The crisis of 1998 in Russia has affected many things. An exception was not the rifled weapon, which was then divided into two large groups: cheap, produced in Russia, and expensive, produced abroad. The average price category for which there was the greatest demand was occupied by Czech carbines CZ and Zbrojovka. After the crisis of the 90s, the situation in the country began to change, and the category of available weapons began to expand actively: new companies began to offer fresh models. One of the most interesting options were rifles from the Finnish company Tikka T3, which did not exceed 1000 euros in price.
The Tikka carabiner of the first versions was called M595, and the T3 became the next version, which received significant improvements and new design. In general, the engineers of the Finnish company were tasked with creating an affordable tool that would fit in at a price that would be acceptable to the average consumer, had an attractive design and did not require additional refinement after the acquisition. In addition to the purchase of an additional optical sight, the consumer should not have invested additional funds in the weapon.
Tikka T3 design
"Tikka" is a reliable and working weapon that looks simple and beautiful. Despite the overall simplicity, there is also an unusual element - the faceted shape of the receiver. The box itself is made of quality steel, but the Finnish company could save 30-50 euros on the material.
With great responsibility, the developers approached the creation of the shutter rifle. Tikka has a completely standard two-stop valve. Despite its simplicity, it is made at a high level, it has a spring-loaded extractor.
When unlocking the bore, the angle of rotation of the handle is only 70 degrees, which is an excellent indicator for a double-stop gate. CZ-550, which is popular on the Russian market, has a 90 degree rotation angle, which makes reloading very uncomfortable and impossible to make it without detaching the butt from the shoulder. In T3, reloading is fast and smooth, no special effort is needed.
Tikka rifles on the Russian market are offered in two versions: wooden and plastic. In our country they prefer the wooden version. In my opinion, it is better to choose the plastic option, because it is lighter, not afraid of exposure to water, does not shrink, does not swell and does not prick, perfectly resists mechanical impact and scratches, shows identical firing efficiency in all weather conditions. The tree does not have all of the above advantages, but nevertheless, it is in great demand among connoisseurs of real classics.
Assembly gun also performed at a high level. Everything is done neatly and accurately, which provides the weapon with excellent reliability, durability and a high working resource reserve. The receiver is made using modern high-precision technology, all parts fit perfectly, and the surface itself is treated with material that has protection against abrasion and moisture.
The standard sighting mechanism consists of a pillar and front sight. Here they play a supporting role and are easily removed if desired. This weapon is used with a telescopic sight. For its installation on the body of the rifle there are special grooves like "dovetail".
The rifle’s single-row magazine is fixed by a button in such a way that it can be accidentally pressed. The fuse is made according to the well-known flag type, located to the right of the receiver. When the fuse is activated, the valve is locked.
Main modifications Tikka T3
The rifle Tikka T3 is made in several versions at once. Each has distinctive features due to which the consumer can choose such a weapon, which corresponds to his preferences:
- Tikka T3 Lite - a weapon with a black plastic body, and its barrel is made of high strength blued steel. The main innovation of the Finnish company in Tikka T3 Lite is the butt. It is made of modern durable fiberglass, which makes it reliable and lightweight. The handle has a special notch that makes using Tikka T3 Lite convenient in all weather conditions;
- Tikka T3 Varmint - the best option for sports shooting or hunting. The excellent balance of the barrel reduces to zero vibration during firing, and also does not allow the rifle's working parts to overheat even with fast firing. The body of the Tikka T3 Varmint is designed so that the gun is very comfortable to use;
- Tikka T3 Battue is a short-barreled shotgun designed for quick preparation before firing. High mobility is achieved due to the unique sighting mechanisms made of fiber. Also Tikka T3 Battue is equipped with a special Optilock mount for an optical sight. Tikka T3 Battue barrel is 70-150 millimeters shorter than other rifles of this series;
- Tikka T3 Hunter is an excellent carbine for those who prefer a combination of classic design and modern technology. The body of the weapon is fully trimmed with wood. Technical characteristics and a high working resource reserve allow using Tikka T3 Hunter for sporting and entertaining shooting;
- Tikka T3 Tactical is the most popular type of this family. This is due, in the first place, to the approach to creating the barrel of the Tikka T3 Tactical weapon. They make it according to the cold forging technology, and chromium and molybdenum are added to the steel, which make the Tactical barrel stronger and more durable. The carabiner is protected from mechanical and atmospheric influences by a solution of manganese phosphate, with which the Tactical case is carefully processed. Tikka T3 Tactical muzzle threads are protected by a special Sako muzzle brake;
- Tikka Stainless are premium versions of Tikka rifles, which combine classic European design and modern technology from a Finnish company. Stainless-type guns can “feed on” cartridges of various calibers, which is why they are often used to hunt a variety of animals and for sports shooting at targets of different categories. Stainless rifles have improved construction and durability, which allows the carbine to be used even in the most extreme conditions. Of course, the stainless-type weapon is more expensive than the classic one.
Conclusion
The Tikka weapon complex is a reliable, durable and convenient weapon, which uses the latest achievements of the weapons industry. Each carbine is made so well that the shooter will not feel discomfort during firing and will enjoy every minute of its use.
If you compare with the Czech gun CZ-550 from the same price category, then when you shoot from it you feel a certain discomfort. In the case of the Finnish rifle Tikka there is no such thing, since it is more qualitatively assembled than its Czech competitor.
A huge advantage is also the wide range of the family (from Tikka T3 Lite to Tikka T3 Tactical) - different forms, a large selection of cartridges, a variety of options from wood and plastic. In general, the buyer has to think about what kind of Finnish company rifle to choose. The price of Tikka weapons is fully justified and not overpriced.
