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T3x Lite vs T3x CTR
Good afternoon. I currently shoot a T3 Lite (SS) in 300 Win Mag and love it. However, I am looking to purchase a 6.5 Creedmoor and am trying to decide between the T3x Lite and the T3x CTR.
Am I correct in assuming that the action is the same on both these rifles? Can't seem to find any definitive information elsewhere.
Rifle will be used in the field and at the range. Not able to get to the range a ton but hoping to change that soon. I think I'm leaning towards the Lite at this time (assuming the actions are the same) with the thought being I can swap out to an aftermarket stock in the future if I do end up getting into more long range shooting. Also, the lower cost the Lite is another plus.
With all that said, the CTR is an intriguing option as it comes with the threaded barrel, larger magazine, pic rail and seems to be a good entry level range rifle as is. It weighs a little more than the Lite, has a shorter barrel and I've read on other forums that the cheek piece just isn't tall enough to really differentiate it from the Lite.
Also, with both rifles, what has been everyone else's experiences with SS vs. Blued barrel in terms of durability, wear, ability to withstand the abuses of mountain hunting?
Would love to hear peoples thoughts on which option they would choose and why.
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5 Replies
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Hi don’t know if the actions are the same , but the stock made for one will not fit the other , it for me build down to two questions you have to ask yourself 1 will the extra weight of the ctr over the lite matter to you when your out hunting , 2 when your at the range will waiting for the barrel to cool down between shots when your shooting the lite get on your nerves , where the ctr the puts longer string together before letting it cool
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I can give you some advice on the CTR,…I have one in 308 (wish i waited for the 260!!!)
– The barrel is great and it really does shoot well, no complaints but the finish is different from a regular blued barrel.
– The factory mag is great but fit may have to be adjusted to get it to stop rattling…easy fix.– The 10 rd capacity is awesome and it functions very well, but oil it…it likes to rust!
– The pic rail is not the greatest…it's 0 moa and I've replaced mine with a 20 moa…again an easy fix.
– The cheek riser is useless and you will need some sort of additional material here. I removed mine and went with a thicker neoprene butt stick riser / ammo pouch combo from Browning.
– The Tikka factory stock is always a debate but this is one T3 rifle that I wish had a better stock offering from the factory…that being said my gun shoots very well but i just think its missing a great stock to transform it form a good gun to a great gun. My gun shoots 1/4 moa with handholds and 1/2 moa with most factory loads, I can't complain with the way it shoots but will be upgrading the stock at some point in the future.
The CTR is a better option then the regular T3x Lite due to the barrel, bottom metal, mag and mag capacity. You will notice a huge improvement in accuracy over multiple shots with the CTR barrel versus the Lite barrel. If you compare 2 rifles same caliber, same shooter side by side with 10 shots the target will tell the story…The lite after 3-5 rds will open right up…The CTR will string 10 shots together most often with a group half the size of the lite rifle.
Most of us that have previously bought the regular T3 or T3x rifles have upgraded the bottom metal and mag after some use… so if you can afford to buy the CTR I would do it, especially if you are looking at a 6.5 or 260…
If you choose to go forward with the regular T3x I would immediately order a bottom metal and 20moa rail for the gun. I've supported the guys at Mountain Tactical for these items for my rifles, the product is excellent.
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Thank you both for your input. Very much appreciated. You've given me some things to think about. Would love to hear some input from others if anyone has the time.
Also, does anyone know if there is a smaller capacity magazine available for the CTR? Maybe it's just me but something about using a 10 round clip for hunting big game doesn't seem right on several levels. Even though it's a bolt action.
Thanks again for your comments!
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So…, in the end I purchased the CTR with a 24″ blued barrel. Picked it up yesterday and can't wait to get it out to the range. Thanks again for your input.
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You won't be disappointed…its really is a great rifle.
I'll leave this with you for entertainment…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCZbUuHJb6UThe funny thing…the rifle Frank tested shot just as good stock as it did with the full chassis & upgrades.
I've tried to find the old links and the complete written review but it seems to have vanished.I think the stock Tikka T3x CTR was a complete surprise with accuracy when SnipersHide did the review and once they saw it shoot the same with upgrades the review sort of died…how do you justify expensive upgrades it it didn't not make the rifle shoot better…
Congrats on the purchase!
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