Best Scope Mounts for the Tikka T3x — Rings, Bases & How to Mount a Scope

The Tikka T3x is one of the easiest rifles in the world to scope — but the way it mounts an optic is a little different from most bolt guns, and the choices you make affect more than just your zero. Here's what fits, how to choose ring height, and the one thing nobody warns you about: where your cheek ends up.

What scope mounts fit a Tikka T3x?

Tikka T3, T3x and T1x receivers aren't drilled-and-tapped for separate Weaver or Picatinny bases like most rifles. Instead they have an integral tapered dovetail machined into the top of the receiver, and your mount clamps onto that dovetail. You have three routes:

• Dovetail rings — clamp straight onto the dovetail. The factory option is the Tikka/Sako Optilock; Warne, Leupold, Burris and Talley all make dovetail rings too. Lightest and lowest — ideal for hunting.
• One-piece dovetail mounts — an integrated base-and-ring unit (e.g. DNZ Game Reaper, Talley one-piece). Extremely rigid, simple, and offered in low / medium / high.
• Picatinny rail adapters — a rail clamps to the dovetail, then you run standard Picatinny rings. Choose this for long range (20 MOA rails), quick-detach optics, or matching rings across several rifles. EGW and Spuhr are common; Tikka also sells a factory Picatinny rail.

Are Tikka and Sako scope mounts the same?

Yes. Tikka and Sako share the same dovetail, so Sako Optilock rings and bases fit a Tikka and vice versa. That's why you'll almost always see mounts listed as "Tikka/Sako."

Do I need a Picatinny rail, or are dovetail rings enough?

For hunting and general shooting, quality dovetail rings (or a one-piece dovetail mount) are plenty — lighter, lower, and rock-solid. Go Picatinny if you want a 20 MOA rail for long-range elevation, quick-detach optics, or standardised rings across multiple rifles.

What ring height do I need for a Tikka T3x?

Pick the lowest rings that still let your objective bell clear the barrel — aim for roughly 1/8" (3 mm) of gap. A 40–42 mm objective usually runs low rings; a 50 mm objective needs medium; 56 mm often needs high. But there's a catch most guides skip — see the next question.

Will a high scope mount hurt my cheek weld?

Almost certainly, and this is the part to plan for. Tikka's dovetail already sits a touch high, and once you add ring height to clear a 50–56 mm objective, your scope's optical centre ends up well above the factory comb. The result: you lift your head off the stock to find the reticle, your cheek lands in a slightly different spot every shot, and groups open up for reasons that have nothing to do with the barrel. The fix isn't a lower mount — you need the clearance — it's raising your comb to meet the scope with a Tikka T3x cheek riser. Set your mount and ring height first, then dial the comb to match.

What's a 20 MOA rail and do I need one?

A 20 MOA rail is angled so its front sits lower than its rear, giving you about 20 extra minutes of "up" elevation in your scope — handy at long range so you don't run out of adjustment dialling for distance. For hunting inside a few hundred metres, a flat (0 MOA) base is fine.

How do I mount a scope on a Tikka T3x?

1. Degrease the dovetail and the ring/base contact surfaces.
2. Clamp your base or dovetail rings to the receiver and torque the clamp screws to spec (commonly around 45 in-lb for dovetail clamps — always check your mount's instructions).
3. Set the scope in the rings, rough in your eye relief, and level the reticle to the rifle.
4. Torque the ring caps evenly in a cross pattern (typically ~15–18 in-lb — check the spec).
5. Shoulder the rifle naturally and confirm a full, shadow-free sight picture. If you're lifting your head to get it, your comb is too low for this scope height — that's the cheek-riser cue.

For the full fit walkthrough — cheek weld, length of pull, trigger and scope in order — see our Tikka T3x setup & fit guide.

Best scope mounts for the Tikka T3x — quick picks

• Lightweight hunting: dovetail rings (Optilock, Warne, Talley) in the lowest height that clears your objective.
• Simple and bombproof: a one-piece dovetail mount (DNZ Game Reaper, Talley one-piece).
• Long range / dialling: a Picatinny rail (20 MOA) plus quality Picatinny rings.

My personal pick: for most Tikka builds I run Talley 2-piece dovetail rings. They’ve earned a long, proven track record, they’re light, sharply priced, and they clamp straight onto the Tikka dovetail — no extra rail, no extra height. For the majority of hunting and general-purpose setups, they’re the best solution going. On a 50mm objective I run the medium-height Talleys — just enough clearance, and they sit perfectly.

Whatever you choose, plan for the cheek-weld gap — it's the single most common reason a scoped Tikka shoots inconsistently. Pair your mount with a drop-comb cheek riser and you'll have a rifle that fits you, not the "average" shooter. Not sure how much rise you need? Our cheek riser height by scope guide covers common Vortex, Leupold, Athlon and Maven setups.

Every Nokka part is designed in Finland, made in Australia, ships worldwide (free AU shipping over $75; $20 flat international), and is backed by a 30-day fit guarantee. New here? Use code TIKKA10 for 10% off your first order.