Thread: Is it worth putting a rail on a tikka t3x

I have just got my firearms license and am planning on putting a Swarovski Z5 on it and I’m wondering if it’s worth putting a rail on or just going for the dovetails rings for things like scope hieght and how rugged each option is.


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Im not really familiar with Swarovski Z5, but in general, I would suggest direct ring mounts for smaller / hunting style scopes, or a rail + rings for a larger more LR type scope with a thick tube. I would not put a rail if using a scope with an inch sized main tube.

It’s a 1” tube
Z5 3.5-18x44


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If you could I would just use optilocs.

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It’s more about is one more rugged than the other


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A rail sits your scope too high.
Just use Talley or optilock

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

A rail sits your scope too high.
Just use Talley or optilock

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Ok cool thanks


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You want your scope nice and low. I’ve got a z5 and have extra low talleys on my t3. You need to have the talleys lapped though before you mount your expensive scope.

Optilocks if you're rich. Talley Lightweight rings if you want good value and quality. I'd stay away from the rail personally.

Originally Posted by kimber08

You want your scope nice and low. I’ve got a z5 and have extra low talleys on my t3. You need to have the talleys lapped though before you mount your expensive scope.

What does lapped mean?


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Talley or optilock rings. Don’t bother with a rail.

Get a set of Sportsmatch rings for the Tikka. About the strongest set of rings you can find, and are well priced. Think $80 vs $300+ for the optiloks. I have a set of the Sportsmatch on each of my T3s. One of them is with the exact Z5 you’re looking to use….

I personally don’t see the point in screwing Talley rings to the receiver when there’s a perfectly straight and strong dovetail milled into the action.

Are they steel rings? not too heavy?

Z5 in optiloc lows, simple and reliable. No need for a rail.

Originally Posted by High Hopes

Are they steel rings? not too heavy?

Aluminium, so yeah lighter than optiloks.