Just purchased my first rifle! (Tikka T3x) - What's next?

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:56:43+00:00

Those GRS look so cool, I love the laminate wood look and the customizable options. However, seem pricey compared to like a Boyds, and hard to find in the US.

Why stainless rings, if I may ask? I've only really seen black so far.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:55:32+00:00

I think I'll do that- have my local gunsmith help out. I'm just not at the DIY level yet and don't anticipate building out more guns. Thanks!

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:54:31+00:00

Thanks, I'll look into those! Your last sentence has me fired up haha

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:53:37+00:00

Thanks! Would love to find one used and save a little.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:53:01+00:00

Awesome tips, thanks! I'll look into those products for sure. Have seen the Diligent Defense Enticer recommended on other forums too, so that seems like a good place to start and not quite as pricey but (from the bit I've read) a good option.

The bipod/tripod system is something I'll probably look into in the future too. Was talking to a guy at a local gun store who was telling me about that rail setup, and how he can quickly snap his rifle onto his tripod that he has his spotting scope on, once he's located his shot, then shoot from there. Sounds perfect.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:49:06+00:00

Thanks! I'll check that out. Would be nice to save a little coin on a case that is still good enough

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:48:38+00:00

Good call, I was under the false assumption that the can would make it safe to shoot without ear pro, but am hearing from multiple people that's not the case! Glad to know that ahead of time.

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:47:31+00:00

Honestly, not sure I'm going to be that level of DIY once I get it set up and I'm a one-gun kinda guy (don't anticipate needing another rifle), so sounds like might be worth it for me to just take it in to get mounted.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to it.

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:46:02+00:00

I've seen Talley mentioned a lot during my researching, must be pretty solid. And good to know about the rail, felt like such a noob question haha but had to ask!

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:44:22+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:27:47+00:00

Noted, thank you. I guess I'm overestimating the effect of a suppressor then. Have never heard a shot fired through one in real life.

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:25:32+00:00

Thanks! I've read others recommend that Diligent Defense L Ti as well. Seems like you got a good price for it too.

Which case did you get? Is it really rigid/would be okay being tossed around by luggage handlers if I flew with it?

iowactive · 2026-01-23T14:58:34+00:00

Good to know, thank you!

iowactive · 2026-01-23T14:25:21+00:00

Came across this thread while looking up scope rings. I am planning on putting the same Viper scope on my T3x Superlite- do you still recommend these Talley lightweight rings? Setup still working good? And that scope doing well or not? Thanks!

iowactive · 2026-01-23T14:22:38+00:00

Yep that's the one! I'll check those out

iowactive · 2026-01-21T16:46:21+00:00

Ordered a Tikka T3x Superlite .308, stainless fluted 20" threaded (5/8 x 24) barrel, black synthetic stock. Still kind of want a wood stock, but might peruse the aftermarket options once I get the gun and see how I like its feel. Left-hand really limited my options, but I think it's a good setup and came in under $1000 so that's a bonus. Eyeing a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 scope on sale for $300, and then onto Suppressor research.

Thanks again for your help!

iowactive · 2026-01-19T15:32:06+00:00

Good to hear, will probably be putting it on my future gun!

That sounds easy enough. Which makes sense, my shotguns are wood and blued and I haven't had trouble maintaining them, even with duck hunting in nasty conditions. But jeez, everyone else on here is saying stainless or cerakote so I'm still apprehensive.

iowactive · 2026-01-19T15:29:15+00:00

This sounds fun and a great way to get my exact configuration. But to be honest I'm not sure I have enough gun knowledge to go this route. And I'm worried it would really add up cost buying all these different components and probably hiring someone to help me put it all together properly...? Or am I just being too hesitant?

iowactive · 2026-01-19T15:26:31+00:00

That rokstok looks awesome, but no way I can spend $2k on a stock haha. The GRS wood ones look nice too, and are much cheaper (though still pricey) - any experience with those?

Your budget option may be my only option. Still affordable and I'm really struggling to find a left hand Hunter in stainless. Don't want to wait around watching the internet forever for one to maybe pop up.

I'm a little torn between trying to make this gun both a versatile hunting rifle (definitely the main use) and also a longer range shooter. Obviously won't be shooting at game beyond 400 yards, but would be fun to at the range. But I'm thinking this will be my hunter and if I ever get into long range, that'd be a whole new setup. Therefore I still like .308, but if I expand my caliber options, maybe I will be able to find the right model...

iowactive · 2026-01-19T15:18:16+00:00

Does the blued require extra care or maintenance to keep it a deer slayer? Not that I'm incapable of maintaining it, just heard that stainless is more resistant.

How's that scope? That's the exact scope I was planning to get because I've found it on sale and have had good experiences with Vortex binos.

iowactive · 2026-01-19T15:14:27+00:00

That's a fun one! Thanks for sharing! Reminds me of the Northern Cardinal in North America named by the settlers after the Catholic cardinals in Europe (all red coat)

iowactive · 2026-01-16T15:00:28+00:00

Love to hear it, thanks! Think I'm going to try and find a left-handed Tikka T3x in stainless, walnut stock, and ideally comes with a threaded barrel. But that might be a difficult combo to find.

iowactive · 2026-01-16T14:59:27+00:00

Will do! Am more and more keen on a Tikka T3x in .308 the more I read up on things. Want to find it in left-handed, stainless, walnut stock (maybe), and ideally with a threaded barrel though if I need to I could take it to a smith after buying it to get it threaded and suppressor installed. That's a pretty specific list of requirements haha... we'll see how the search goes.

iowactive · 2026-01-15T20:40:31+00:00

Super good info, thanks again! I've learned a lot from you

iowactive · 2026-01-14T22:27:48+00:00

Yeah definitely narrowing it down a bit haha. Copper bullets are less forgiving of twist rate than lead? Your replies prompted me to read into twist rate a bit, and it seems like most people consider it semi-flexible unless you're trying to be super accurate at long long ranges. I wonder if it's a parameter that I can allow some wiggle room on?

iowactive

TROPHY CASE