Tikka T3
Finnish bolt-action rifle series introduced in 2003.
The Tikka T3 is a family of bolt-action rifles that Sako, under its Tikka brand, has produced in Riihimäki, Finland, since 2003. The design, led by Kari Kuparinen, offers many choices in sights, calibers, stocks, and barrel lengths. Several variants exist: the T3 Tactical PN/GN, used by French law enforcement in 7.62×51mm; the T3 TAC, used by the Indian Navy MARCOS in the same caliber; and the T3x, a 2016 overhaul featuring a larger ejection port, a steel recoil lug instead of the earlier aluminum one, and a metal bolt shroud replacing plastic. These T3x improvements are backward compatible with older T3 models. A licensed version, the Colt Canada C19, is based on the T3 CTR. The Tikka T3x Arctic is the civilian counterpart of the C-19. Users include the Canadian Rangers (C-19), French National Police and Gendarmerie (T3 Tactical), Territorial Defense Forces and Essex Police (T3 TAC), and the Stillwater Oklahoma Special Operations Team (T3x TAC A1). The Tikka M55 and M65 are the original Tikkakoski factory rifles that influenced this series, while the Sako TRG is a separate long-range sniper rifle line.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Finland
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- 2006–present
- Designer
- Sako
- Design Date
- 2003
- Production Date
- 2003–present
- Variants
- T3 / T3x / T3 Tactical PN/GN / C19
- Weight
- 2.7 kg to 5.1 kg empty
- Length
- 910 mm / 675 mm (stock folded) to 1140 mm
- Part Length
- 406 mm / 510 mm / 570 mm / 600 mm / 620 mm
- Action
- Bolt action, two locking lugs
- Feed
- 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-round single stack or 10-round double stack detachable box magazine
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Tikka T3 series was introduced in 2003, manufactured by Sako under their Tikka brand in Riihimäki, Finland. The design was led by Kari Kuparinen and offers a wide variety of sight, calibre and stock configurations, along with several barrel lengths. In 2016, the series received an overhaul, resulting in the improved Tikka T3x model, which features an enlarged ejection port, a steel recoil lug replacing the T3's aluminium lug, and a metal bolt shroud replacing the T3's plastic. All improved parts of the T3x are backward compatible with older T3 models.
Several variants exist for military and law enforcement use. The T3 Tactical PN/GN is used by law enforcement in France, chambered in 7.62×51mm. The T3 TAC is used by the Indian Navy MARCOS, also in 7.62×51mm. A licensed variant of the T3 CTR, the Colt Canada C19, is manufactured by Colt Canada and used by the Canadian Rangers. The civilian version of the C-19 is the Tikka T3x Arctic.
Reader's Guide
The Tikka T3 series represents a significant line of bolt-action rifles from the Finnish manufacturer Sako, produced under the Tikka brand since 2003. Its development by Kari Kuparinen's team resulted in a versatile platform adaptable to many roles, from hunting to law enforcement and military use. The 2016 overhaul to the T3x improved key components such as the ejection port, recoil lug, and bolt shroud, while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier models, ensuring longevity and parts interchangeability. The series has been adopted by notable users including the French National Police and Gendarmerie (T3 Tactical PN/GN), the Indian Navy MARCOS (T3 TAC), and the Canadian Rangers (Colt Canada C19). The T3x TAC A1 is used by the Stillwater Oklahoma Special Operations Team. The series also has a civilian version, the Tikka T3x Arctic, derived from the C-19. Its legacy is tied to the earlier Tikka M55 and M65 rifles on which its development is based, and it stands alongside the Sako TRG long range sniper rifle series.
Did You Know?
- The Tikka T3 series was developed by a team led by Kari Kuparinen.
- The Tikka T3x overhaul in 2016 replaced the aluminium recoil lug with a steel one.
More in Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 2 1-24
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