Any Tikka T3 users in AK?

[LeeInSC]

I am shopping for a light, synthetic rifle for bad weather, for deer, wild boar, a caribou hunt, and hopefully for a mountain goat hunt in AK.

I was thinking of a T3 Lite, which I have shot in .30-06 and .270.
I also considered getting it in something milder, like a 7mm-08 or 6.5x55 SE, or a .308.

I figured AK hunters would be a good group to ask.
Stainless or blue steel with bow tape camo on either one?

[Craig]

I resided in Alaska for several years. The .30/06 and .270Win are fine for all but the gnarliest bears. A lot of the natives up there use a 30/30 for everything but they seem to have magical powers and I would not recommend that for most folks. Stainless steel is nice, especially in the coastal areas, but is not really necessary. If it is neglected stainless will rust too. I used blue steel guns on most of my hunts there and it was fine. Something with a matte finish (or camo tape) is a good idea in the mountains where the glare of steel may spook game. As for the Tikka? I have not used one but the Savage Weather Warrior which I do own is a great gun for the money. Good hunting!

[LeeInSC]

Thanks for the reply. The Tikkas really shoot, and I like the fact that the T3 only weighs 6 lbs without the scope, 7 or less with it. I like the barrel not being 24 inches, for carrying in mountains and brush. I bought a .30-06 stainless which shot super, recoil no problem, but got a chance to buy a NIB Steyr 30-06 with set triggers at a good price, so I sold the Tikka to a friend. Now have to decide what caliber for the next Tikka.