My sister-in-law is going to surprise her husband with a new hunting rifle for Christmas. Her son has been secretly probing for what type of rifle his Dad really wants, and it turns out to be a Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech in .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM). It looks like the Lite Roughtech in .300 WSM only comes in two variations...the Ember (with fluted SS barrel and compensator), or the tan & black (with fluted black barrel and compensator). I don't want to start a discussion about his choice of caliber, I was just hoping for some opinions on these rifles from some owners, and is the SS barrel worth the extra $. The price difference is not an issue. Thanks.

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I have a Tikka T3A Tac 1 in 6.5 Creedmoor and it is the most accurate 'out of the box' rifle that I have ever shot. Fit and finish is really nice. I would not hesitate to buy another type of Tikka. I would imagine the main difference between the two barrels would be the asthetics.

Tim

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SWCA #3463
SWHF #970

Tikka makes some great guns. My only problem would be with the caliber. My friend bought a 22 short mag and no longer can find any ammunition for it. His nephew reloads so it's not a total loss but be aware that not all factory cartridges stay that way.

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Front sight and squeeze

Don't use 22 Win. Short Mag as a guide for anything. It has so many flaws coming out of the gate! The second largest flaw is it's trying to compete with already popular 22 varmint cartridges, that have accuracy and price point in their favor. #1 is the cartridge is so over bore, you're sandblasting the barrel and fertilizing the grass with unburnt powder on every shot.

The 300 WSM has some very stiff competition, but overall is not a bad cartridge. For reloading; quality brass is a problem. If he doesn't reload, then it's not a problem.

Ivan

Guys? Can we avoid it just this once?

OP, I've never owned one but I hear nothing but good things about the Tikkas. I would bet that the differences in the barrels, if there is any, to be undetectable by a normal shooter. Especially on a hunting gun, rather than a benchrest gun. Hope this helps.

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The best I can with what I got

Well, after a lot of online searching and head scratching my SIL and nephew decided to get my BIL a different Tikka model for Christmas. It was still one of the top-of-the-line Tikkas...a Tikka T3X Lite with Veil Wideland/Black stock. This one has the burnt bronze cerakote finish on the barrel and receiver, and comes with a muzzle brake. And yes, the BIL still wants .300 WSM so that's the caliber (no discussion, please!). I think it's a pretty sharp looking rifle! Since my son manages a local gun store, he ordered it for them at "the family discount" price, and Tikka is offering a $75 rebate through the end of November. From everything that I've read, it should be an outstanding and very accurate hunting rifle for my BIL.

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I like that Rifle. Coincidentally I looked at one
in Scheels Sporting Goods the other day, but
I also like the Browning X-bolt 2 Micro
(unfortunately it does not come in 300Win Short
Mag).

I think you made a great choice in design and
the 300WSM. Very nice.

I reload for 300WSM and have found it to be
inherently accurate. In two unmodified, stock,
different Bolt Actions, they are most accurate
and a pleasure to shoot.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

I think that the .300WSM is a great caliber, just not very popular. Ammo is often hard to find and costs about $3/round. The BIL doesn't reload, but I can't see him needing more than a couple of boxes per year for practice and hunting.