Opinions wanted ASAP - Tikka T3 & Weatherby Vanguard Sporter

[colonelhogan44]

I have been waiting for the right opportunity to get a fairly nice hunting rifle (30-06) for a while now, and two deals showed up today.

1) Tikka T3 Lite - blued, synthetic
$429
pros: Lightweight, silky smooth bolt, free floated barrel
Cons: plastic stock, crappy plastic mag - 3 rounds

2) Weatherby Vanguard Sporter - Blued, Walnut
$475
Pros: Beautiful walnut stock, hinged floorplate - 5 rounds, 24 inch barrel
cons: heavy, barrel not floated (bedded maybe? Maybe this is a pro?)

Both sales end Friday night, so I want to be informed as possible as to whether I should jump on one of these.

Originally, I was totally sold on a Savage 116, but then I started looking at other rifles and was quite impressed with both these models. The Tikka looks to be really well built...but the so does the Weatherby. The walnut stock is a work of art, but the Vangaurd is pretty heavy, but would be manageable...while the Tikka would be a joy to carry all day in the woods.

Opinions? How are both in the accuracy department? overall? should I pass and get the Savage instead?

I look forward to hearing from owners of both rifles.

 

[Runningman]

The Tikka T3 and Weatherby Vanguard Sporter are both fine rifles. My only complaint with the Vanguard is the trigger is somewhat crude. I replaced mine with a aftermarket trigger unit. The Vanguards are also a little on the heavy side.

The stainless synthetic T3 is my current favorite hunting rifle. Mostly because it is accurate, very smooth cycling, and fairly light weight for easy packing.

 

[hoghunting]

Cons: plastic stock, crappy plastic mag - 3 rounds

I've been hunting with my T3 Lite for 5 years and have not had a single problem. That is a very tough stock and don't understand the problem with the mag. The Vanguard's trigger won't adjust down to the Tikka's.

 

[colonelhogan44]

Cons: plastic stock, crappy plastic mag - 3 rounds

Just first impressions maybe. I have always used either hand-me-down rifles from days gone by when plastic just wasn't used, or milsurps...and the plastic mag felt a little flimsy. I was impressed with the stock...for a synthetic it's not bad.

The Weatherby felt much more solid, overall. But I guess by solid, I mean metal...which is why it's heavy.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Originally, I was totally sold on a Savage 116,

Go with your gut feeling...lol your first feelings are generally the best ones. However if your set on one of the two mentioned, ask yourself what you want, we can't make that decision for you.

If you want light weight, and don't mind the hideous plastic on an otherwise somewhat pretty rifle...then it's the Tikka. Good track record, few returns and or recalls in the last 5 years, 65% of them turned out are accurate to less than MOA, mags are expensive and might sux for durability...although I have only heard of one instance were a mag was rendered inoperative because of its design and material, wont last as long, as to remaining accurate as some other rifles, but I doubt you'll shoot it that much, and no, I don't know the magical round count when this might happen.

On the other hand, if walnut and blue is your thing, and you can live with the weight, then the Howa/Vangurad takes lead. But...made in japan, if your the patriotic type this may bother you, several recalls and or problems ranging from problem triggers to crooked barrel/receiver union, safety problems to horrid accuracy in the last 5 years, in the biz, it is said that only 30% of Howa produced rifle are less than MOA shooters, but it has been my observation that this number is constantly changing, and for the last year or so the rifles seem to be accurate. This of course excluding the purpose tested and chosen Sub-MOA Vanguards, which cost more than the Tikka or Savage by a good margin!

The warranty's on all the mentioned rifles are good, Tikka can be a pain to have serviced under warranty. Although, they all can cause you to go bald if you have to deal with their customer service folks for too long! lol I've heard people praise them all, and spit on them all.

If it were I...Savage 116! Have a few, all shoot less than MOA, the price is great, proven track record, no recalls in the last 5 years on this model, fairly lightweight, accustock and accutrigger excellent...what's not to like?

Your decision.....