The Tikka T3 Compact Tactical Rifle is a multipurpose firearm that can adapt to any given circumstance. It comes stocked with a lightweight but durable aluminium trigger guard and a magazine release lever that makes reloading quick and easy. The rifle’s compact size, Teflon bolt, 20-inch contoured barrel, and Picatinny rail make it a reliable and preferred tool for training and hunting.

Basic Specifications:

• Length – 40.15 inches
• Barrel Length – 20.8 inches
• Weight – 7.5 pounds
• Rate of Twist – 8 to 11 inches
• Magazine Capacity – 10 rounds

Rugged, slick, and highly accurate, the Tikka T3 Compact Tactical Rifle (CTR) is one of the newest rifles made by Sako, a Finnish company now owned by Beretta. The rifle is lightweight and packed with features that deliver top-notch performance even in extreme conditions. It is available in 2 calibres: the .308 with and 11-inch rate of twist and the .260 with an 8-inch rate of twist.

The rifle, which sports a 10-round steel magazine, is very light coming in at only 7.5 pounds. This is perhaps one of the reasons many users like this rifle, it is easy to carry around even on rough terrain. The magazine system is very nice because it has a release level that can eject the magazine easily. The lever is recessed enough as well that it is safe from accidental engagement. Inserting a new magazine is also very good for this rifle as it is caught firmly by the mechanism preventing any rattling.

The Tikka T3 CTR has a semi-heavy, 20-inch contour barrel made of stainless steel. It has a muzzle thread so users can fit a silencer. The barrel is paired with a 2-lug bolt action with a spring-loaded ejector and detachable bolt handle. A 70-degree angled opening leaves plenty of room to handle the bolt, making it one of the smoothest actions in the rifle market today.

The single-stage, steel trigger has a comfortable feel and vertical grooves so that even when a user is wearing gloves grip will not be an issue. The trigger is easily adjustable from 2 to 4 pounds. The CTR comes with an optional single-set trigger.

The newest rifle in the Tikka T3 line is fitted with a fixed cheek piece and synthetic stock made of fiberglass-reinforced copolymer polypropylene, which makes it impervious to any weather condition. The rubber recoil pad system effectively absorbs the shock from recoil. Grip patterns can also be found on the stock as a standard, adding comfort and a firm grip. Another standard for the rifle are the sling swivels.

All Tikka rifles including the Compact Tactical Rifle has a 2-stage safety which blocks both the bolt handle and the trigger. The safety system is simple to manoeuvre and the indicator is easy to spot so the user knows when the rifle is ready to fire.

However, that is not to say that the CTR is without its faults and pitfalls. For one, the rifle is on the expensive side especially for a gun with a synthetic stock. Some eventually has the stock replaced with a custom one. This also means the gun is out for new users when even the seasoned shooters find the price too steep.

Another problem users have with this particular Tikka rifle is the lug that comes with it. The aluminium lug simply cannot take the recoil from larger calibres. However, since it costs too much to have modifications done to the lug, most users will just ignore this issue. That, or most shooters don’t even notice. On one forum, a user found the trigger of the Tikka T3 CTR is on the heavy side. But then again, this is a personal preference, and with the adjustable trigger of the rifle, easy to remedy.

Despite these cons, the Tikka T3 Compact Tactical Rifle’s adaptability to any condition, its light weight, accuracy, and customisable features still make it a favoured firearm in the market today.