Tikka T3x Arctic / Canadian Rangers C19 Rifle, 7.62 / .308 Win 

For those wondering, the Rangers continued to use the Enfield for so long because the Enfield system is incredibly reliable in the extreme cold of the Canadian Arctic (often down to -50° C and below), and because its .303 cartridge has enough muzzle energy to put down a charging polar bear. The Rangers have trialed more modern, self-loading gas-operated rifles on several occasions, including the M1 Garand, C1A1 SLR, and our current service rifle, the C7. All had severe reliability problems due to the propellant gas often condensing INSIDE the gas tubes before it could run the action - they'd be able to get one or two rounds off before failing due to the horrible fouling. Source: I am a Royal Canadian Navy sailor, I've gone on several exercises in the arctic, and have had the absolute privilege of being able to work alongside the Rangers. They're VOLUNTEERS who act as police, medics, firefighters, search and rescue, and soldiers for some of the most remote communities in the world. They're mostly people from the Inuit and Aboriginal nations, and they're all complete fucking badasses.

As a Canadian Ranger myself the C 19 is the perfect set up for our extreme northern climates. We conducted a range shoot 100 km south of Churchill MB this winter with temperatures at -51 with no issues. As for the screwdrivers u got there our rifles came with a retractable bit multi screwdriver specifically designed by the Rangers.

My cousin Jolly was in the second row of the Inuit men in red ranger sweaters. Cool.

We'd all like to thank Mrs Bloke for not divorcing you, which would negatively interrupt the viewing pleasure of literally tens of thousands of people. Thank you Mrs. Bloke. (Feel free to refer to this as an excuse if you need one.)

I can't believe you dismissed a nice pair of Wera screwdrivers.

My cousin told me the first thing he shot with this rifle was a wild hen so he dubbed it his chicken tikka

Back in the early sixties when I was 15 there were a lot of the sported-down Enfields available for sale and they were cheap $15.00, so I bought one and grew to love the gun and especially the sight layout. I would go on to become very effective in hunting anything from beaver to moose. Then I entered the Canadian Army and was given an FN rifle that had the same aiming pattern and I was qualified as a Marksman in both the C1 and C2, even as heavy and awkward as the C2 was, it was my favorite long-distance rifle and was super accurate with it. I still have my favorite rifle and have surprised a few fellow hunters's with their 30-6's and their scopes at how quickly I could get off a kill shot with that Enfield that was older than any of us.

Great rifle for the needs of the North 👍

I personally like that they’ve included proper, quality Wera screwdrivers, much more useful than some shoddy combitool. Though a proper case would have been nice considering the price range (and comparing it to for example equivalently priced shotguns).

A big thanks to our Rangers ! We appreciate you guys. Keep on keeping us safe God bless you guys

Warms my heart to see finnish rifle succeeding also in foreign service :)

Beautiful rifle. That price is brutal for what it is, but that's what happens any time a military gets involved. ;) For that price it should absolutely come with the cases.

To be fair, regarding C19 length of pull, the native population is a bit smaller and this accounts for winter wear - all factors that would make sense in a procurement. Cheers!

Not sure if you noticed but the official Facebook page for The Canadian Army just shared this video review

This T3X, stainless in 6.5 Creedmore is my next purchase as it is everything I need/want for target shooting and hunting. They are currently grabbed up as quickly as they get out…. Beautiful laminate! Great Gun, good job - love the review, great sights and scope options. The bolt action is outstanding…. Handled one at a local retailer, very impressive! Smooth operator, indeed!

I am a huge Tikka fan boy I own 2 of them. They are both custom long range rifles. A .223 and a 300W mag. My gun smith said there was nothing he could do to improve the action as it was perfect out of the box.

Hey Bloke. The bolt is that smooth so that it can still be run if the action freezes. This is the same reason why every machined surface on the rifle is so smooth and fine - so that if it freezes, it won't break the rifle, and will still run.

