I have heard alot about both guns but I'm having a hard time deciding. The Tikka has a smooth as silk bolt. As for caliber it will probaly be 30-06 and a lite rifle will kick like a mule. I have not got the chance to handle the Venture, but I've heard good things about them. I hunt in eastern Tennessee and i'm a mountain goat so i figured the Tikka would be the best option. The Venture is built by a trusted and reliable name and got a lifetime warranty. Each have strong and weak points. Which of the two should I choose?
Tikka T3 Lite vs T/C Venture
- Thread starter Hammer90
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NCsmitty
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With 5R rifling and an accuracy guarantee and being made in America, IMO, the TC Venture is a logical choice.
The Tikka is a great rifle, but we need to keep the money here in America, and protect America's gunmakers.
You give up nothing by choosing the TC Venture.
NCsmitty
The Tikka is a great rifle, but we need to keep the money here in America, and protect America's gunmakers.
You give up nothing by choosing the TC Venture.
NCsmitty
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
The Venture is a bit heavier---has a longer barrel and costs less.
Mine is a .30-06 and between the weight--stock shape and recoil pad ---I hardly even notice any kick---my Ruger Hawkeye .30-06 is noticably harder recoiling.
I was out shooting both of them just this sunday---they both love the cheap Federal 150gn loads---I'm more than pleased with both of them.
Mine is a .30-06 and between the weight--stock shape and recoil pad ---I hardly even notice any kick---my Ruger Hawkeye .30-06 is noticably harder recoiling.
I was out shooting both of them just this sunday---they both love the cheap Federal 150gn loads---I'm more than pleased with both of them.
BrocLuno
Member
Hard choice? The Tikka was designed around the 30-06 as the engineering basis. It has the smooth action you mentioned and, for me, it has the best fit to shoulder. The Tikka will need a few more dollars spent as the factory rings are OK, but the fasteners are too soft, they must be replaced with SS or hardened steel (Brownells) before they are 100% reliable.
But, I would not be unhappy with the Venture. Either would be way up on my list over most others in the price range.
But, I would not be unhappy with the Venture. Either would be way up on my list over most others in the price range.
Gtscotty
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I also have no experience with the Venture other than picking them up and handling them at the gun store. I do have a 30-06 Tikka and love it, I really want to get a couple more in different calibers (maybe 9.3x62 and 25-06...), just a great rifle for the price. The Venture's don't feel as good to me balance and action wise, but that's a personal thing... Have you looked at the new Vanguard S2's? They and the new Winchester model 70's are the only rifles that really tempt me away from getting more Tikkas...
As an aside, I'm all for buying American, but I think there is a big difference between buying a Finnish rifle, and filling your house with Chinese made bargain basement products...
As an aside, I'm all for buying American, but I think there is a big difference between buying a Finnish rifle, and filling your house with Chinese made bargain basement products...
Kachok
Member
I own a Tikka T3 and LOVE it. Perfect fit for a small framed shooter like me. Action and trigger are by far the best I have ever had on any rifle. Accuracy is seond to none in featherweight rifles. I do like the look and feel of the Venture too, I tried to buy one in 270 win last year, but the salesmen asked me to make him a lowball offer on a Savage 11 .270 WSM, which he took. I like those Savages too 
coloradokevin
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I have a .308 Win Tikka T3. Mine has the heavier profile barrel, and a couple of other minor features which earned it the name "Scout Compact Tactical Rifle" (a fixed-position cheek piece, 5 round magazine, and a picatinny rail).
The bolt is smooth, trigger is great, and the accuracy is superb. The Finns definitely know how to build a gun, and Tikka's parent company (Sako) isn't a slouch in this industry.
Tikka seems to be one of the few companies that are producing off-the-shelf rifles with an accuracy guarantee. Granted, many quality bolt guns will produce the advertised 1-inch 3-shot groups at 100 yards, but it is nice to see a company spell out this feature. Some have bemoaned the Tikka rifles (Chuckhawks is one of them, I believe), and have claimed they won't perform as accurately as they advertise. My rifle has greatly exceeded the stated accuracy claims, with a lot of 5-shot groups into half an inch. It is the most accurate rifle I own, and it only set me back $800 with the heavy profile barrel.
The bolt is smooth, trigger is great, and the accuracy is superb. The Finns definitely know how to build a gun, and Tikka's parent company (Sako) isn't a slouch in this industry.
