Tikka t3 or browning x bolt?

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tipper

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I'm looking for a new 30-06 with a detachable magazine. I've been looking at the tikkas but heard the stock basically sucks? Browning the way to go?
 
Flip a coin. Tikka has one of if not the stiffest plastic stock you will find before going composite. X bolts kick less. Tikka t3igger goes a pound lower out of the box. Xbolt needs a spring change to get that low. Safety is better in a xbolt for a hunting rifle. Both nice rifles.
 
If you get the tikka, you can't get all those cool browning stickers, hats, jackets, floor mats, steering wheel covers.....
I have owned both browning and tikka. They have all been very accurate. My preference is the tikka.
 
prairie lover said:
Flip a coin. Tikka has one of if not the stiffest plastic stock you will find before going composite. X bolts kick less. Tikka t3igger goes a pound lower out of the box. Xbolt needs a spring change to get that low. Safety is better in a xbolt for a hunting rifle. Both nice rifles.
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Tikka's advertised min trigger weight is a lie. Can't get them lower than 2.5 lbs because the screw backs up into the mounting bolt of the trigger group. Have had 2 T3x rifles and both had the same issue. Have a Yo Dave trigger in my current rifle, didn't make a difference. In this day and age, there is no reason to have only a 2 position safety like the Tikka. The X bolt has a 3 position set up which is much safer. Tikka is a bit lighter and has more after market support and has probably a bit smoother action. I am going to flip it and get another X Bolt.
 
The stock doesn’t suck. Some people say it’s ugly and somewhat unergonomic though. The T3 has a lighter weight trigger, and some people say perhaps a slightly better barrel. The X-Bolt has a better everything else.
The Browning is more in the Sako 85 class when it comes to action design. The Tikka is more basic.
Both are good out of the box, which one is better for you depends on what you prioritize.
 
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They are both great choices. The biggest differentiator is the Tikka’s bolt is much smoother. I would recommend you handle both in person before deciding.
 
If it was to be a new rifle, then I'd say Tikka over the Browning. I'd take a Winchester over both. I've been really happy with all of my T3s (though I've never had a plastic one).

If I was going to buy a Tikka though, and wanted a detachable mag, I'd find a nice-condition 658 or similar. Detach mag, good quality iron sights, nice wood stock, etc. Twice the rifle for half the money.
 
Tikka t3x alĺ the way. Smoother action, lighter weight, better trigger, modular stock (that doesn't suck) and way more industry support.
 
Really sounds like a case of "handle them both and see what makes you happier"

Never had/used an X-bolt but hear lots of good things.

Love the Tikkas. 0 complaints. Hard to find better.
 
Tikka for aftermarket support
Xbolt gtg right out of the box.

Xbolt SS stalker is slick as snot right out of the box ,
 
I have both. Go handle the models you would buy and see if they fit you because thats the biggest gripe i have heard from owners in both camps.

Honestly though everything else is splitting hairs
 
Thank you guys for all the helpful information!
I will certainly have to go handle both and see which one feels better for me.
 
X-bolt is very nice, only gripe I have is the trigger which Mcarbo addressed for like $15 (although still a touch heavy for me, it came in at 3 pounds 1 ounce or so). I really like the safety, magazine, slick short-throw action, and overall quality and fit & finish of the X-bolt. Stock is decent, inflex recoil pad is nice, scope mounting is super reliable (4 screws per base).

I also have a T3X, the trigger is better out of the box, no question. Mags aren't as nice, stock not quite as rigid, recoil pad isn't as comfy, but holy moly can it shoot. Aftermarket support is awesome as well, you can turn it into anything.

Both feed super nice with their center feed magazines and both of them are a fine choice for hunting. Slick actions and reliable feeding/extraction/ejection in my experience. IMO out of the box the Browning is a bit nicer but mine isn't as accurate as my Tikka.
 
Never seen an Xbolt at any of our PRS shoots or F Class. Plenty T3's though. They hold up quite well. One of the best bedding set ups with the recoil lug bedded in the stock. Done right any T3 action will fit right in a bedded stock and shoot straight....and the T1X will also fit into that stock as a trainer set up. T3 action is Lighter than a Rem 700 action, don't know about the Xbolt weight.
Most factory stocks are not up to much and one improves with aftermarket offerings, no matter what rifle brand.
edi
 
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