Tikka or X-bolt

[redneck2]

Guys are talking about the weight of the Browning. My 7 mag has a VX-6 2-12x and to me it seems almost no heavier than a full size .22. It’s slim, sleek, and I can’t imagine it any lighter.

I’m sure it’s lighter than the 12 gauge 870 I used to carry all day.

 

[rust collector]

Browning specs the x bolt 300 win mag at 7 pounds even. https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current-production/x-bolt-hunter.html
Tikka T3x factory site didn't post weight, but a review of 300 wsm lite stated 6 pounds 8 ounces. https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2019/5/7/review-tikka-t3x-lite/ super lite would be less

 

[Gtscotty]

Browning specs the x bolt 300 win mag at 7 pounds even. https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current-production/x-bolt-hunter.html
Tikka T3x factory site didn't post weight, but a review of 300 wsm lite stated 6 pounds 8 ounces. https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2019/5/7/review-tikka-t3x-lite/ super lite would be less

That's comparing the wood stocked X-Bolt to the synthetic Tikka, in both rifles the wood stocked versions are a little heavier.

If you compare the basic stainless synthetic versions of both rifles in .300 WM, the X-Bolt is 6lb 13oz and the Tikka is 6lb 8oz, so just over a quarter pound difference.

The OP said he was looking at the X-Bolt Pro Long Range Burnt Bronze though, and it has a heavier barrel and weighs more at 7lb 8oz, the regular Pro Tungsten would be a lighter option at 6lb 9oz if that's a goal. The Pros have CF stocks and are a step up from the regular rifles, probably better compared to the Sako line than the more budget focused Tikka line.

IME the X-Bolt stock handles recoil better than the Tikka, even at same or sightly lighter rifle weights, same with my Kimber. Recoil may not matter much when you're talking a shot in the field, but it certainly does when you're doing all the practicing you should be engaged in before going out to take that shot.

I should also add that your success will probably be a lot more tied to what kind of shape you're in on the trip than what rifle or cartridge you use, so the time to start your cardio and leg work, if you haven't already, would be now.

 

[LoonWulf]

It’s slim, sleek, and I can’t imagine it any lighter

I think that also kind of makes the Xbolt feel lighter than some other guns. They're relatively short top to bottom and fairly round and cross-section, but not wide. It gives them a very lithe feel in hand.


My SLR dosent feel like a 10lb gun

 

[Newtosavage]

Both good choices, I've been through several Tikkas and still have my one X-Bolt, so I guess that's my preference. I do prefer the safety setup, magazines and general ergonomics of the X-Bolt. My X-bolt has been as accurate as any of my Tikkas except for the CTR, which was a real hammer. I still like Tikkas and will buy another one at some point, but if you're definitely going with the .300 WM, I'd lean a little harder towards the X-Bolt. To me the X-Bolt stock handles recoil better than the Tikka, even in same weight rifles, in fact that's kind of a weakness of Tikka's IMO, they seem snappier than they ought to be.

I agree with this, but some of that snappiness is due to their hockey puck hard recoil "pad." Put a limbsaver pad on a Tikka and it's fine. I had to do that with my '06 and it tamed the recoil very well. Tikkas are light guns. They are going to have a sharper recoil than most other rifles.

I've never heard anything bad about the X-bolts but the stock design is not for me. I can't get used to that fat palm swell in the grip.

 

[army_eod]

New Tikka has a very effective recoil pad.

 

[Micro]

In terms of quality, they are probably a wash. In terms of accuracy, they are probably a wash. I don't care for Tikka's one-size-fits-all action. And I much prefer the X-Bolt's recoil lug. It's still made the way I think a recoil lug ought to be on a bolt action rifle. I would take an X-Bolt over a Tikka.

 

[Hugger-4641]

Well, decision kinda got made for me. The Tikka was gone when I went back. I think I may sell my Howa and get Tikka in 30-06, there are several of those around. If this x-bolt shoots as good as it looks and feels, I think I'll be happy with it !
Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[LoonWulf]

Looks like a sweet rifle!

 

[WisBorn]

View attachment 982113
Well, decision kinda got made for me. The Tikka was gone when I went back. I think I may sell my Howa and get Tikka in 30-06, there are several of those around. If this x-bolt shoots as good as it looks and feels, I think I'll be happy with it !
Thanks for everyone's input!

Should be a sweet shooter! Enjoy your new rifle!!!

 

[d2wing]

Enjoy, looks great.

 

[Hugger-4641]

Finally got around to mounting the Veracity and bore sighting. Still haven't fired it yet, hopefully will get to tomorrow

 

[Hugger-4641]

I'm a happy boy so far! Had to wait till my wife left for work to finish sighting in, this was done about 15min ago at 100yds using a spotlight! These aren't even my good loads, just some old 180g spire points and 65gr of SW4350, giving 2650fps.
Using Veracity 3-15x50.

 

[LoonWulf]

Looks like its a shooter!

 

[Hugger-4641]

I had to wait for my wife to leave for work and I ran out of daylight, but too stubborn to quit! She has to work tomorrow night Too!

 

[LoonWulf]

That's a neat little shooting range setup!

 

[Hugger-4641]

Thanks! If you're ever over in this neck of the woods you can come try it out!
I shoot at that old dryer or that dirt pile when it's windy, When its calm or just a breeze like today I don't have to leave my deck! But its only 100yds max, so I have to go elsewhere if I want to stretch out further.