I'm coming to a conclusion in my never ending quest for a rifle. I've always fancied ruger m77's as well as tikka t3 lites. Both rifles would be in .270 winchester, stainless. I can't reach a conclusion between the two. They both fit me nicely at the gunstore, so fit isnt a problem for either of them. Also, price isnt an issue because they're both in the same price range. So, since i have no range or field experience with them, i was hoping to get some opinions here. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Tikka vs m77
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Lone_Gunman
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I have used both. The Ruger M77 Hawkeye is a nicer gun than the older M77. It have among other things an improved trigger. The Tikkas are nice too. The Tikka bolt action is smoother than the Ruger.
Both are accurate enough, Tikkas maybe be a little better, but the new Ruger Hawkeye holds its own very well.
The Tikka is a push feed. Rugers are controlled feed. That may or may not be important to you depend on what and where you hunt.
Both are accurate enough, Tikkas maybe be a little better, but the new Ruger Hawkeye holds its own very well.
The Tikka is a push feed. Rugers are controlled feed. That may or may not be important to you depend on what and where you hunt.
I own both rifles mentioned. You mentioned most of your shooting will be at targets. IMO the Ruger is about the worst choice for that. The M77 is a fine hunting rifle with acceptable accuracy. THe Tikka T3's are typically tack drivers. Almost everyone shooting "hunter class" benchrest at my club is shooting T3's. Nuff said.
atblis
Member
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I've been a big Tikka fan ever since I picked up a M695 ~4 years ago. Awesome shooting rifle.
That being said, I can't stand the T3. I've looked at them, and they've definitely gone too far with the plastic thing. Blechhh
Tikka will probably shoot better than the Ruger.
Ruger is a classier looking rifle.
Take your pick.
I've been a big Tikka fan ever since I picked up a M695 ~4 years ago. Awesome shooting rifle.
That being said, I can't stand the T3. I've looked at them, and they've definitely gone too far with the plastic thing. Blechhh
Tikka will probably shoot better than the Ruger.
Ruger is a classier looking rifle.
Take your pick.
When you make up your mind please let me know. I own and like both. If I have to hit a small target with one shot or carry the gun long distances I like the Tikka. They are more accurate and much lighter.
The Ruger is in my opinion about the perfect classic American rifle with the looks and features I like best. While not quite as accurate I doubt it would mean the difference between a hit or a miss at any ranges I will be shooting.
The Ruger is in my opinion about the perfect classic American rifle with the looks and features I like best. While not quite as accurate I doubt it would mean the difference between a hit or a miss at any ranges I will be shooting.
Rugers inaccuracy reputation started with early tang safety Rugers that had barrels made by outside vendors. They apparently used different suppliers and some were very bad and others were match grade.
Since going to the MK-2 and Hawkeye, Ruger has been making their own barrels and they are in reality about as good as anything made by most of the other big gunmakers. They can usually benefit from having a little trigger work as well. The reputation is there and many people just repeat what they have been hearing for the last 20 years. I own 2 that will shoot 1" groups most any time.
The Rugers are comparable to most other guns being made today, but the Tikka's seem to be a little more accurate than most factory rifles today. Mine almost always shoot under 1" and 1/2" groups are not uncommon. While those sub 1" groups are nice to brag about, either gun will shoot under 4" at 300 yards and that is about my limit anyway.
Since going to the MK-2 and Hawkeye, Ruger has been making their own barrels and they are in reality about as good as anything made by most of the other big gunmakers. They can usually benefit from having a little trigger work as well. The reputation is there and many people just repeat what they have been hearing for the last 20 years. I own 2 that will shoot 1" groups most any time.
The Rugers are comparable to most other guns being made today, but the Tikka's seem to be a little more accurate than most factory rifles today. Mine almost always shoot under 1" and 1/2" groups are not uncommon. While those sub 1" groups are nice to brag about, either gun will shoot under 4" at 300 yards and that is about my limit anyway.
frogomatic
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I love rugers(and pretty much any well built gun thats a mauser based design)but a good friend of mine has a Tikka in 243, and that thing is slicker than snot on a greased doorknob.
evan price
Member
I've looked over both, plus the Winchester Model 70 and FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Mauser copies, I'm getting a Tikka, if I can decide on caliber.
Tikka's bolt is short-throw and feels as slick as greased glass. The light weight means I can carry it wherever I need to carry it. It's a Sako at half price, and you can get the nice wood stocks for them too.
