Tikka T3 Super Varmint or Savage Model 12 LRPV

[kneault65]

Hey everyone, I'm brand new to this forum and this is my first post. This delema is actualy the reason I joined the forum. I'm starting to save for my next rifle and it's gonna be the best one yet. Although I'm about 90% sure I'm gonna go with a .204 ruger I cant decide on the make. I've been looking at a Tikka t3 super varmint and a Savage model 12 Long Range Precission Varmint. Both rifles are at the top of my price range. I grew up shooting Remimgton 700's and I have a Savage with the Accutrigger (which I love). This rifle will be mainly used for bench shooting but I'll probably whack some coyotes with it too. Weight isn't an issue. Long story short I want a tack driver out to whatever range that bullet will reach. Which is the better, more accurate rifle for my hard-earned money? The Savage costs about 400 bucks less where i live, at about $1200.

 

[DIM]

With Savage you'll have more options for upgrades with plenty aftermarket parts, Tikka on the other hand have few and they are more expensive. Tikka test fires its rifles to shoot sub moa, Savage doesn't. I bought LRP 2 months ago, it wouldn't shoot like target rifle should, so I send it back to Savage, its been more then a month since Savage found defect in the barrel, but they have no parts to replace it with. At this point I feel that I spend money on nothing, their production been backed up for 20 - 30 weeks and it looks like I'm not getting my rifle back any time soon...

 

[bhw4235]

I own both and like both. Tikka aftermarket parts are very hard to find and factory parts are out of sight. I probably won't buy another tikka for that reason. I priced a stock for mine an t3lite hunter the factory stock was $450, an extra clip was $85. As far as shooting both of mine are very good shooters.

 

[BrocLuno]

Lotsa Euro rifles have clips in the $85 range. The Blaser and other German rifles do. They are all well made AFAIK and tend to stay in place, no rust, no rattle - good to go. The varmints come with deeper clips for more rounds.

I'd do the Tikka, but you might decide otherwise? I don't fit the wrist of the current Savage stocks that well. My older Savages are OK. I like the fit of Tikka stocks and that makes a difference if you are shooting a lot.

What caliber you going to use - that might make a difference? 6.5 - I'd go Tikka for sure. 308, I'd prolly go Savage and restock for better fit (for me).

 

[DIM]

Word of advise, if you decide to go with Savage, try to find someone or borrow bore scope and inspect barrel, lately I've heard many stories about quality going south. If you up to you can build perfect rifle with Savage target action and custom barrel. I do not own Tikka varmint rifle but I have Tika tactical in 308, it shoots bugholes 0.25- 0.3" @100 yards with my handloads. I also have older Savage 111 model its perfect shooter, less then 0.5 MOA, just few days ago I made load for it it shot 0.24"@100 yards.

 

[kneault65]

Well i guess you made up my mind.. I'm gonna have to get both.








"I've yet to meet a man with too many guns"-me

 

[rbernie]

The Tikka is a far better finished and more refined piece. You have to try both of them to really see and feel the difference that QA/QC and tight tolerances make.

I have owned three Tikka's (including a Varminter that I still own) and all three were solid sub-moa shooters.

 

[wingman]

I have a Savage looked at Tikka however the down side on the Tikka for me is parts and service if needed. Quality control being what it is in our global market is luck of the draw so support is important part of my purchasing research.

 

[Lakedaemonian]

Although Savage can and does make some good stuff, they dont really compare to the consistent nature of Tikka. The only bad thing you ever hear about Tikka is the price is higher than most. Then again, you get what you pay for. Plus, I dont know this from personal experience, but I have a feeling my Gunsmith didnt nickname Savage to "Salvage" for no good reason.

 

[Afy]

Both are decent rifles. I love theo accuracy of the T3 and the ability to change calibers easily with the Savage.

Both of mine average sub 0.5 inches for five shot groups at 100 meters so am hard pressed there.

Get either one you will not be disappointed.

 

[DIM]

I like my old Savage, and 12 LRPV sure I will get one as well, why not, have to try if its so good, maybe I can write good review on it, or not

 

[PAULREVERE]

I've had both. Both are real accurate, but Tikka's 60 deg. bolt throw gives them the edge IMO. Hence, I still have my T3.

 

[DIM]

Jeff, on your LRPV did you skin bedded its action? I know its HS Precision stock with bedding block, but skin bedding is usually required on any of them. By the way I bedded my 111 Savage its original stock, and it shoots amazing 1/4" groups! On Tikka Tactical, I can't figure out how to bed it... Maybe just skin bedding it, but it shoots 1/4" as well the way it is.

 

[kneault65]

All great advice guys, thanks. Athough I still cant decide, I like the thought of a heavier rifle, and the abbility to change barrels with the savage.

 

[DIM]

good, if it doesn't shoot get shilen or krieger barrel put on ;-)

 

[BrocLuno]

Tikka Varmint is poor mans Tikka Tactical

 

[DIM]

image gone ; -)

Yeah and Tikka tactical is poor mans Sako TRG,, so why not just get TRG and all be happy :-D
http://th02.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE...g_42__338_lapua_magnum_by_ada_ada-d31h0qb.jpg

 

[dprice3844444]

with the savage,you can get the one that has the easy change barel and barrel nut.custom barrels can be ordered and all you need is a vice,barrel block,action wrench and a go gauge to change the barrel,plus,it's made in good ole usa