Tikka t3 or browning x bolt?

[medvedqc]

when i guided a browning team in northern quebec they had all xbolts and after a few days they switched for abolt. the xbolt got some bad issues with the rust inside the trigger group. that tells me a lot.

 

[bearkilr]

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.

My T3X's trigger breaks at just a hair under 2 lbs. My T3 is at about 2 1/4 lbs. Both are factory.

 

[Highwind]

Up to a 308 I'd get the Tikka T3X, and in 30-06 and up I'd go Browning X bolt. It's a recoil thing.

 

[brapjack]

I really love my Browning X bolt. Honestly, no one here is going to be able to tell you which is best for you. Go to the local gun shop, run the bolts, shoulder the firearms and one will likely "fit" you best. Both are very accurate and well-finished.

 

[dand883]

Shooting the two side by side i prefer the Xbolt, it just felt better to me overall. I like the balance better, the feel/shape of the stock, the trigger, magazine and the mags are much more compact and solid feeling.

That being said if i found a good deal on a tikka i wouldn't turn it down either, hard to go wrong either one.

 

[Dorian Gray]

I really love my Browning X bolt. Honestly, no one here is going to be able to tell you which is best for you. Go to the local gun shop, run the bolts, shoulder the firearms and one will likely "fit" you best. Both are very accurate and well-finished.

This is good advice. I've shot both. I decided on going with Tikka's instead of the X-Bolt. But that's just me. You might be different. Better to go check them out yourself and see what fits you better, rather than relying on the experiences of others.

Having both particular models that you are interested in, in your hands, will tell you which you should choose.

 

[langfordbc]

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.

I have Yo Dave spring in two Tikkas. They both are slightly over 1 lb.

 

[Jimmy_grayson]

I own 2 tikkas t3 and one xbolt. One as good as the other. Go with what fits you beat or whatever you get the best deal on. If you want a more in depth comparison send me a message.

 

[Caden27]

Great info

 

[burnsy56]

Minor detail but I prefer the tang safety on the X Bolt. Both are stellar rifle brands you can be confident in. No bad choices.

 

[rascal1]

My T3X's trigger breaks at just a hair under 2 lbs. My T3 is at about 2 1/4 lbs. Both are factory.

Well not sure why mine doesn't and I use a good Lyman trigger pull gauge.I even put in a Yo Dave spring with no improvement. Breaks nice but can't get the pull weight any lower that 2.5.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

if you don't care about stainless, it's going to be hard to beat this deal from Italian Sporting Goods which has a 100$ mail in rebate on top of it.

 

[medvedqc]

those trigger weights are really light for a hunting rifle ...

 

[medvedqc]

if you don't care about stainless, it's going to be hard to beat this deal from Italian Sporting Goods which has a 100$ mail in rebate on top of it.

for the right hand shooters maybe lol but that is a good price.

 

[bearkilr]

Well not sure why mine doesn't and I use a good Lyman trigger pull gauge.I even put in a Yo Dave spring with no improvement. Breaks nice but can't get the pull weight any lower that 2.5.

You could file down the screw head to get it backed out a bit more.

 

[remington jim]

I bought the X-Bolt hunter in .308 (walnut/blued). I will never own an other rifle in .308. Every feature from craftsmanship to bolt throw, to accuracy is outstanding in it's class. Done and done, Rob.

Quote “ I will never own another rifle in 308 “ WHAT does that mean or WHY ? RJ

 

[hunter-4-life]

Quote “ I will never own another rifle in 308 “ WHAT does that mean or WHY ? RJ

I think he means because he likes it so much he will never have to buy another 308.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

when i guided a browning team in northern quebec they had all xbolts and after a few days they switched for abolt. the xbolt got some bad issues with the rust inside the trigger group. that tells me a lot.

was this during the development of the xbolt ?

for the right hand shooters maybe lol but that is a good price.

For under 900$, for sure I would go for that xbolt over the tikka. I have been super impressed with browning customer service. They are in Montreal. They replaced the stock on my brand new xbolt that was damaged (rubbed completely through) by the retailer's display lock/chain when the retailer (a site sponsor) told me to go pound sand. No questions asked except what stock I wanted (various models of wood or synthetic), sent a prepaid shipping label and sent it off to their gunsmith. Also lightened the trigger since he had it. The new non-duratouch synthetic stock they put on is very nice.
Tikka is sold by stoeger. Try gettig any after sale service from them. Good luck.

 

[medvedqc]

was this during the development of the xbolt ?

it was certainly pre-production type as they were on a test in real conditions still do not get how the rust was going fast into the trigger group.

 

[Suther]

it was certainly pre-production type as they were on a test in real conditions still do not get how the rust was going fast into the trigger group.

Sounds like exactly the sort of problem they would be looking to figure out and fix with a pre- production trial run.

I used to hunt with a guy who used an xbolt and that was in the wet ass conditions of coastal BC, if he ever had issues with rust he never mentioned it.