to shooting range lovers. Prices start at € 1.396 for the T3x Lite version in standard calibers, some models are also available in a left-handed version.