My definitive review of Sako’s iconic Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech.
I acquired my first T3x Lite Roughtech rifle in 2022. From all available T3x models, and among all variants of the T3x Lite, after extensive research I selected my “Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech – Black” in 6.5 Creedmoor calibre (Product Code TF1T6341A5709D0M).
Crucially, this elongated beast is an extremely accurate rifle; ballistically, it performs more like a sniper-rifle, yet in the format of a basic hunting-rifle. For comparison, I’ve found both of my two Roughtechs capable of being more accurate and precise at extended hunting ranges than my heavyweight T3x Tact A1 (“tic-tac”), in grouping measurements taken for zeroing and calibration of my scopes. (I will finally do a full review of the Tact A1, when I get a chance, so watch this space…) My usecase for this rifle is hunting, for which I sometimes need something lighter than my go-to semi-auto AR-10 (the MSR-10 Hunter) and the greater long-range accuracy of a bolt-action.
What were the key deciding factors in my selection of this rifle, above all others? T3x is arguably the world’s de facto standard rifle platform, for good reasons. For me, the Roughtech truly is the optimal hunting rifle, offering a perfect balance of accuracy and precision vs weight vs price. The long barrel length maximises velocity and precision while improving ballistics at longer ranges. (Roughtech’s barrel is longer than that of other T3x models including the Tact A1.) The ultralight weight is optimal for long treks and mountainous terrain. The 1:8″ twist of the rifling imparts optimum spin and stability. The 5/8-24 muzzle thread lets me use a moderator instead of ear defenders, in countries where this is allowed. The fluted barrel can hypothetically reduce weight and improve heat-loss, and with the distinctive fluted stainless-steel bolt it’s a handsome tool.
Photo gallery: T3x Lite Roughtech adventures
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Deer-stalking (raw) | Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle, Wildcat Evolution moderator, Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3, hunting, deer-stalking (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – snow – wife – Dec 2022 (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest ravine – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson ![Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope - deer-stalking (raw) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3]](https://i0.wp.com/timacheson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/20221125_083413.jpg?resize=712%2C401&ssl=1)
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (raw) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3] 
Hunting – mountain forest ravine – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Niko Diamond Long Range scope – Oct 2024 
Deer-stalking (raw) | Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle, Wildcat Evolution moderator, Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3, hunting, deer-stalking (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Deer-stalking – wife (raw) | Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle, Wildcat Evolution moderator, Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3, hunting, deer-stalking (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – snow – wife – Dec 2022 (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – trail cam – forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting recon – trail cam – red deer – forest – March 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – wild boar – forest – May 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – mountain goat, Ibex, Mouflon, Barbary sheep – forest – May 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – mountain goat, Ibex, Mouflon, Barbary sheep – forest – May 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – mountain goat, Ibex, Mouflon, Barbary sheep – forest – Feb 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – red deer – forest – July 2025 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Hunting recon – trail cam – boar – mountain – May 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – mountain goat, Ibex, Mouflon, Barbary sheep – mountain – May 2025 
Hunting recon – trail cam – Ibex, Mouflon, Barbary sheep – mountain – May 2025 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 
Hunting recon – trail cam – boar – mountain – May 2025 
Hunting – trail cam – boars – Dec 2024 
Hunting – trail cam – boars – Jan 2025 
Hunting – trail cam – boars – Jan 2025 
Hunting – trail cam – boars – Dec 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Nikko Diamond Long Range scope – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Feb 2025 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 (Scope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tim Acheson – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Deer-stalking – (homepage header) | Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle, Wildcat Evolution moderator, Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3, hunting, deer-stalking (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 (Scope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tim Acheson – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 (Scope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 
Tim Acheson – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 (Scope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Nikko Diamond Long Range scope – Oct 2024 (Foldable hunting chair – Benisport) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Niko Diamond Long Range scope – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip tripod – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Niko Diamond Long Range scope – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tim Acheson – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – hunting – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) – binoculars 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tim Acheson – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Primos Trigger Stick Gen3 – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Niko Diamond Long Range scope – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – snow – wife – Dec 2022 (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Hunting – mountains – Oct 2024 
Deer-stalking – wife (homepage header) | Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle, Wildcat Evolution moderator, Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3, hunting, deer-stalking (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Ani (wife) – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 ![Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope - deer-stalking (raw) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3]](https://i0.wp.com/timacheson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/20221125_083408.jpg?resize=712%2C401&ssl=1)