Tikka seems to be one of the few companies that are producing off-the-shelf rifles with an accuracy guarantee. Granted, many quality bolt guns will produce the advertised 1-inch 3-shot groups at 100 yards, but it is nice to see a company spell out this feature. Some have bemoaned the Tikka rifles (Chuckhawks is one of them, I believe), and have claimed they won't perform as accurately as they advertise. My rifle has greatly exceeded the stated accuracy claims, with a lot of 5-shot groups into half an inch. It is the most accurate rifle I own, and it only set me back $800 with the heavy profile barrel.
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I've never fired or owned a rifle that was as accurate as my TC Venture in .270. And I've owned a bunch. Also it does not wander as the barrel heats up. Ten rounds and the groups hardly change at all. The trigger is quite good too. In fact my trigger is great for paper punching but perhaps too light for hunting with gloves on. They are a bargain.
I've never fired or owned a rifle that was as accurate as my TC Venture in .270. And I've owned a bunch. Also it does not wander as the barrel heats up. Ten rounds and the groups hardly change at all. The trigger is quite good too. In fact my trigger is great for paper punching but perhaps too light for hunting with gloves on. They are a bargain.
Grousefeather
Member
T-3 vs T/C
I have a Tikka in .308, most accurate rifle in the locker. Easy to carry, and balances well. Carries a 3x9 Burris in Burris mounts and rings. I did not care for the factory rings that mount like a 22 groved set up. But it comes drilled for other mounts.
I have a Tikka in .308, most accurate rifle in the locker. Easy to carry, and balances well. Carries a 3x9 Burris in Burris mounts and rings. I did not care for the factory rings that mount like a 22 groved set up. But it comes drilled for other mounts.
coloradokevin
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Hmmm... based on what I've read in this thread so far, I think the OP is going to have to buy both of them
Kachok
Member
Really depends on if you like a featherweight rifle or a sporter. My Tikka is a 6lbs 8oz rifle while the Venture weighs in at a healthy 7 1/2 lbs . If I were getting a high recoil caliber (7mm rem mag, 300 win mag) I would probably perfer the little extra weight to tame the kick. For 243, 270, 308, 30-06 you probably won't need any extra weight. Both have a solid reputation for accuracy, so we will call that a wash. I like the fiber/matrix synthetic stock on the Tikka better then the plastic on the Venture though it's stock quality feels better then the budget Savages, Remington SPSs/770s, Mossberg ATR, and Marlin XS (XL). So not bad at all. I cannot speak for the action and trigger on the Venture but the Tikka is TOP OF THE FOODCHAIN. No $1500 custom rig I have ever played with is as smooth or crisp as my Tikka.
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coloradokevin
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Kachok,
You make a good point. Even with a heavy barrel, sling, scope (3-10x44), and bipod my Tikka weighs in at under 10lbs (9lbs 12oz on my scale, to be exact). The .308 Win isn't a heavy hitter, but you still start to feel it if you go out to a competition, or a 40+ round range session!
Incidentally, IMO this gun is plenty capable of shooting competition, and can hold its own with guns that cost 3-5 times as much.
Here's my Tikka from the range the other day:
You make a good point. Even with a heavy barrel, sling, scope (3-10x44), and bipod my Tikka weighs in at under 10lbs (9lbs 12oz on my scale, to be exact). The .308 Win isn't a heavy hitter, but you still start to feel it if you go out to a competition, or a 40+ round range session!
Incidentally, IMO this gun is plenty capable of shooting competition, and can hold its own with guns that cost 3-5 times as much.
Here's my Tikka from the range the other day:
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Kachok
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I always tell people that my T3 Stainless 6.5x55 is the near perfect CXP2 rifle, it is feateweight, weatherproof, egronomic, durable, compact, refined, and more accurate then I could ever be. I almost went 270 win, but I am glad I got the 6.5x55, noticably less muzzle blast, less recoil, kills just as quick. I have owned alot of rifles over the years, including some real premium stuff, nothing else compares to my little Tikka
I believe i will go with the Venture just because it has a good warranty and a mail in rebate. I will probably share my opinion on the Venture in a few days.Thanks for all the suggestions. I appreciate your time. Like I said i like Tikka but its hard to pass up a 50$ rebate.
coloradokevin
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Hammer,
Glad you were able to come to a decision. As I said, I have no experience with the TC, so I'll be watching for your review
I hope you enjoy your new gun as much as everyone else seems to!
Glad you were able to come to a decision. As I said, I have no experience with the TC, so I'll be watching for your review
I hope you enjoy your new gun as much as everyone else seems to!
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