Tikka's bolt is short-throw and feels as slick as greased glass. The light weight means I can carry it wherever I need to carry it. It's a Sako at half price, and you can get the nice wood stocks for them too.
I have four Tikka's and have shot the Ruger too. My personal experience is that the Tikka's have a smoother action, better trigger, and better handling qualities if used as a hunting rifle. All four of mine are tack drivers as far as accuracy is concerned, and would be my choice for target shooting. Hence, I give them the edge.
Only one of mine is a synthetic stocked rifle (M695 White Tail Hunter in 7MM Mag). All the rest are wood stocked T3s.
Really, it comes down to personal preference. The new Rugers are also excellent rifles and would serve you well if you find them more attractive for whatever your needs may be.
Only one of mine is a synthetic stocked rifle (M695 White Tail Hunter in 7MM Mag). All the rest are wood stocked T3s.
Really, it comes down to personal preference. The new Rugers are also excellent rifles and would serve you well if you find them more attractive for whatever your needs may be.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Pros of the Tikka:
Buttery smooth action
Outstanding Trigger
Very accurate
Cons of the Tikka:
The magazine is a cheap piece of plastic and difficult to replace.
It has basically an ejection port, which means you can't load one round at a time very easily.
They are all long actions, even if your cartridge is short action.
Push feed design, as opposed to controlled feed, but some people will tell you that doesnt matter.
Overall both are good rifles. I would not want to hunt dangerous game with a Tikka though.
Buttery smooth action
Outstanding Trigger
Very accurate
Cons of the Tikka:
The magazine is a cheap piece of plastic and difficult to replace.
It has basically an ejection port, which means you can't load one round at a time very easily.
They are all long actions, even if your cartridge is short action.
Push feed design, as opposed to controlled feed, but some people will tell you that doesnt matter.
Overall both are good rifles. I would not want to hunt dangerous game with a Tikka though.
atblis
Member
Well
Actually, Tikkas are extremely easy to load one round at a time. The magazine follower is designed such that it acts as a very good benchrest type follower. Just drop a round in, close the bolt. If feeds it straight into the chamber.
Lone_Gunman
Member
The ejection port would be hard to load a single round in under stress, ie, dangerous game hunting, IMO. Of course, you could carry an extra mag and just pop it in, but you can't find anyone with those in stock.
This is a disadvantage only in very special circumstances.
This is a disadvantage only in very special circumstances.
Topping off a loaded mag on a Tikka is a little more trouble, but shooting it as a single shot or from a bench is actually easier than most anything. Just throw a round into the ejection port and close the bolt. With many others you first have to either press it down into the magazine, as with most true Mausers, or at least make sure the round is aligned properly before closing the bolt.
SwampWolf
Member
If it comes to a toss-up as to which rifle feels and looks the best to you, get the cheaper one! Personally, I prefer the Ruger 77 over almost anything else I've had over the years (including Savage, Winchester, Browning and Remington bolts), though I've never had a Tikka. I own and use several 77s (both the earlier tang models as well as the latest ones) and they've all been at least average and, in a couple of cases, way above average when it comes to accuracy. IMO, it's hard to beat the Ruger (original Mauser) extraction system.One thing you might keep in mind when deciding on which one is that Ruger enjoys a pretty good customer service record. Don't know how well Tikka fares in this area.
Float Pilot
Member
I do not currently own a TIKKA. The plastic parts bother me. But that is just a personal quirk... I have shot them and seen them being shot. They are smooth and super accurate. I have a couple Rugers which are now OK after hours of work. But they are not as smooth or as accurate as most of my other rifles.
I see the Rugers as akin to a splitting maule. A good heavy duty tool that you can leave in the rain. Not all that pretty and not for fine delicate work. But it will do some smashin and bashin when needed.
The Tikka is more like a fine fillet knife. Great for fine accurate work, it may need to be loved and cuddled a little more. And up here it will cost you more.
If I was betting a dollar a point on targets I would get a Tikka. If I wanted a pick-up truck rifle to lend out to visiting buddies I would get a Ruger. They can't break a Ruger.
I see the Rugers as akin to a splitting maule. A good heavy duty tool that you can leave in the rain. Not all that pretty and not for fine delicate work. But it will do some smashin and bashin when needed.
The Tikka is more like a fine fillet knife. Great for fine accurate work, it may need to be loved and cuddled a little more. And up here it will cost you more.
If I was betting a dollar a point on targets I would get a Tikka. If I wanted a pick-up truck rifle to lend out to visiting buddies I would get a Ruger. They can't break a Ruger.
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