Tikka T-3 or Savage, opinions wanted

Not even close.

Apples to Oranges comparison.


T-3 is beyond better than a Savage in all aspects.


I just went through a comparison of a Remington, T-3 and Browning. Savage doesn't belong on the same list.


be happy with a T-3
 
In terms of cosmetics and function smoothness, my Savage does not belong with the said above. That being said, my stock Model 16 Savage will out shoot my 2 Browning Abolt II's and my brother's T3 and Rem 700. For function smoothness, the Browning wins. Shorter bolt lift is more ideal for the bigger scopes and faster follow up shots, if needed. All are plenty accurate for hunting. Now speaking for heavy barrel, match or custom rifles, I cannot speak. These are all stock shooting factory ammo. My Savage is the International XP and I did not like the plastic bottom. I changed out the plastic trigger guard for a stainless one from Savage parts. Plastic mag is ok but I'd prefer metal bottom. The stock was also not to my liking although it did still shoot well. I swapped that out for a boyds laminate. The savage is not pretty but she can shoot. More accurate than all four listed above is an old Savage Edge that I had in 243win. With blue box cheapo fed ammo, I was shooting small clover leaves at 100yrds using cheapo bushnell scope(yes it never broke on me in the 2 yrs I had hunting with it). To me, the Savage is an entry level gun that shoots really well. I have many nicer rifles but for some reason, my go to gun is always the Savage. It will hold its groups out to 400 yards better than the other three. Out of the box, the T3 is nicer cosmetically and function wise. Game is not going to know sub-moa accuracy so choice is yours! Happy shooting!:)
 
Ruger's American will soon be in Canada in stainless-synthetic, both in compact and standard models. The bolt feel is smoother than the Savage Axis,
and the gun just feels better built. If the budget is tight, get the stainless Ruger and put a decent scope on it like the Elite...great glass, Rainguard coating lets you shoot easily in the rain, and good bang for the buck! If you can afford the Tikka, and still put a nice scope like the Elite on it, then go for the Tikka...it's more expensive but a higher class of rifle. From a hunting functionality standpoint, it's far better to have an accurate, reliable, though inexpensive rifle like the Ruger with a good scope on it, then have an accurate, reliable, nicer mid priced rifle (Tikka) with a cheap scope that won't let you make an accurate shot in dim light.
 
I did the same comparison a while ago and ended up with T3. While I have nothing bad to say about my Tikka (in terms of functioning), it feels kind of plasticy and cheaply made. I recently handled a basic Vanguard SII (Howa made) and I am completely taken by its quality. Everything on this gun feels of a better quality than my T3, its composite stock, fit and finish....etc. At about $200 less than a Tikka, it is worth giving it a try. I have never fired one though. Here is an article that compares the two: http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_rugged_vs_refined.htm

I also concur with a previous poster who suggested Marlin XS7. I have owned a XL7 and they are comparable to T3 at around $300 less.
 
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I would say Tikka but I'm hung up that its a long action. That to me is a no go. Its fine if your flavour is a long action but not for a short action round.
 
Buy the savage and put the rest of the budget into a better scope. Unless you can afford a Tikka and a good scope. I'd put aside at least $300 for a scope. But $500 would be more ideal.
 
gwes2003 said:
Both are accurate, with the Tikka a bit more polished in places. End of the day they are both ugly guns that are really good for hunting. So get what feels better in your hands. You'll know the one when you shoulder it!!
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Have to agree on the ugly part. I have a T3 in 30-06, once it got a limbsaver it became my go to rifle. Kicked way out of caliber because of being so light. Shoots awesome with cheap factory loads, have not even tried to load for it. Light, functional, ugly and i dont have to baby it like a higher quality gun with premium walnut.
 
Go to a store that carries both savage and Tikka, handled them both to get a good feel for whichever one shoulders and feels the best for YOU, between the two you mentioned I personally enjoy the tikka more, but like many people have already mentioned, depending on your budget its not a bad idea to spend less on a savage and more on a scope. I know one thing about savage, they are accurate! just not pretty IMO. (not saying tikkas are gorgeous)

You never know, you may get to the store and see something else behind the shelf that catches your eye and end up leaving with a rifle that nobody mentioned here because it feels right for you!

Let us know how you make out.
 
Tikka is my first choice, have shot several Salvage rifles in various calibers and wouldn't feel to put out with one. Not as smooth for sure and i have seen a few weak extractors. Most of your cheaper Salvage rifles come as a package with a low end scope, the higher end rifles are priced similar to the Tikka's, try the fit at your favorite gun store and have fun.
 
I own 3 savages and one tikka. If you're only going to buy one get the tikka and get it in stainless. Especially if youre going to hunt with it. I hate having to clean rifles off after rain so the stainless rifles go out in the rain, blued ones stay home. I am not particularly fond of the savage mags if you don't look at them to make sure they are snapped in correctly they won't feed well and possibly fall out.
 
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