At the 2017 SHOT Show, Sako/Tikka was showing off their products, especially their newest entry into the T3 family: The T3x TAC A1, a dedicated from-the-factory precision rifle offering built from off a T3x base rifle. The TAC A1 is, unlike the rest of the T3 family, bedded into an aluminum chassis, not a polymer or wood stock. The chassis adds stability to the rifle, but also sports a number of additional “tactical” features that help transform the T3x from a sportsman’s rifle to a tactical/precision weapon.

The T3x TAC A1’s chassis is configured for the AR-15 aftermarket: AR-15 stocks, pistol grips, handguards and optics all are drop-in compatible with the TAC A1. The receiver sports a 0 MOA rail to match the height of its AR-15-compatible handguard. The stock is adjustable for cheekpiece height, cant, and stock length via a spacer system. A small segment of 1913 rail is also provided on the bottom to mount monopods or sling attachments. Like the T3x CTR, the TAC A1 is threaded for 5/8×24 attachments. The trigger on the TAC A1 also differs from the rest of the family, adding a second stage to the very crisp and clean factory Tikka trigger.

The stock sports an extremely robust folding mechanism, as well:

In the action, Tikka made another change to the T3x: The TAC A1 sports a three position safety with a novel mechanism. Like other rifles in the family, the safety can be set to “off”, or “on”, and the latter position locks the bolt handle down. However, a lever near the safety can be depressed, which leaves the safety in the “on” position but allows the bolt handle to move. Pretty slick!

Many precision rifles and chassis are designed to use cheaper AICS magazines, but the TAC A1 like all Tikkas in their tactical line uses Beretta/Tikka magazines which currently retail for a wince-inducing $100 or more per. However, the company’s product manager told me that one of his highest priorities is bringing the cost of those magazines down to a more competitive level.

The TAC A1 is set to retail for $1899, which includes the rifle, chassis, stock, muzzle brake, and three magazines. It is available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .260 Remington. Although the T3x TAC A1 was released earlier this year to law enforcement customers, I am told it is now shipping to civilians and should be appearing on shelves now.