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (raw) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3] 
Hunting – desert- Oct 2024 – sandstone 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (raw) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 -pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (homepage header) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Ani (wife) – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Hunting – mountain forest – binoculars – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Ani (wife) – mountains – hunting – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson (Camo fleece jacket – Cabelas) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Nikko Diamond Long Range scope – Oct 2024 (Foldable hunting chair – Benisport) ![Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope - deer-stalking (raw) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3]](https://i0.wp.com/timacheson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/20221125_083648.jpg?resize=712%2C401&ssl=1)
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (raw) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3] 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – pine woodland – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain ravine – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Bog Deathgrip – Oct 2024 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – rocks – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Nikko Stirling Diamond Long Range scope – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – snow – wife – Dec 2022 (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – binoculars – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – binoculars – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Nikko Stirling Diamond Long Range scope – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) – camo 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – Tim Acheson – mountains – Oct 2024 (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountains – Oct 2024 
Hunting – mountain forest – hunting – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) – binoculars 
Hunting – mountains – Oct 2024 
Hunting recon – mountains – May 2024 
Hunting recon – mountains – snow-cap – Mar 2025 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain ravine- Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest ravine – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – hunting – Nov 2024 – Ani (wife) – binoculars 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson (Riflescope – Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – snow – wife – Dec 2022 (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Hunting – mountain forest – rocks – Jan 2025 – Ani (wife) 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – snow – wife – Dec 2022 (Scope – Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle) 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson ![Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope - deer-stalking (homepage header) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3]](https://i0.wp.com/timacheson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cropped-20221125_083641.jpg?resize=712%2C330&ssl=1)
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (homepage header) [Rifle: Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech] [Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3] 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson – snow 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson (Jacket – Cabelas) 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – Feb 2025 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson – snow 
Hunting – mountain forest – snow-cap – Jan 2025 – Tim Acheson 
Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech rifle – mountain forest – Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – Nov 2024 – Tim Acheson (Camo fleece jacket – Cabelas) 
Axion 2 LRF XG35 thermal spotter scope – deer-stalking (homepage header)
Factory specifications of this rifle:
- Barrel length: 24.3″ (62 cm)
- Weight: 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)
- Barrel rifling – rate of twist: 1:8″
- Muzzle thread: 5/8-24
- Fluted barrel – Cold-Hammer-Forged (blued carbon steel) [note that stainless steel variants are available for maximum weather resistance, at the expense of camo factor]
- Fluted bolt (notoriously smooth action) with large handle
- Floating barrel
- Trigger: single-stage, adjustable pull-weight (2-4lbs) – with a nice safe heavy trigger by default out of the factory (which I retained because I’m not out shooting targets on a mat)
- Stock: synthetic (durable)
- Tikka muzzle brake – a hefty device for reduced recoil, removable (5/8-24 thread)
- Overall length: 113.1 cm (44.5″)
I generally prefer the extensibility of tactical gun models but, at a foundational level, ultimately this rifle has everything I need “out of the box” and sufficient modularity to customise into my perfect hunting-rifle.
I selected Tikka because of their proven track record and reputation for manufacturing accurate rifles, consistently sub-MOA. Although this is one of the cheapest mainstream rifles on the market, even spending multiples of the price would not guarantee obtaining a superior firearm. I selected 6.5 Creedmoor because lower recoil means my scope stays on target between shots, and decreased bullet drop (flatter trajectory) reduces deviation from expected shot-placement at any estimated distance. The advantages of this calibre are well-documented. [Video comparison: 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Winchester.] An ancillary benefit is that I can use the same ammo in my AR-10 and AR-15 rifles. Aftermarket support from Tikka and their importers is excellent.
Eventually, in 2024 I bought another Roughtech of the exact same model for overseas usage, primarily large quarry in mainland Europe, where mountain breeds of wild boar (Sus scrofa) casually trot up near-vertical cliffs like mountain-goats, and where actual mountain goats and Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) favour infamously-challenging terrains — from mountain peaks, to steep, rocky high-altitude slopes, to literal cliff faces. On the Iberian peninsula, intrepid climbers also include Barbary sheep and mouflon, and even the red deer in these mountains exhibit all-terrain mode. Meanwhile, my first Roughtech (“the OG”) continues to serve me well for deer stalking in the UK. (Yes, I own more than one black Roughtech; which is testimony to what an excellent piece of kit this is — I could not find anything better, so I had to get the same thing again.)
