I am looking at venturing into a bit longer range shooting and I am sure both rifles in 6.5 creedmoor are better that I can ever make them perform. Both the Tikka CTR and the Begara B-14 have jumped out at me. I have seen people's CTR's on here sitting in new chassis systems and they look amazing. The support isn't out there for the B-14 but from some reviews I read, it is pretty good the way it is. Can you give me pros and cons for these two rifles?
Begara B-14 or Tikka T3x CTR?
- Thread starter Lakeboy
- Start date
JDMLandscaping
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Mainland BC
So I was at the exact same spot as you a month or so ago and I started a thread very similar to this one (check out my posts to find it quick if you want) and both are great firearms and you will not go wrong either way. The bergara can use a lot of remmy 700 parts so the aftermarket support is great for them and the barrels are supposed to be spot on made in the US by verterans. The stock is set up more for bench shooting and has the mini chassis bedded into the stock. Trade off is it is 2lbs heavier then the Tikka but if all you want to do is carry it to the firing line and then back to the truck that won’t make to much difference. The Tikka well is a Tikka lol by all accounts the fit and finish is amazing, 1moa or better guarantee from the factory, is much lighter to carry, the bolt operates on a 70 degree bolt throw instead of 90 so leaves more space for large optics or whatever. The aftermarket support is not as good but that being said it is getting much better, the stock is the only real downfall on it. It feels cheap as it is the standard plastic style stock they use but it does not impact the function of the rifle at all.
I am going to go with the Tikka myself. I plan to use it for hunting and target long range so to me the weight savings were a big factor. It is also a proven brand that I own already and know I like the platform. The last thing that got me was when researching both I kept seeing that the majority of the reviews on the Tikka had guys shooting it out of the box out to 1000 or more where the bergara most of the reviews were to 600-800. Not saying the bergara can’t get out there but it was just something I noticed. If you plan to put it in a chassis anyways I would go with the Tikka as almost all companies make one for it and with the bergara part of the price tag on it is because of the mini chassis that is built into the stock so putting it in a chassis, while it would look cool, would not do anything for performance. Then again the gains on performance for the Tikka are very low-next to nothing as well. Basically I do not think you would go wrong either way. Good luck!
I am going to go with the Tikka myself. I plan to use it for hunting and target long range so to me the weight savings were a big factor. It is also a proven brand that I own already and know I like the platform. The last thing that got me was when researching both I kept seeing that the majority of the reviews on the Tikka had guys shooting it out of the box out to 1000 or more where the bergara most of the reviews were to 600-800. Not saying the bergara can’t get out there but it was just something I noticed. If you plan to put it in a chassis anyways I would go with the Tikka as almost all companies make one for it and with the bergara part of the price tag on it is because of the mini chassis that is built into the stock so putting it in a chassis, while it would look cool, would not do anything for performance. Then again the gains on performance for the Tikka are very low-next to nothing as well. Basically I do not think you would go wrong either way. Good luck!
I’ve never owned a Bergara but for a turn-key gun (if you don’t plan on modifying) it looks like a good offering with good features. I have only one Remington 700 and found it very underwhelming. I have owned several Tikkas and they have all been shooters. Not only that, for factory offering, they are very well made and designed (think bolt throw and the design of the action itself). Ex: you won’t need to upgrade the trigger
I currently run a T3 CTR for PRS and for hunting. I simply swap the stock and off I go. The CTR stock, while plastic, are very durable. The 10 round CTR mag is, in my opinion, much superior to the AICS design.
Lots of aftermarket for the Tikka now.
I currently run a T3 CTR for PRS and for hunting. I simply swap the stock and off I go. The CTR stock, while plastic, are very durable. The 10 round CTR mag is, in my opinion, much superior to the AICS design.
Lots of aftermarket for the Tikka now.
Thanks Guys, I really appreciate the help and will start looking at the CTR closer. I also have a Rem 700 SPS Tactical in .223 for coyote hunting and I agree it was very underwhelming and is also the reason I did not have another 700 listed in the choices.
The Tikka T3/T3X CTR is a great choice. I like the Bergara in theory, have yet to handle one. Will have to make that happen one of these days. Both of those rifles will get you there with no issue.
Remington 700 can be pretty underwhelming but they are a decent rifle and it's easy to find a gunsmith even here to take it to the next level. I'm personally working on a Weatherby Vanguard (Howa 1500) right now and I've been blown away by the quality and ease of service to the rifle. I would suggest checking one out. I thought a Tikka T3/T3X bolt was easy to disassebmle. The Howa 1500 is cake compared to the T3.
Remington 700 can be pretty underwhelming but they are a decent rifle and it's easy to find a gunsmith even here to take it to the next level. I'm personally working on a Weatherby Vanguard (Howa 1500) right now and I've been blown away by the quality and ease of service to the rifle. I would suggest checking one out. I thought a Tikka T3/T3X bolt was easy to disassebmle. The Howa 1500 is cake compared to the T3.
I agree 100%, the CTR mag is far superior to the AICS mag system. I don't understand why people buy the CTR, then drop it into a chassis that forces them to use an inferior mag system. I have both a CTR and a HMR and I prefer the CTR for the mag system, the trigger (no you don't need a new trigger spring) and the barrels are just great shooters. Yes the Bergara is a great turn key rifle, just add optics and ammo and go. But the quality of the Tikka is a smidgen better and the mag system is awesome.
I've been shooting my CTR at The Longest Mile for a couple years now.
While I dont shoot "ragged holes" with mine, and I don't reload. I've had many groups of 5 shots on a playing card at 500m with it. Consistently if I do my part. With Austrian Hirtinberger surplus 7.62x51 (both 1975 and 1980, although the years are slightly ballistically different).
I've vote CTR.
While I dont shoot "ragged holes" with mine, and I don't reload. I've had many groups of 5 shots on a playing card at 500m with it. Consistently if I do my part. With Austrian Hirtinberger surplus 7.62x51 (both 1975 and 1980, although the years are slightly ballistically different).
I've vote CTR.
