At the 2016 NRA Annual Meeting, Tikka and parent company Beretta were showing off the new T3x rifle, an improved version of their T3 hunting and sporting bolt action rifles. The T3x is a system developed as a direct result of feedback from Tikka’s customers, and the representatives from the company present at the show were very proud of that fact.

The changes to the T3 address, primarily, complaints about the stock, as well as the (hunting) rifle’s surprising foray into the long range precision shooting market. The first of a whole host of changes, the T3x stock is filled with foam, unlike its predecessor’s hollow stock, intended to eliminate the “thonk” noise that Tikka stocks have become known for. Further, the aluminum recoil lug has been replaced with a steel lug, and the buttpad replaced with a very squishy recoil pad that I would compare to the very nice Remington R3 pad. Among the ergonomic changes to the rifle, the T3x features modular grip sections for both nondominant and dominate hands. The pistol grip swaps for modules with different angles, and the forestock can be modified with a triangular extension that provides a more steady rest for precision shooting from sandbags.

Further morphing the T3 into a dual-purpose hunting/precision rig, Tikka adjusted the scope mount to handle the additional mass of very heavy, high magnification scopes and to improve aesthetics, and also enlarged the ejection port to help facilitate single-loading even when wearing gloves and when access is impeded by large scope mounts and/or throw levers. Finally, gone is the polymer bolt shroud, replaced by a much-demanded steel bolt shroud.

Oh, and, in addition to the calibers offered for the T3, the T3x will also come in 6.5 Creedmoor. Further, for those wondering, the T3 and T3x stocks and receivers are completely interchangeable.

Speaking with Tikka representatives, they are not done yet modifying and improving the T3 series of rifles, but can’t say any more than that yet. Keep your eyes peeled, and be sure to check TFB for more updates!