I have decided to purchase a 300wsm and I have it narrowed down to a Tikka Lite or a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. I am aware that the Series 2's haven't quite been released yet, but based on experiences with regular Vanguards and Weatherby in general, would you guys recommend the Tikka or the Weatherby? Any opinions are appreciated.
Tikka vs. Weatherby
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IdahoLT1
Member
I love my T3 Lite 7mm. It's one helluva tack driver. One thing id recommend is upgrading to a limb saver recoil pad. The gun only weighs around 6.5 lbs.
I have a Tikka and a Howa, which is a Vanguard. To me it is a 2 and 1 difference. The Howa is about 2 pounds heavier and will shoot a group about 1 inch bigger.
For hunting, either one will work. The Vanguard will shoot a larger group than the Tikka, but will still hit what you are shooting at. With handloads, the Vanguard will improve.
The Tikka is a smoother and a more accurate rifle. It is also lighter and easier to carry if doing a lot of walking. But when shooting some of the "larger" calibers, the recoil is more noticeable on the Tikka.
As far as aftermarket accessories, the Vanguard wins hands down. Some stuff is starting to show up for the Tikka, but they come at a price. The only thing I changed on my Tikka was the stock. But, I swapped factory for factory.
For hunting, either one will work. The Vanguard will shoot a larger group than the Tikka, but will still hit what you are shooting at. With handloads, the Vanguard will improve.
The Tikka is a smoother and a more accurate rifle. It is also lighter and easier to carry if doing a lot of walking. But when shooting some of the "larger" calibers, the recoil is more noticeable on the Tikka.
As far as aftermarket accessories, the Vanguard wins hands down. Some stuff is starting to show up for the Tikka, but they come at a price. The only thing I changed on my Tikka was the stock. But, I swapped factory for factory.
GuysModel94
Member
The only thing a Weatherby and a Howa share in common is the barrel and action, nothing else! Built and QA'd in CA. In that cal. i would buy the Vanguard for two main reasons, the 26" barrel and the weight. I looked at all the rifles in that price range before buying a 7mm-08 Vanguard last year. In the end buy what feels the best to you !!
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Wrong.
Weatherby Vanguards and Howa's are built on the same action. Nothing else is the same even though many parts, such as the stock will interchange. Weatherby buys the actions from Howa and puts their rifles together using different stocks, safety's, barrels, and a slightly different bolt.
They end up slightly different guns, but at the end of the day both are about equal in price and performance.
Weatherby Vanguards and Howa's are built on the same action. Nothing else is the same even though many parts, such as the stock will interchange. Weatherby buys the actions from Howa and puts their rifles together using different stocks, safety's, barrels, and a slightly different bolt.
They end up slightly different guns, but at the end of the day both are about equal in price and performance.
SwampWolf
Member
My decision was made (between a Tikka and a Vanguard) last month when my lgs was selling Weatherby Vanguards nib for $299.99. Though I have often read on the internet that Vanguard triggers are nothing to brag about, maybe I just got lucky because the trigger on the one I got leaves nothing to be desired-4-5 pound pull, crisp, smooth and no creep or backlash.
SwampWolf
Member
No, it was a synthetic one.
Sooner1911
Member
I have a few Tikkas in various calibers that are among my most accurate rifles. My most accurate is a Sako 75 6PPC. All are more accurate than my Mark V Deluxe 300 Wby, but I still love the Weatherby.
Gwarghoul,
FYI, I was on the phone with Weatherby today and the Vanguard Deluxe is coming back out in late summer or fall. Sub MOA guarantee. 5 calibers to choose from 257 Wby, 270 Win, 300 Win, 300 Wby, and 30-06. (I think those are all right, I am not sure about the 300s. Once I heard 30-06 I quit listening as that was what I was hoping for.) $969 list is about half the price of the Mark V Deluxe and they look nearly the same if you are interested. I realize that you give up some features from the Mark V, but I can't wait.
Gwarghoul,
FYI, I was on the phone with Weatherby today and the Vanguard Deluxe is coming back out in late summer or fall. Sub MOA guarantee. 5 calibers to choose from 257 Wby, 270 Win, 300 Win, 300 Wby, and 30-06. (I think those are all right, I am not sure about the 300s. Once I heard 30-06 I quit listening as that was what I was hoping for.) $969 list is about half the price of the Mark V Deluxe and they look nearly the same if you are interested. I realize that you give up some features from the Mark V, but I can't wait.
Kachok
Member
Thought about buying a Vanguard in 270win, but was not thrilled with the very bulky stock and heavy weight. The first time I handeld the T3 I really liked it. When I brought it to the range for the first time I was in love. When I went to work up some custom handloads I was hooked for life. Never gave the Vanguard a second thought. Who knows mabey the new verson will impress me more then the old one. Never shot a higher quality rifle then my Tikka not at any price.
The only thing that has kept me from buying a new vanguard are childhood memories, of nicer wood stocks.... can't seem to find the older ones with the more figured wood anywhere.
So yeah, I'm interested! Got any other info on it?
45crittergitter
Member
I love the T3s and they shoot like a house afire. I can't speak to the Weatherbys.
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