I totally agree with you about the accessories being poor. I think Tikka are missing an opportunity to use the publicity around the gun to build their brand. I bet the cost to Tikka of supplying the gun in a quality hard case with a custom combi tool, good quality rod, cleaning kit and 3 spare mags would be less than £200. If they added that to the price with just tax and dealer markup on top it would really improve the image of the gun and by association Tikka. Missed opportunity, but hopefully a lovely gun to own and shoot long term.

I have a Tikka hunting rifle. Best bolts I've ever seen, and extremely easy to clean. Love my Tikka.

Being a Canadian and having both owned a Tikka T3 and more No.4s than i dare to count... The choice is on point. Modern ammunition, optics and all that follows a modern rifle. And Tikka's quality is top quality. my 2 T3's (in .222 & .308) are the only factory finish rifles i have that have not corroded when being exposed to hunting conditions. I spent thousands on an FN TSR and its started to rust the first outing i had it. (and no, when out in the bush you cant oil it ever 10 seconds) nothing smoother than the bolt on a T3

Sako and Tikka have the smoothest actions for being massed produced.

I also am an open sight fan. I would like to see more companies offer nice open sights like these. Some New England custom shop produces some very durable ones but nothing like those. Thanks for the video.

Great video. I live in northern Canada, and got to handle the C19 a couple of years ago. A couple coworkers of mine, father and son, just picked up a pair of these civilian versions. One in .243, one in .308, both running optics. I’m tempted to get one someday. I run iron sights, and these look sweet. As long as the drum doesn’t freeze solid. Seems like a solid unit with smooth action. Take care.

I managed to fiddle with one of these at Cabela's and love nearly everything about it. The iron sights were fantastic to me. If only it came in a left-handed configuration, then it would probably be a no-brainer to get it.

Fascinating to see the replacement to the excellent Lee-Enfield. I served in the Canadian Army from 1983-99. So I am well used to the dial rear sight, as that was used on the FNC1A1. I still remember the serial number of the first FNC1A1 issued to me: OL0709. It was in yards, not metres and also went up to 600 yards. But the large-aperture was marked 200 yards, there being no 100 yard aperture. I am rather curious as to why the C19 starts at 100. I rather doubt that the FNC1 had a flatter trajectory; they are both firing 7.62 NATO rounds. Also curious if they have an Arctic trigger guard capability. In other words, the capability to completely remove the trigger guard so as to be able to be fired with Arctic gloves. A civilian manufacturer and their lawyers may view this as insanely dangerous and not provide the capability on a civilian version. It was always a pleasure to work with the Canadian Rangers. For the benefit of those who are not Canadian Forces veterans, I will point out that their role does not include assault infantry. A Ranger section does not have a light machine gun with which to do fire and movement. I always experienced them in their role of providing local guides and instructors in Arctic conditions. A role performed superbly well. K40 592 576 Captain (retired) Kevin C. Love

The power of the 303 was well known. When I was in the English army cadets in 1973 that's what we used. It nearly took your shoulder out such was the recoil and they told us that from about 300 yards it could put a round through 3 men. When I joined up and used the SLR 7.62 for the first time I thought it was so soft. I actually grew to like the SLR quite a lot thereafter.

I was just up above the tree line and Its remarkable the distances you would have to shoot at too. you can see to the horizon in all directions and there are not many features for anyone or anything to hide behind. You could watch your Malamute run away for days.

I've been wondering about this rifle. Thanks for indulging my curiosity bloke.

the main reason for the rifle being in the box, is that it's not usually delivered like that to finnish customers. finnish shooters almost always buy a bag for their rifle the same time they buy the rifle itself. hard cases are really not a thing here for hunting weapons.

It's nice to see an Enfield with the sling on correctly! Most people put them on wrong. The hooks are supposed to face away from the stock so they won't scratch it.

I have actually been looking at the Tikka CTR. I'm over in the states and you positive comments were encouraging. Looking forward to your shooting impressions video.

