X-bolt or Tikka T-3?

[elktrout]

Today I examined a Tikka T-3 Lite Stainless and a Browning X-bolt Stainless Stalker at a local shop. While both set-ups were basically the same (synthetic stock with stainless metal), the Browning was $340 more.

Is the Browning really worth that much more? If so, why? If the price was the same, which would you buy and why?

 

[greyling22]

To answer your questions: no. the name? the browning, I like the action better, though the tikka will probably be a better shooter.

 

[viking499]

Do you want a looker or a shooter?

I have 3 Tikka's and no Brownings, if that tells you anything.....

 

[Water-Man]

IMO, the Browning isn't even worth the same, much less more.

There's nothing in the price range of a Tikka that compares in value.

 

[CaliCoastie]

Tikka t3. Even at the same price point, I to don't think they can be beat (I paid 650 otd) last fall.

 

[Gtscotty]

I had two Tikkas, both of them are now gone, and my go to rifle is an X-bolt. My 30-06 Tikka showed the same level of accuracy as my Browning. My 270 WSM Tikka was more accurate, but we're talking about 0.5 in groups vs 0.75. Once you get to that level of accuracy on a big game rifle, incremental gains from there on out are much less important than the handling characteristics of the rifle. In my opinion, that is where the X-Bolt stands out, Its ergonomics, and controls are better for me than almost any other rifle. Don't get me wrong, the Tikka is a good rifle and a great value (I'll probably pick up another one someday), but for me, the Browning is worth the couple hundred dollar increase.

 

[jmr40]

I'd pay more for the Tikka, don't care for the Browning at all.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I agree with some of the others... The X-Bolt has a GREAT action to it. It's the smoothest of non-custom/super expensive rifles that I've felt. I also find the X-Bolt to be very attractive, whereas the Tikka is just, meh... However, I wouldn't personally find that worth the extra $340, especially considering the Tikka probably shoots a little bit better. Browning is a big name, but Tikka is made by Sako--VERY high quality without the name recognition.

 

[hentown]

Sako and Tikka, of course, do have name recognition with those of us not awash in the hoards of the ignorant proletariat! Get the Tikka. Better trigger, better barrel, action is plenty smooth.

 

[RainDodger]

I have both, plus others. Out of the box, the Tikka is superior. Great trigger and accuracy is superb. Less than 1" at 100 yards out of a very light hunting rifle (mine is the "Forest" with wood stock), with hand loads that were tailored for a different rifle altogether. My Tikka shoots just as well (and has a better trigger!) than my far more expensive Sako Forester in .243. Just my opinion of course. I have many Brownings, but they're not worth hundreds more!

 

[elktrout]

Raindodger,

I saw an ad for a Tikka Forest and really liked the looks of the stock. I actually prefer a stock with some kind of cheek piece, and that one has a good looking one.

How functional is it for you in keeping recoil off your face? I have a Weatherby mark V, and that cheek piece eliminates face-felt recoil. When I shoot a straight comb stock with no cheek piece, I always get whacked in the face.

Is the rollover on your cheek piece just right for your scope or do you have to move around to get into the scope properly? Would you mind posting a picture of your set-up from both sides of the rifle?

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want a rifle that fits correctly so I don't have to make adjustments in a quick shooting situation. The Browning synthetic feels better to me than than the T3 Lite, but the cheek piece on my Mark V has me spoiled and wanting some kind of cheek piece.

thanks.

 

[lovethosesooners]

The same argument could be made of any of the "value" rifles out there...vanguards, the new Rem 783, etc....this is an "apples and oranges" comparison in that the X Bolt is actually slightly under rifles it actually competes with that are in the same class.

Guess that depends upon what's important to you, but I personally believe X Bolts to be among the best on the market and that the value for what you get is much more than a "name."

I have 3 of them and every one is very accurate (holes touching at 100 yds accurate-I'm not a competitive shooter, but seriously, what more could one ask for in a hunting rifle?)
Action very smooth (which of the Tikka's I've handled, while smooth, seem to have a lot of "play" in them, which was a turn-off to me), 60 degree bolt throw, outstanding ergonomics (magazine literally drops into your hand), rotary magazine, the way the 3 position safety works, lightweight, low recoiling due to stock design (I guess that's why anyhow-I'm always amazed at how low the recoil is on the .308 I have).

I've considered the Tikka's many times and am sure they're great, but when all the "extra's" the X Bolt's come with, to me, YES, they are most definitely worth the cost.

 

[Corn-Picker]

I'll mention a few things no one else has touched on:

I looked at an x-bolt, I didn't care for them because of the stock design (basically it was impossible to get the butt pad in my shoulder pocket and have my cheek on the stock at the same time). I felt like the x-bolt fit only if the butt pad was up on my collar bone, YMMV.

You'll probably never need customer service with the Tikka, but if you do you'll be dealing with Beretta, which is regarded as the worst in the business (and not by a slim margin).