Browning VS Tikka

swrmacmullin

swrmacmullin

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I'm not sure if this is one of those common Ford Chevrolet or Dodge questions so that's why I'm bringing it up here. I've been looking at a couple stainless x bolts, as well as some stainless t3s. From What I can tell they are priced similarly and reviews on both guns are very good. I haven't shot either before but am thinking it's a step up from the axis and the Parker hale(may be for sale soon if your interested) I have been shooting. Just looking for deer and target. Looking into 7mm-08, 270wsm, or 7mm. I already shoot a 7mm so that's why I'm looking into something a little lighter. But enough rambling, just looking for overall opinions and out of the box accuracy. Would like a sub moa rifle and as far as I understand both of these guns are out of the box capable. As a side note I would like to reach out to at least 400 yards, which I have been doing fairly confidently with my 7mm the last couple years.

Thanks for the help!
 
It is a ford or chevy question, though I think the ford and chev wish they could be as good or reliable as a tikka or browning to be honest. Both are great choices, I would go for a T3 hunter or x-bolt medalion if in your budget
 
My preference would be to go with the xbolt.

Some of the features on the Browning that appeal to me over the Tikka are:

-3 lug bolt
-Short action for short action chamberings.
-Barreled action with an actual recoil lug
-Metal trigger guard / bottom metal
-Factory bedded action
-Rotary Magazine
-Tang Safety
-Recessed barrel crown
-Stainless firing pin

I'm sure they will both shoot great.

Just my 2c
 
Purchasing a rifle is a very personal thing. Some people go for looks or expect magic from certain design features etc.

The thing is, most commercial firearms available today are VERY GOOD value. Most are accurate with ammo they like as long as the sights whether they are irons or glass are up to the task and most importantly whether the OPERATOR is up to the task.

IMHO you should pick the rifle that feels the most comfortable in your hands, when it is on your shoulder and you are comfortable acquiring the sight picture.

Both rifles you mentioned are excellent. It's the personal fit that will make all the difference in the world to the target.
 
Either one. I am partial to Browning's however I did buy a Sako A7 a few years back over the Browning X-Bolt I was looking at. The Sako had a really nice action (they're known for that). Anyway, the Sako turned out to be a dud (long story) and Browning has never let me down to date. In fact, every Browning I bought with iron sights (most of them were) hit bulls eye on the first shot.

Good luck!
 
If you don't plan on upgrading or changing out parts the X-Bolt is probably the better choice. Tikkas are usually fantastic barrelled actions with great triggers but the rest of them are disposable IMO.

Patrick
 
Sako / Tikka are one of my favourite brands. Whilst I like Browning, I prefer their shotguns to their rifles. Buy a Tikka and never look back.

Candocad (the Sako / Tikka fan boy��)
 
Both good but I'd say the Tikka is put together better than the X-Bolt. Specs and tolerances are way 'more true' on a Tikka. Also, xbolt stocks are a little softer than the Tikka. Tikka stocks are quite stiff (T3x anyway). If you're going with factory ammo, you'll to spend time and $$ and both to find what shoots well. My T3's have all shot moa or better with my hand loads. I've owned xbolts and my experience has been that I've had to spend more time finding the sweet spot.
 
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Hitzy said:
I thought Tikka was still made in Finland but owned by Beretta, and Browning made in Japan but owned by FN Belgium?
Click to expand...

They are made in Finland, but that doesn't make them a Volvo. Volvo is made in Sweden, owned by Chinese. So we still don't know which one's the Volvo. :)

But back on topic, I'd pick the Tikka. Don't like the Xbolt and the silly button on the bolt handle or mag box design.
 
Pick your cartridge first. theres nothing in hate more than a chevy 1 ton, with a gas job, and a two foot box,with no lid. Inside the the 8 foot bed.
 
Get the one that feels better in your shoulder, you'll shoot it better. E.g. I've never handled an X-bolt, but I've handled the T3 in the Lite and Hunter versions. I dislike the Lite stock but the Hunter feels right - not just the synthetic vs. wood, the slight difference in shape does it for me.
 
Ive owned 1 Xbolt stainless stalker for my coyote season 2 years ago and quite like the rifle. It felt great in my hands and shot 3/4 MOA all day. I didn't care for the trigger and couldnt find one in .204 which I prefer over the .223 for coyotes. Sold it and bought a T3 Lite. The T3's have the slickest bolts out there,very accurate and easy to load for. All kinds of aftermarket support for them now make it my favorite of the 2 but its all what you prefer. Either will serve you extremely well.
 
I have owned an A-bolt micro medallion chambered in 284win, for 30 yrs. It has never given me any trouble. The 60 degree bolt lift and tang safety along with a clip make brownings a very handy rifle. I like the fact that they make a short action. I don't have any experience with Tikka. If it was me, I would go with Browning with no hesitation.
 
I have three Tikka rifles two older and a newer T3 stainless synthetic and a single Browning A bolt. They are all good rifles with good hunting accuracy. Between half inch to a bit more than one inch at 100 yards. I like them all but as I get older the T3 usually gets the nod for weight issues.

Pick one and fill yer freezer. No bad choices here IMHO.
 
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