Tikka T3 or Howa ???

[ArkansasFatboy]

Guys I have nailed down my new rifle purchase to either a Howa or a tikka T3 in .338 win mag. What are the advantages of one to the other. Any info helpful

 

[jmr40]

I would normally suggest the Tikka. I have one in 30-06 and think it is an amazing rifle for my needs. Mine weighs 7 lbs. 1 oz. scoped and shoots 1/2"-1" groups with most any ammo I have put in it. My experience with guns larger than 300 win. mag is limited however and think the Tikka may be a handful in a .338.

I own a .308 Weatherby Vanguard (same basic rifle as the Howa) and like as well. It is a lot heavier and would probably be my pick for a .338.

 

[10-Ring]

Easy, go w/ the T3.

 

[Schleprok62]

Howa... less money and easily as accurate...

 

[Will Learn]

savage

 

[MIL-DOT]

Hhmmmm....i just ordered a T3 lite .308 stainless yesterday, so i guess i'm gonna say...

 

[lvcat2004]

Cz :d

 

[ArmedBear]

Definitely the Howa in .338 WinMag, as jmr40 says.

Excellent, accurate rifle, and heavy enough to shoot magnum rounds.

(I also have the Vanguard, mine's the Sporter, in walnut. This would make a great magnum rifle IMO.)

Nothing against the Tikka; I'm looking at that for a lightweight short-action. I just wouldn't much want a lightweight .338 WM.

 

[45crittergitter]

I love my Tikkas, but have no experience with the Howa. I have the same concern ArmedBear has about the Tikka's weight in .338, though.

 

[skinewmexico]

I can't imagine anything more unpleasant than a light 338.

 

[rangerruck]

Wow!!! I must say, of all the comparisons for rifles I have ever heard of, this could be the toughest. The Tikka is such a good rifle, but the Howa, for price and accuracy is double tough, I love their new OD green hogue stocks, with the varmint bbl, they are putting on their new rigs. I suppose if banging around in the woods, i would go Tikka...

 

[MIL-DOT]

As i said above ( and a few days ago) i've ordered a T3,and the Chuck Hawke thread not-withstanding, i still can't wait to pick it up ( i'm still weeks away from home ) But shooting a .338 in a rifle that weighs about the same as an AR-15. WHOO, not me,man !!

 

[Bear2000]

Thanks for the check. I was slowly starting to worry, but you came through.

 

[Horsemany]

DOOHH!!

 

[Snow Dog]

I have a Tikka T3 in 9.3x62. Recoil wise it is stout but not unmanageable - think 3" 12 gauge slugs. LimbSaver makes a bolt on recoil pad that should help.

 

[MIL-DOT]

(QUOTE) "Before you buy your Tikka, though, maybe you could send me the measly $9 you owe me for the bullets I sent you? "

" He's talkin' to YOU, Fatboy !!!! "

 

[equitytrader]

I believe the Tikka trigger is only adjustable for weight whereas the Howa is fully adjustable. They are both great rifles though.

 

[gunmn74]

Tikka if you cant get a Savage.

 

[Fumbler]

IMO the Tikka is the better rifle.
It's smoother, better machined, has a shorter bolt lift, and every T3 owner I've ever heard loves the accuracy.
I have a T3 Lite in 308 and it's a consistent 0.5MOA gun with factory match ammo and shoots many hunting loads into 1MOA or better.
The detachable mag is nice because it lets you empty the gun without fumbling with the cartridges.

Having said that, I believe a T3 in 338 would be a handfull.
My T3 Lite with 3-9x40mm Leupold weighs in at 7 lbs and a few ounces.
The recoil from my 308 is on par with a Rem 700/Howa 1500 in 30-06.
If you're experienced with heavy recoil then I say go with the T3.
If you're not experienced then go with the Howa because it will absorb more recoil.

And lastly, if you're gonna go with the Howa, then get the Weatherby Vanguard MOA instead.