Thread: Lite or Super Lite?

Buying a Tikka T3X in 7mm Rem Mag however after yesterday's rainy day visits to Hunting & Fishing and Gun City I'm unsure which version. Lite or Super Lite?

The standard Lite at $1499 is tempting but was suggested the Super Lite. It's $1599 at H&F and only difference is it's factory fluted so 200g lighter.
GC suggested their Elite at $1699 which is factory fluted and threaded plus large bolt handle & soft vertical pistol grip.
GC also had the SFT at $1599 which wasn't fluted but was threaded with Tikka muzzle brake, large bolt handle and the soft removable fore end and soft pistol grip.
So many choices! Main question is for 7mm Rem Mag is removing front weight via fluting a good idea? I'll add a suppressor so was told it'd help balance. Thinking Gunworks suppressor since they're nearby. Thoughts?
I liked the wider removable fore end so will add that if the version doesn't come with it.
Wasn't sure about the vertical pistol grip or not as standard and it both felt ok. Easy to add later.
And a dumb question I forgot to ask in store, will any of these come with rings or are they always extra?

Either way is a good option. I personally would take the factory fluting if it was on offer, especially if you are adding a suppressor (it will just help the rifle balance out nicely). The Elite at $1,699 is a good option as it will include the threading which you would have to pay to have done when getting a suppressor added anyway. In that case you're essentially getting the grip and bolt handle for free. If you didnt like the vertical grip on the elite, just ask them to swap it out to a soft touch standard grip as it is the same cost to the store.
Tikka rings are always standard and many people feel they are good enough. For me, on a magnum you will need better rings. The Talley rings are a one piece alloy that work brilliantly on the Tikkas and are as tough as nails (they are also reasonably priced)

The factory fluted Tikkas use Sako Finnlight barrels, an easy choice but they all shoot well.

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

The factory fluted Tikkas use Sako Finnlight barrels, an easy choice but they all shoot well.

Sako Finnlight is better?

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

The factory fluted Tikkas use Sako Finnlight barrels, an easy choice but they all shoot well.

I didnt know that .
Wouldnt all the barrels for Sako / Tikka be made in the same factory ?
Do you think the Finnlight barrels maybe better quality ?

Is the gun city version actually factory fluted? They were fluting them privately at one point

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

The factory fluted Tikkas use Sako Finnlight barrels, an easy choice but they all shoot well.

Are they not shaped to the same contour? Not sure if they are exact same quality as the Sako?

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Originally Posted by MSL

Is the gun city version actually factory fluted? They were fluting them privately at one point

Yes Factory fluted. If what I read is to be believed.

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Originally Posted by Ground Control

I didnt know that .
Wouldnt all the barrels for Sako / Tikka be made in the same factory ? YES
Do you think the Finnlight barrels maybe better quality ? NO

I was told by (supposedly) someone who's been to the Sako / Tikka factory and there is one quality, one barrel making section. Different engraving (stamping) of the name on the side of the barrel. Finnlights have shorter barrels than Tikka superlites in standard calibers too.

Good to see you adding the suppressor, as the super lights in a belted or short magnum will have a decent recoil with the hard factory recoil pad. They will come with the factory alloy rings, but it’s worth upgrading to the Sako Optilocks rings.

GC says for the T3X Elite "Factory threading - $100 in value with stainless thread cap. Factory fluted - same contour as the Sako Finnlight $200 in value". It does not specifically say it is the same.

Seems like a real toss up between
1) $1599 factory fluted super lite from Hunting & Fishing or $1569 Reloaders, add wider fore end then get Gunworks to thread and fit one of their suppressors
or
2) $1699 fluted and threaded from Gun City, add wider fore end then buy whatever suppressor to suit
Overall cost about the same once consider factory vs gunsmith threading.


I've only shot one in a range and it had a muzzle brake. It wasn't fluted so that would have helped but I found recoil and jump to be fine. How much different will recoil be with suppressor vs brake?

Factory threading keeps full warranty .Berreta nz can be difficult for warranty claims if its been threaded elsewhere.

A good brake is better for recoil and weight but the NOISE !!!
Suppresors are generally nicer all around .Noise is reduced and recoil is managed

I value my hearing, so prefer suppressors. The only brake I have is for a 6.5 Grendel and that’s really a mount for a suppressor.
A brake will be far more effective at recoil reduction, but with the obvious noise and blast downside.
It depends on your hunting style (bush or open tops) and own preference. Most of my hunting is close bush, so there is little time to put on ear protection before shooting.

I'd probably keep the standard contour and definitely suppress it.
Recoil is going to be considerable so the extra weight would tame that a bit.
I'd also look at other stores as GC isn't known for best pricing.
I would replace the factory rings, mine worked fine for years before going south on me, so I use Talley lightweights now and they are great.

Will be Canterbury high country as live in Christchurch (Prebbleton) and have bach at Lake Clearwater in Ashburton Lakes area.