Thread: Is it worth putting a rail on a tikka t3x

I have just got my firearms license and am planning on putting a Swarovski Z5 on it and I’m wondering if it’s worth putting a rail on or just going for the dovetails rings for things like scope hieght and how rugged each option is.


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Im not really familiar with Swarovski Z5, but in general, I would suggest direct ring mounts for smaller / hunting style scopes, or a rail + rings for a larger more LR type scope with a thick tube. I would not put a rail if using a scope with an inch sized main tube.

It’s a 1” tube
Z5 3.5-18x44


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If you could I would just use optilocs.

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It’s more about is one more rugged than the other


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Originally Posted by SamRoche

It’s more about is one more rugged than the other

Sam.
Using quality components, there is no difference in durability.
It’s more of a European vs America thing.
Rails have just gained in popularity.

Originally Posted by Moutere

Sam.
Using quality components, there is no difference in durability.
It’s more of a European vs America thing.
Rails have just gained in popularity.

Fixed rings give you compact and lightweight

Rail gives more flexibility if you have quality attachments and optics you can swap scopes without having to re zero
I have a mate that does just that he has two scopes which are zeroed on his rifle and he just chops and charges depending on location
Sometimes he even carries the other scope in his pack to change mid hunt say if he goes from bush to tops

They also give alot more flexibility on mounting location to suit your eyes and body shooting position etc

I think in my personal opinion rails are slightly more durable I never really liked the idea of dovetails on Centerfires even with the locking lugs like on factory tikka/sako set ups

If i was going to go for fixed rings id go for a screw on type like tellys for example

Originally Posted by rambo-6mmrem

Fixed rings give you compact and lightweight

Rail gives more flexibility if you have quality attachments and optics you can swap scopes without having to re zero
I have a mate that does just that he has two scopes which are zeroed on his rifle and he just chops and charges depending on location
Sometimes he even carries the other scope in his pack to change mid hunt say if he goes from bush to tops

They also give alot more flexibility on mounting location to suit your eyes and body shooting position etc

I think in my personal opinion rails are slightly more durable I never really liked the idea of dovetails on Centerfires even with the locking lugs like on factory tikka/sako set ups

If i was going to go for fixed rings id go for a screw on type like tellys for example

You’ll see my post is in direct response to the OPs question about which is more ‘rugged’, not modular.
The fact the original AWs and TRGs have dovetails makes durability a non issue. Albeit usually with a one piece, rather than two piece mount.

A rail sits your scope too high.
Just use Talley or optilock

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

A rail sits your scope too high.
Just use Talley or optilock

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Ok cool thanks


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You want your scope nice and low. I’ve got a z5 and have extra low talleys on my t3. You need to have the talleys lapped though before you mount your expensive scope.

Originally Posted by kimber08

You want your scope nice and low. I’ve got a z5 and have extra low talleys on my t3. You need to have the talleys lapped though before you mount your expensive scope.

What does lapped mean?


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Optilocks if you're rich. Talley Lightweight rings if you want good value and quality. I'd stay away from the rail personally.

Talley or optilock rings. Don’t bother with a rail.

Get a set of Sportsmatch rings for the Tikka. About the strongest set of rings you can find, and are well priced. Think $80 vs $300+ for the optiloks. I have a set of the Sportsmatch on each of my T3s. One of them is with the exact Z5 you’re looking to use….

I personally don’t see the point in screwing Talley rings to the receiver when there’s a perfectly straight and strong dovetail milled into the action.