I am a Canadian Ranger, started out in the Junior Rangers, and have been in the Rangers ever since. From Moose Factory, ON Canada. 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, James Bay. I still got my Lee-Enfield No 4 rifle in .303 British calibre. but I love the C19 Tikka T3x Arctic Anti-PB gun. (what we call it lol) PB standing for Polar Bear. But incase one does come on the island we use a Tranquilizer. Bear goes in cage, Helicopter takes em' far away. And does anyone else here own a Crusader Arms Templar GEN 2 , 5.56?

The bolt sliding back and forth is incredable

14:11- That"s my old BMQ instructor!

Thank you Mike, looking forward to the next update, Mrs Bloke is our hero.

I think it's great that the rangers can hunt with their rifles. Thanks for your service!

I'm a simple man. I see a Finnish rifle, I drop a like. Niin ja tietysti: Suomi mainittu, torilla tavataan :D

If you are using it in the Arctic, you will have heavy clothing so you will likely want a shorter length of pull.

As always, great review. I'm not sure what different options you may have in the UK compared to here in the US, but as you mentioned, it isn't easy finding a decent reasonably priced center fired rifle with iron sights. I understand many people use scopes and other optics, but they've damn near forget about those of us who like shooting with iron sights!

Like butter indeed! They are wonderfully made. In appearance it reminds me of my Ruger M77 Scout.

Those are actually nice Wera screwdrivers looks like so at least good tools.

Might be in my future. But damn, I paid $650 for just a plain jane Tikka ss in 270wsm just a few years back. And the thing is insanely accurate with cheap fed blue box. They make great rifles.

That bolt gliding back and forth is so satisfying.

Nice piece of kit. Totally utilitarian, which is what I like my firearms to be. Just like any tool. I personally would probably paint that stock in olive drab, or coyote brown, put a Leupold 1-4 or similar on top, thick sturdy sling, sight it in at 200 and off to the deer woods I go. BTW, I own a Tikka whitetail hunter rifle in 25-06 I purchased about 15 years ago. I have fired 3/4" groups at 100 yards with it, Federal factory ammunition. They make really good rifles.

When the rangers got their rifles they came in gold plated crates and angels sang a chorus of "god save the queen". True story.

Those Screw drivers you weren't so happy about are Wera I would be happy to get those.

I looked at a similar Tikka in a gun store a couple of years ago. I'm still regretting not buying it. Your comment "it's like butter" was exactly my thoughts operating the bolt.

Great looking and well thought out rifle! I like the iron sight sights. A stainless barrel is a good feature as you hardly need to clean it. Something for stalking (with warm gloves on), iron sight shooting and F class. Agree with others about lack of spare mags and box considering cost...

I would have to disagree about a cardboard box being sub standard. I would prefer the cost incurred goes in to the firearm it's self and not it's package. As far as tools go. We all have more than enough Allen wrenches and so on kicking around.

Stunning rifle, absolutely love the wood for the stock

Wow, that's a beautiful rifle, thanks for the unboxing.

I was really wondering about this just today and then looked to see if you had any thoughts and saw this. Very happy. Can't wait to see you should. The No IV is literally the only rifle I've ever fired not in .22 (even then a No IV converted and a C1) It is one of those rifles that I'd love to get my hands on if it fires the same. I kinda miss shooting.

*Australian International Arms has left the game*

I like the aperature being a little larger and clumsyer looking than most, as in the north you're going to have your gloves on!!!!!

I own a Tikka T3x Lite chambered in .308 WIN. The T3x is an INCREDIBLE rifle. The process of crafting one of these in Finland is impeccably detail oriented and having a sub moa guarantee at 100m out of the box is superb. I don't think any other rifle can come close to how amazing this thing is out of the box, and for the money. To date it is my favorite bolt action rifle.

Got to this video by accident; glad I did. That is a rifle that I would love to have. So many features I have always wanted. Subscribed!

Nice unboxing bloke! Quality content as always. -waves in american-

Tikka means woodbecker or dart in finnish 👍

If you can produce a whole rifle you can also make parts for the Lee Enfield. Govt. wanted something new for Colt Canada to produce. Few parts go bad on Lee Enfields and there was a ton of spares that were dumped over time. Of course a modern rifle with fewer parts doesn't hurt morale and less parts to keep on hand. It's a hunting rifle.

