[calaper]

Just wondering if the tikka t3 varmint has a heavier barrel than the standard t3 lite or hunter barrels? I want a barrel less susceptible to heating up after quick follow up shots....

???

[wily1]

There is a Tikka T3 Super Varmint and a T3 Varmint HB. Both have stainless barrels and from the pics look like a heavy barrel. Probably what the HB stands for.

[samuel]

The HB stands for Hunter Bolt. It's the T3 Hunter Bolt Action Rifle. ,,,sam.

[calaper]

So it has a heavy barrel? I know it looks like it but is it? So far i think the tikka will be my firearm of choice

[Dexx]

Yes, the Tikka Varmint is with a heavy barrel.

[calaper]

Can't decide if i want the tikka or something else.....im hearing bad quality control issues at the moment - but apparently same can be said about remington.

[147 Inches]

Quote:       Originally Posted by calaper

Can't decide if i want the tikka or something else.....im hearing bad quality control issues at the moment - but apparently same can be said about remington.

I am also looking for a bolt gun, one that will be my last....
Remington seems to be more $$ than what I want to spend and they don't seem to offer any real advantages. Where I live used Remingtons (+90% condition) bring $600+ for a BDL and $750 for anything better.

I have handled about 12 Tikka T3's in various calibers, only ONE Looked good to go.
My Brother thinks I am too dam picky, but the cosmetic problem that I am seeing most of is the engraving on the barrel.
IMPORTED BY BERETTA Looks like IlVPORlED BY BEREllA
This is exaggerated only because I can't make half M's, B, E, and T's.
The TIKKA MADE IN FINLAND on the other side of the barrel has the same problem.
The engraving does not look complete with parts of letters missing.
If they can't get this right, then what else is wrong?
The other thing I noticed on some T3's is a line running up the synthetic stock. Like where it would be joined when making the stock.

The small stuff when spending over $600.00 drives me nuts!

As of today, Savage Arms has my attension.

[Dexx]

I have several Tikkas, including the Continental, Varmint, Deluxe, and T3. They are all engraved as you describe, not sure if that is the best the Finns can do or what. But let me tell you how they shoot, rack and group. I would put a Tikka up against any rifle out there. I use to be a die hard Browning fan several years ago, and still have a few. After shooting the Tikka rifles they are the best. I have never had one problem with a Tikka, and neither has anyone I know of, and I know of alot of guys shooting them. I have sent Remingtons, Savage, Marlins, TCs, Rugers and others back to the factories with flaws in the bolt, trigger, barrels, etc. and these were NIB. I truly believe Tikka is the best rifle out there, and especially for the money in comparison to Browning, Remington and other high priced rifles.

[calaper]

I went to the store today and looked at the varmint i so badly wanted...it just felt horrible to touch. I was completely happy with my t3 hunter wooden stock but the synthetic varmint just didn't do it for me - nor did the remingtons for that matter. I think i am going to change my mind entirely and continue to look around.

I must say my hunter doesn't say imported by beretta (maybe that's because im in Oz - who knows) and the engraving on the barrel is exceptionally neat as with my fathers tikka. I would certainly buy another hunter but perhaps not the varmint.