To date my two black Roughtech rifles are the most accurate and precise guns I have ever used.
Essential accessories for this rifle:
- Tikka T3x/T3 Picatiny Rail (Phosphated/Blued) [SKU S54065187] – this rifle comes with neither rail nor iron sights, so you will 100% definitely need it!
- T3x Vertical Pistol Grip (Olive Green) [SKU S54069683] – improved ergonomics, aim for longer before your hand/arm aches, you’ll thank me for this
- T3x fore-end “beavertail” grip (Olive Green) [SKU S54069687] – improved ergonomics, more comfort while aiming, and a more horizontal trigger-pull
- Extra mag: Tikka T3x/T3 mag – 3 rounds [SKU S58569827]
- Sling swivels: I used Niggeloh padded stud sling mounts
- Rifle sling/strap (for hunting/stalking): Tourbon neoprene sling
- Wildcat Evolution moderator/silencer (5/8x24UNEF thread)
Recommended accessories to get the best from this rifle:
- Scope mount: Tier One QD Monomount – Long Saddle – 30mm High (38mm Height B from rail top to scope centre) – 0 MIL – a one-piece, mount machined from a single, solid block of 7075T6 aluminium alloy, Mil-Spec hard anodised finish, with rings fastened by durable titanium screws. (Monolithic mounts can be more consistent than cheaper alternatives assembled using multiple different pieces, because each separate piece adds to the potential error margin.)
- Scope: Nikko Stirling – Diamond Long Range 4-16×50 [Model NDSI41650LRHF]
- Objective lens flip cap: Bushnell Butler Creek 30400 Gunsight Protector Flip-Open – Black – 57.1mm inner diameter (UPC 051525304005, ASIN B0013RB3QO)
- Scope: Hawke – Endurance – 30 WA SF 4-16×50 – LRC Reticle [Barcode 5054492163526]
- Tripod: Bog Deathgrip (camo) – cumbersome but this truly squeezes every last drop of potential accuracy and precision from the rifle in the field
- Tripod: Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 – light, quick, and very tolerant of extreme terrain
- Sticks: Viper-Flex Styx Elite
- Bag: Bergara soft gun case – large (SKU A04935) (130×30/15x8cm – khaki green padded gun bag with reinforced muzzle dock)
Which ammo works best in my Roughtech’s factory barrel – 6.5 Creedmoor calibre, 24.3″ length, 1:8 twist?
- Sellier & Bellot – SP – 140 gr (economical yet one of the best out to 600m)
- Norma – Bondstrike – 143 gr (expensive but the best groups)
- Hornady – Precision Hunter – 143 gr [ELD-X] (expensive but tight groups)
- Sako Gamehead Pro 130gr TSP (GMK UK importer code SAK-P663107H]
- Hornady American Whitetail – 129 gr [InterLock] (economical and effective)
The optimal “sweet spot” bullet weight for 6.5 Creedmoor is generally considered to be 143 grain but, with a barrel this long, at typical hunting distances, I get comparable performance from a good 129gr bullet. (My shortest barrel is 18″ on my MSR-10, which at longer ranges definitely produces tighter groups in zeroing with heavier projectiles of 138gr and upwards.) From 600m and further, my 6.5 Creedmoor delivers bullet energy analogous to a .308 Winchester at the same range.
Further reading:
- All models of the Roughtech rifle – the complete list
- All Roughtech variants – the complete list (with comparison chart) – in 3 colour options:
- Black
- Ember
- Desert
- All T3x models – the complete list:
- Superlite
- Lite
- Lite Veil
- Lite Roughtech
- Varmint
- Super Varmint
- Compact Tactical
- Tact A1
- UPR
- Ace Target
- Ace Game
- Ranch
- Hunter
- Forest
- Arctic
- Sporter
- Laminated Stainless
- Tikka rifles are imported into the UK by GMK and in mainland Europe the importer is BBI.
- Inspiration: Meat Eater – hunting TV series (must watch)
Other useful reviews:
- Video: Roughtech review – VerifiedLongrange
- Video: Roughtech Lite range test – HuntLeague
- Video: Roughtech – “The best factory rifle money could buy” – Big Good Time
- Roughtech Ember – Rifle Shooter (stainless-steel barrel version of the Roughtech)
- Video: Roughtech Ember – “wow this rifle” – PNWild
- Video: 1145 yards with Roughtech 6,5 Creedmoor
- Roughtech review – OutdoorLife
- Roughtech review – SOTO