That bolt just looks unbelievably smooth😍

Those rear sights look great. Really don't care for that laminate stock. Oh yes, I'll never be able to afford one, too.

I love mine its very accurate. Killed 2 bou's a moose and a elk this year with it... love it.

"oh that's like butta" you bastard I was actually envious of that😆 opening and closing that bolt took no effort at all. Wow very nice. Pricy though☹️

Tikka makes one hell of a rifle. I say the Canadian Rangers made an excellent choice. Looking forward to your review on the rifle, mainly, just to see how you like it, cause I love my T3 Hunter in 6.5x55.

I'd bet that bolt is so smooth cause lube would just freeze in the Arctic. I live on the shore of Lake Superior and sometimes winters dip to -45C with the windchill. I wouldn't be surprised if the rangers face temps below -65C up there.

4:54 those are Wera drivers, very nice stuff. but i'd agree a dedicated tool (like the Australian L1A1 SLR tool) would be much cooler.

Nice looking rifle. I like the open sites on it and the ability of a scope.

That's certainly a looker. The fit of the bolt gives me the fizzes. Hope it performs as well as it looks.

Just makes me wish there were modern reproductions of the SMLE. I love the platform.

That is a slick rifle. I would like to see it against a tuned Ruger GSR in a match. Thanks for sharing !

Thank you nice video. I have a 2017 Tikka 308, beautiful rifle, light, easy to handle and no worries. Good shooting for 1,000 yards out! My brother in law currently has it in his gun case and refuses to give it back to me. He has a Sako 85 but would rather hunt with this 308! Has brought down everything, Elk, Deer, Caribou, Moose and even bear. Use 200 grain, 180 for target practice. Best gun ever had. Well done Finland.

Your right about the Top handguard! I'm a Ranger Instructor with 5CRPG in Newfoundland. I'm also the coach of the rifle team. The rifles get that hot that you have to wear a glove or you will literally burn you hands!!! We're putting it through its paces and by Sept for CAFSAC in Ottawa, I will have a complete understanding of the rifle will handle alot of rapid firing,and continued use!!

I have a Tikka T3x Compact Lite in 223; cost a fraction of this rifle with the same smooth bolt.

I have a Ruger Gunsite Scout that has been very accurate and reliable for me. It's my deer rifle and regularly make shots beyond 300 meters with it across a harvested crop field. I've owned it 6 years now with no intentions of replacing it. I'm a former U.S. Marine infantryman.

A few years ago, I bought a Tikka Boar Hunter. I believe it was a Cabelas exclusive because I never saw it anywhere else. It as a 20 inch barrel and has Sako safari sights. The barrel is fluted and at first I wondered why, but realized that it had to be the right contour for the sights to fit in the barrel and to have it light enough to handle well. They are normally fitted to . 375 and larger barrels. I live it and sighted in with Remington’s 220gr 30-06 load. The fore sight is adjustable elevation by turning a screw and sighted point of impact right on top of the large, easy to pick up white bead at 100 yards.

i love the looks on bolt actions with the iron sight behind ejection port

30-30 is still VERY common in both Canada and Alaska.

Man i thought that thing was awesome until the price tag. I mean for 2k atleast include 2 or 4 spare mags with a mag pouch.

I was between this and a Savage 110 recently, but went with the Savage. The price on the Tikka made that an easy decision to make. Overall, I was impressed with the Tikka when I had the chance to handle it.

The Tikka T3 shoots as well as most precision rifles of this weight, straight out of the box , and provided decent ammo and a good scope is used. The ones I’ve set up with new brass , Hornady projectiles , have shot well under MOA. This one looks like an ideal utility rifle with the Picatinny rail and aperture sight. 165gr Hornady SPBT would be ideal for this and is a nicely performing game bullet. The SST’s tend to exit without expanding.

