The bolt-action .22 rifle has probably introduced more young people to firearms than any other type. The appeal of a well-made turn-bolt’s simple elegance is hardly limited to children. Adults like them too. This is probably why companies like Tikka keep pumping out great rifles like the T1x MTR.

The Tikka T1x MTR .22 LR Rifle

My experience shows a telescopically equipped bolt rifle is often a favorite in new shooter classes. This is even when stacked against tactical-looking semi-autos and pistols. The top of the reasons cited by my adult students is the satisfaction of achieving a precise shot. And precision is what the Tikka T1x consistently delivers even with non-match grade ammo.

Tikka rifles are made in Finland by Sako and imported by Beretta USA (Tikka and Sako are owned by Beretta’s holding company). The T1x is chambered in .22 LR and .17 HMR and feeds from a detachable 10-round polymer magazine.

Overhead View

Tikka designates this rifle the T1x MTR. MTR means “Multi-Task Rimfire,” which is an appropriate name. Specifically, because the T1x blends the minimalist stock and light weight of a field rifle with the thicker barrel and adjustable trigger of a more target-oriented rifle.

Its performance was also consistent with that mix of designs. Accuracy is superior to many field rifles (and sub-MOA with certain ammo), yet short of match grade.

Field rifles need to be trim, and the T1x’s weight of only 5.3 pounds with its 20-inch barrel compares favorably with other synthetic stock bolt-action rimfires like the CZ 455 (5.72 pounds), Ruger American Rimfire (5.3 pounds) and Savage B22 FV-SR (6 pounds).

Tikka scaled down the caliber of its centerfire rifle line to chamber the diminutive .22 LR. However, it didn’t downscale the rifle’s quality. Rather than using less expensive alternatives, it incorporates the same trigger mechanism and synthetic stock as the Centerfire Tikka T3x.

Moreover, the milled steel receiver, barrel mounting system, trigger mechanism, and bolt all bear testament to its quality which was reflected in its accuracy. Here’s why.

Under The Hood

Making a shorter .22 LR action fit into the larger bedding channels of the T3x’s stock requires a unique design. Rather than use cheap plastic spacers/adapters, Tikka elongated the T1x’s receiver below the stock-barrel line. The elongated receiver captures the barrel and gives it more support than many rimfire designs.

The barrel is secured with three Allen head screws, and the action is mounted into the stock’s steel recoil lug using two Torx head screws. A steel recoil lug to bed an action that generates .22 LR recoil is hardly necessary. But it adds rigidity to the lightweight stock in a critical area. The steel receiver has integral 17mm rails for mounting a scope but is also drilled and tapped.

The T1x’s single-stage trigger is a high point on this rifle. Likewise, its care in manufacture is evident once you remove the stock to examine it. It is adjustable between 2- to 4 pounds of pull using an Allen wrench after removing the stock. And it breaks like the proverbial “glass rod” without discernible creep or overtravel.

Total trigger travel is about 1/8 inch. That’s not target grade like the famed Winchester 52’s “Micro Motion” trigger. But it’s about the best you will find for a field rifle. The trigger face is grooved, and the striker’s cocked-or-not status is shown by a small red indicator that projects from the back of the bolt.

The safety is a right-side rocker switch that locks both the trigger and the bolt. The bolt has a fairly short 50-degree throw for faster action and is removable by depressing a receiver-mounted release button.

The T1x’s Modular Construction

The T1x uses a cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1-in-16.5-inch rate of twist. In addition, it features a medium profile at .73 inches in diameter throughout most of its length. It is threaded 1/2 X 28 TPI at the muzzle for a suppressor.

Though the barrel comes with a thread protector, the muzzle does not have a recessed crown. So, care should be taken to avoid damage that could diminish its accuracy. Steel parts are blued except for the stainless-steel bolt.

One of the T1x’s selling points is its use of the same stock as the T3x. This allows consumers to use the same modular features as the T3x’s stock. These attachments change the stock’s dimensions to suit the shooter’s preferences.

It also includes a sleeve that changes the grip’s curvature to a more vertical alignment. Likewise, several adapters that widen the forend and buttplate spacers adjust the length of pull. The grip and forend options come in several colors and also in a black soft touch.

Range Time

I tested the T1x for accuracy at 50 yards using a Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm scope. I mounted it using Tikka’s well-made steel Tikka Opti-Lock rings and mounts that precisely fit the 17mm integral receiver rails.

If you plan to use these rails rather than the drilled and tapped holes, get the Optic-Lock rings. They fit this rail quite well, affording a secure mount, and are steel, not aluminum.

This scope’s 50mm objective aperture and 30mm tube are way overkill for a rimfire. But the optic’s 4.5-14X magnification and exceptional light transfer helped wring out the T1x’s accuracy. Besides, this rifle isn’t entry-level, and it shoots well enough to deserve a high-quality scope.

The T1x shot the best using Eley Match (imported by Remington) and CCI Standard velocity 40-grain ammo. Both loads beat Tikka’s accuracy guarantee of a three-shot, 1 MOA group.

The best five-shot, 50-yard groups with these loads were .375 inches and .156 inches, respectively. And the mean group sizes were .375 inches and .356 inches. CCI’s Game Shock load came in at a best and mean group size of .625 inches and .776 inches. This is more than adequate for humanely taking small game. This load is fast, launching bullets at 1,432 fps.

These are very good groups for a rifle with an MSRP of $499. But greater precision is achievable because I tested the T1x using its factory-set trigger weight pull of 4 pounds instead of adjusting it to its 2-pound minimum.

I could also shave the group size slightly using a sandbag rest that supports more of the forend and eliminates the barely perceptible wobble from the rest I used.

The T1x Delivers a Flawless Performance

The T1x functioned flawlessly with perfect feeding, extraction, and ejection, and primer strikes were all of the proper depth. The trigger breaks crisply with no creep or overtravel.

Despite its 20-inch, moderately thick barrel, the Tikka T1x MTR is balanced just ahead of the magazine with the scope mounted. And the grip has decent texture and situates my finger at a decent position on the trigger, which helps break a good shot.

Though the magazine destroys the flowing lines of the stock by conspicuously protruding from the bottom, its design is quite functional. The base plate is very wide and rounded, enabling you to use it for handy palm rest if you place your support hand under the triggerguard and brace your elbow against your stomach, as competition shooters do.

With a recessed release button, the T1x’s thoughtfully designed magazine and release are head and shoulders above many other .22s. Many have annoyingly sharp metal magazine catches and narrow magazine baseplates.

Final Notes

The T1x is an exact embodiment of Tikka’s rifle-making philosophy that values plainly styled, lightweight and accurate hunting rifles. It shot very well, even with inexpensive, quality CCI Standard Velocity ammo.

I believe it will do very well for both Beretta USA and those who are lucky enough to find one to buy. Let’s hope more T1xs make their way to our shores.

For more information, please visit Tikka.fi/en-us.

Tikka T1x MTR Specs

Action: Bolt
Caliber: .22LR
Overall Length: 37.75 inches
Barrel: 20 inches
Weight: 5.3 pounds (empty)
Stock: Polymer              
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $699

Performance

LOAD	VELOCITY	ACCURACY
Eley Match 40	1,088	0.375
CCI Standard Velocity 40	1,057	0.156
CCI Game Shock 31 HP	1,432	0.625

Bullet weight was measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (fps) by chronograph at 15 feet and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 50 yards.

This article originally appeared in May-June 2022 issue of Tactical Life magazine. Get your copy or digital subscription at OutdoorGroupStore.com.