Tikka Unveils New T3x Rifles at NRA Annual Meeting

The full lineup of Tikka’s new T3x rifles, launched at NRA Meeting 2016. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

The NRA’s 2016 Annual Meeting and Convention in Louisville has been the stage for many new product announcements, but Beretta stole the show on Friday, May 18^th by introducing their Tikka T3x line of rifles.

Often referred to in the shooting industry as “the best-kept secret,” Tikka clearly wishes to be a secret no longer.  Tikka rifles are manufactured in Finland by Sako, and the T3x represents the company’s biggest product overhaul in a decade.

A Tikka T3x Hunter in fluted stainless and a T3x Laminate Stainless model are just a few of many options available in the new launch. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

The T3x rifle family improves upon the existing T3 line in many ways, and carries the tagline “a new era of accuracy.” Customization is a main focus, with options in multiple calibers, barrel lengths and types.  A modular grip features a new asymmetrical pattern and ergonomic shape, and the existing synthetic grip can be swapped for a vertical pistol style. Similarly, the forend can be swapped for a wider profile front end.   There are synthetic, wood, and laminate stocks, threaded and fluted barrels, blued and stainless, left and right-handers.

Tikka’s new T3x rifles will be available in at least 15 different chamberings across seven flagship models. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

Other new features include a foam-filled synthetic stock to aid in noise reduction and vibration, an improved metallic bolt shroud, and a larger ejection port which aids in hand-feeding even while wearing gloves.  In addition to the improvements, Tikka has also joined the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering party, offering several T3x models in the popular long-range caliber.

Tikka rifles undergo strict quality testing, with every rifle grouping three shots under one inch at 100 meters.  Hunters and target shooters are the primary market, though there is a rifle in the T3x line for anybody.  There are Hunter, Forest, Varmint, Laminated Stainless, Lite, Compact, and Compact Tactical.  Calibers listed for current production include:  .204 Ruger, .22-250, .223, .243, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, .308, 6.5x55SE, 6.5 Creedmoor, 25-06, .270, 30-06, 7mm Mag, .270 Win Short Mag, 300 Win Mag, 300 Win Short Mag

The T3x Compact Tactical rifle represents the company’s first foray into the growing 6.5 Creedmoor chamberings. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

Retail prices were not readily available at the time of publication, though Rafe Bennett, VP of Product Marketing for Beretta USA, says the T3x platform “gives our customers an excellent gun at a very attractive price and in a model for nearly every shooting sport.”  Keep an eye on Guns.com in the near future as we put a T3x rifle to the test.