I could watch a 10 minute loop of Bloke rocking the rifle back and forth.

Me: I feel like I need to be somewhere My inner voice: "that's because the bloke uploaded"

They shot at the same range I was a member of in a remote village on Vancouver Island. I would be out there shooting on days they were there and I had my SG542. The look of, "how the hell does he have that and we get this?" on their face.

Ever since I saw this rifle a couple years ago I've wanted one. They are slick

I've been looking for something to replace my No III* (which I really adore) since the ammo is so expensive and this honestly looks perfect. I just wish it was cheaper since I'd totally see about saving up a bit to buy it if it was.

Back in the 80’s I was going through a phase of desire for higher end quality rifles and shotguns. Ended up with a sauer 202 supreme and a sako 75 hunter. Both beautiful rifles I was especially impressed with the sauer. Anyway my gun dealer back then introduced me to the tikka I believe it was called white tail hunter in lieu of the sako he suggested that I take a look at the tikka which I believe was fairly new to the market at that time. I opted for the sako. Honestly I’m not sure I made the right choice. In fact looking back I’m pretty sure I made the Wrong choice the tikka was about half the price as the sako and honestly I expect it was a better quality rifle then the sako. I don’t really regret buying the sako. Well I should have gotten both of them. I do regret not buying the tikka

Oi Bloke! Although I always watch your videos, I rarely comment them. Well, now the time of commenting has come. I sincerely appreciate the time you take to make these videos, and I hope you keep doing good stuff also in the future. With best wishes, your fellow swiss: Janne

It's notable that the barrel is free-floated, as evidenced by the paper tag under the barrel. Given that Polar bears were mentioned in the requirements, I'm a bit surprised that it does not have controlled round feeding. Like you, I like the challenge of iron sights; I'd really like an older .308 bolt hunting rifle with even a notch and post setup. Alas, most everyone has jumped on the 'optics ready' wagon.

Love that rifle, but yeah, pretty much everyone I have talked to that owns or has tried one has agreed. Beautiful rifle, but pretty heavy on the price point.

Asking an arm and 2 legs here in Australia for them... I am building a Howa .223 with 10 shot magazine and open sights instead...

I have a Tikka T3 in .308 that I use for deer hunting here in Nova Scotia Canada. It has put a lot of venison on the table at my house. I used to use a Lee Enfield No. 4 in the full original military issue stock, complete with iron sights identical to what the Canadian Rangers used to have. Although it was responsible for filling my freezer as well, it is much heavier than the Tikka. In addition, the Tikka has a much tighter grouping mostly due to the fact that it had significantly fewer rounds down the barrel. I for one believe that the Canadian Forces made a wise decision in replacing the venerable old Lee Enfield.

I learnt to shoot using a LE #10 22 training rifle whilst in the Queens Regiment (Surrey's) cadet force. Age 13 1970. I became a pretty good shot hitting 9.9s regularly in very respectable groups at 50 and 100 yards over iron sights.

next time your in northern Canada stop by and ill let you take my C19 out for a spin

My hunting rifle is a tikka t3. I hit a running deer at 150 meters through the heart. Its an incredibly accurate, high quality piece.

That is cool. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I know a guy with a stock duplicator and another with a laser engraving system if you want to fix it!

I got a sporter Springfield 1903a3 barreled action with some other gun parts at an auction a few years ago for $40 Has a 20 inch barrel I sold the rest of the parts for $120 Had to buy a rear sight for $25 and a cut back 03 stock for $15 Went ahead and fitted a cutdown hand guard $5 Shoots Great and I imagine in the practical world would do everything this rifle could...plus I can use stripper clips!

TIKKA MAD MINUTE!

Sako builds Tikka's All owned by Baretta I do believe , Rangers deserve the Best !

Was a sea cadet in the uk from 85-89 and we used the 303, minus firing pin, for drill, and fully armed for shooting, kicks like a fucking mule, but fell in love after my first round. Epic weapon

That's a beauty. Tikka does Bolt rifles so well.