Tikka T3 Hunter vs. Weatherby Vanguard Sporter

[Dan-E-Boy]

Folks, after conducting some research, I have narrowed a rifle purchase down to these two models: Tikka T3 Hunter and Weatherby Sporter.
I understand that both are fairly decent rifles, but I always value you folks opinions on stuff like this. I am thinking about 30-06 caliber. Please chime in. Looking forward to you all's input

 

[10-Ring]

From everything I've been told, the Tikka is the way to go.

 

[patentmike]

The Tikka has a really smooth action. The Howa marked "Howa 1500" instead of "Weatherby Vanguard" is a better value.

 

[Bartkowski]

The Tikka is very smooth and I like the way it feels when I shoulder it, I don't like all the plastic and the very expensive magazines.

The Howa is cheaper and is near identical to the Weatherby, so if you don't get the Tikka you may as well get the Howa.

 

[ArmedBear]

The Vanguard Sporter has a walnut stock. I don't believe a Howa 1500 is currently available in walnut, but last I saw it wasn't nearly as nice. Also, Howa standard calibers have 22" barrels vs. a 24" on the Weatherby; you pick which one you prefer. While they share the same action, the 1500 and the Vanguard Sporter are significantly different packages.

I have a Vanguard Sporter in .30-06 and it shoots like a dream. Wonderful balance, helped me win a multi-gun club match; I used it for the offhand rifle portion. It really shoots offhand exceptionally well, just sits there in my hands. Accurate, solid, and the stock design and fit are perfect for me. The Weatherby comb works very well in providing a solid cheek weld, but recoiling away from your face.

It is not a light gun. It's not overweight, but it's definitely full-size. That's the one caveat. If you want a light carbine, this ain't it. I use it for deer hunting in the mountains and high desert; it's not too heavy to carry. But it's no featherweight, either.

As far as a full-size rifle goes, I love my Weatherby Vanguard Sporter. No plastic, either.

 

[viking499]

Love my Tikka. Planning on buying another.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

My Howa 1500 Lightning and Weatherby Vanguard with synthetic stocks are identical except for the bolt sleeve. Other than that small difference they are the same rifle.

 

[Fumbler]

Here's my 2 cents.
I chose the Tikka for these reasons:
-lighter
-more accurate. The T3 is guaranteed to shoot 1MOA and most will do half of that. Mine (in 308) will do 0.5 MOA consistently with Black Hills match ammo and shoot a few groups as small as 0.3MOA.
-shorter bolt lift
-smoother bolt throw
-it feeds ammo more smoothly
-nicer adjustable trigger
-the stock fits me better. I'm 5'-8" and the T3 seems a tiny bit more compact. It handles better to me.
-manufacturing quality seems a tiny bit better. The bolt lugs make full contact (probably adds to the accuracy)

Having said that, handle both and pick the one that feels more comfortable to shoulder.
The T3 is more accurate and machined to nice tolerances, but in the field that might not matter as much to you as the fit.
BTW, Weatherby makes a MOA version that is guaranteed to shoot 1MOA.

 

[ArmedBear]

My Howa 1500 Lightning and Weatherby Vanguard with synthetic stocks are identical except for the bolt sleeve.

He didn't ask about the plastic guns. He asked about the walnut Sporter.

And while Howa may have sold the same package they make for Weatherby at one time, they do not sell it currently under the Howa name. The synthetics have very different stock designs and different barrel lengths, with the exception of the Ultralights. Again, pick which one you want, but they will fit, shoulder and handle differently.

 

[cracked butt]

I've now shot 2 Tikka T3s in the last week, both shot sub-moa (a 270 and 30-06) and I might buy one now

Never shot a Howa though.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Armedbear,I simply made a factual statement concerning rifles that I have owned. So,what's the problem?

 

[ArmedBear]

jimmyray, I simply made a factual statement concerning the specs of current offerings of Legacy Sports and Weatherby, as they apply to the OP's buying decision.

So, what's the problem?

 

[Striker]

I own and shoot both regularly and like them both.

The only issue I have with the Tikka is that magazine is plastic and replacements are expensive.

 

[itgoesboom]

I looked at both the Tikka and the Vanguard when I was looking for a hunting rifle, and settled on the Vanguard, mainly due to cost (it was $100 less at that time.)

I honestly don't know if I could say that one is better than the other, I think they each have pros and cons.

I can say that the Vanguard is very accurate. With decent ammo, I was printing most groups under 1.25" @ 100 yards, for 3 shots. After replacing the flimsy synthetic stock with a laminate, and bedding it, and then working up some handloads, it consistantly shoots under 1" @ 100 yards. I have multiple groups that are under .5" and more than a couple that are between .3-.4".

I have heard that the Tikka is very accurate as well though, so I don't think that accuracy would be a deciding factor between the two.

 

[454c]

Vanguard. I never could warm up to the Tikka.

 

[IV Troop]

I own 4 Tikkas and compete in precision matches with the heavy barrel 308. They are an extremely accurate and well made rifle. My dad owns 4 Tikkas himself. All 8 shoot well under the advertised 1 moa guarantee. The are top notch