Tikka T3x UPR

The acronym UPR stands for "Ultimate Precision Rifle." Whether it is an extreme precision rifle depends on what a precision rifle means at any given time. The Tikka T3x UPR looks and feels like a modern precision rifle, but nothing about it would limit it to a single area of use. It is a versatile precision rifle at home, both in hunting and on the range.

In terms of features, the UPR is a further development of the CTR (Compact Tactical Rifle). The difference lies in the stock, which in the UPR is specific to that model. The CTR stock, on the other hand, is modified from the standard T3x stock for different bottom metal and Sako TRG 22 magazines.

New stock

The UPR's stock is based on the standard type of modern varmint/tactical stock. It is more versatile than the varmint-style stocks with a more hunting-oriented and lower profile, but it is not militaristic or over-equipped. It also does not resemble a benchrest stock. It is a minimalist and straightforward precision stock for general use. Most aftermarket stocks for the Tikka T3 are either tactical with accessory rails and chassis-style stocks, or they are adjustable in all directions, looking like TV antennas, designed for benchrest shooting. There has been a glaring shortage of straightforward, clear precision stocks suitable for hunters.

The UPR's stock is adjustable for the length of pull and cheek piece height. Of these, only the cheek rest height is quickly adjustable. Length of pull adjustment is done by adding or removing spacers between the stock and the butt plate. From a hunting perspective, this adjustment method is adequate and desirable. The length can be adjusted once and then left alone, and the butt plate adjustment mechanism does not catch on branches or clothing.

The stock's pistol grip is steep and vertical, and it is sturdy enough to shoot from a vertical position and from a prone position using a bipod, for example. The grip affects the position of the shooting hand, so it is advisable to adjust the length of pull slightly shorter than with shallower grips. This, in turn, makes it easier to use the bolt handle, as the hand does not need to reach too far forward during the loading motion.

The overall appearance of the stock exudes quality. The stock is made of a more rigid material than the basic T3x stocks, and its coating is rough and high-quality. In terms of feel, the stock resembles the Sako A7 Roughtech Range model stock, but the surface is slightly rougher, and the front of the stock is stiffer. With a weight of only 852 grams, the stock is very lightweight for a stock equipped with an adjustable cheekpiece. It can be considered lightweight even when compared to typical hunting stocks.

Intermediate sized components

In terms of components, the UPR has a set of features that emphasize its role between precision rifles and general-purpose rifles. The barrel profile is not the heaviest, so the overall weight remains reasonable. The total weight of the test rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor caliber was 3.766 kg. Even if you add about a kilogram for accessories, the UPR still stays reasonably within the category of rifles that can be carried. In fact, the weight of the UPR is why I wouldn't use the word "Ultimate" in the name of the rifle. True precision rifles, in my opinion, are about a kilogram heavier, although they are available from almost every manufacturer. On the other hand, compact and easily portable precision rifles are less readily available.

The UPR is available with two different Picatinny rails. The 0 MOA (Minute of Angle) rail is suitable for short to medium shooting distances. In contrast, the 20 MOA rail can be beneficial for shooting regularly at long distances, over 300 meters. When shooting at shorter distances, a tilted rail usually means over-adjustment of the sight, resulting in adjustments being made too far off the optical centerline of the sight. When making a choice, it's essential to be realistic and choose the rail that best fits your intended use.

At the muzzle, the UPR features a thread designed for the American market. Metric threads are not popular in the United States, so instead of the threads typical for Sako and Tikka rifles, this model comes only with a 5/8x24 (5/8" UNEF) thread, the standard thread for all CTR and UPR models. This thread is common in the United States, especially for muzzle brakes, so the main market dictates, and others follow suit. While muzzle brakes are marginal in Europe, suppressors are common. Of course, most suppressors are also available with this thread, but the prevalence of metric threads in Europe may lead to hesitation about this thread when acquiring a rifle.

On the range

For the test shootings, the Tikka T3x UPR was equipped with a Burris Laserscope III 4-16x50 riflescope. There was a steady wind during the test shootings, and the heat mirage was intense. The test shootings were conducted at 150 meters, an excellent medium range for testing rifle accuracy.

On the range, the features of the UPR immediately stand out compared to the CTR. The flat part of the buttstock base facilitates using a sandbag, making precision testing with the stock precise and easy. The flat base also facilitates quick repositioning of the rifle between shots, making the stock excellent in this regard.

The hook on the bottom of the stock's butt facilitates positioning of the left hand at the rear of the stock when shooting from a bipod. In this sense, the design of the stock is just right. It has enough features but is kept as simple as possible.

The UPR's performance was very stable. Its accuracy improved when using a suppressor but shooting groups of more than three shots was challenging due to the suppressor's vibration. The test groups were shot in sets of three shots, but more were fired. The best performance among the tested cartridges was achieved with the Sako Range cartridge, which achieved a precision of 16.5 mm / 150 m / 0.38 MOA at its best. The average for three-shot groups was 0.5 MOA, and even with five shots, despite the suppressor vibration, a precision of 30 mm / 150 m / 0.7 MOA was achieved.

For example, the tested Sako Range FMJ load would be perfectly suitable for this rifle in a treetop hunting scenario. Overall, the precision test left the impression that this rifle can handle any cartridge for deer hunting and performs at least adequately accurately. Based on my experiments, this is typical for new Tikka T3x rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor caliber.

Summary

Although the Tikka T3x UPR is priced slightly higher than the more basic Tikka models, the difference to the standard CTR model is only a few hundred euros. Personally, I would see the additional investment as reasonable. The UPR seems to be a fully "ready" rifle, whereas the CTR almost cries out for a stock upgrade. And it's specifically the stocks that make the biggest differences in rifles. The T3 and T3x have been platforms for many that are upgraded with new stocks, but with the UPR, there is no need for this.

The UPR is suitable as it is for both treetop hunting and stalking. In short, it fills the role of a heavy general-purpose rifle excellently. The material of the stock is suitable for all weather conditions, as there are no visible aluminum parts in the stock that would come into contact with the skin. For hunters, the UPR is easy and effortless in caliber 6.5 Creedmoor, as cartridge selection can be made based on the bullet's characteristics. This is typical for this caliber, which has shown consistency in performance.

This article was originally published at Riista magazine. Text and photos: Arto Määttä