Comparing the two guns for an all around hunting rifle, wondering what people’s thoughts are on the howa actions compared to the Tikka T3X. Both felt smooth and both rifles fit me well just the price point is what gets me. The howa can be put into a boyds or b&c stock for close to what the t3x is worth. The t3x almost feels cheap to hold but feels lighter. Never owned either brand I’ve been a savage guy from day one but looking to add another brand to the gun safe. All and any input helps. Thanks in advance
Howa 1500 vs tikka t3x
- Thread starter Marcus04
- Start date
All I can say is my Tikka is extremely accurate. It's the old T3, not the T3X, and all I have done is put a titanium recoil lug in it. Mines in 270wsm, and with both federal blue box, and Fusion off a lead sled will shoot a 3 shot group under 0.5 moa. I only did 3 shot groups because the barrel got pretty warm. Even of a bipod I get groups like that if I do my part. But Howa's are supposed to be amazing rifles on there own. I am actually going for a Howa for my next purchase.
Eagle hunting supplies has some great deals on Tikkas right now... Might go fast though. About %30 off.
Eagle hunting supplies has some great deals on Tikkas right now... Might go fast though. About %30 off.
Not sure what caliber you're looking for but these guys have a few Howa's with HS Precision stocks.
https://internationalshootingsupplies.com/?s=Howa+hs+precision+&post_type=product
The HS is WAY better than a Boyds or Bell and Carlson.
The Howa's are built like a tank. The Tikka is lighter and nicer to carry. Both are good rifles. You won't be disappointed with either.
https://internationalshootingsupplies.com/?s=Howa+hs+precision+&post_type=product
The HS is WAY better than a Boyds or Bell and Carlson.
The Howa's are built like a tank. The Tikka is lighter and nicer to carry. Both are good rifles. You won't be disappointed with either.
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
It depends a lot on your hunting style. If you tend to wear out a lot of boot leather then the weight of the tikka would be appealing. The tikka is also nice if you're a truck hunter as it has a dbm. So I guess there you have it, tikka wins either way lol.
I appreciate the feedback, I didn’t realize the howa isint a dbm unless you buy the legacy kit. And I do a lot of walking so the lighter rifle is nice but in a 300 wm I’ve heard the tiika’s have more felt recoil. Is the tiika trigger adjustable?
The Tikka trigger is adjustable. I set one at 2-1/2lbs yesterday.
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
No need to sugar coat it, a t3 300wm will be miserable to shoot off of a bench. I have one in a 7mm mag and recoil is stout. I can do 40 or so rounds in a session so it's not terrible but a 300wm shooting heavier bullets would be quite a bit worse. And I'm no sissy when it comes to recoil.
As far as accuracy goes, it's a toss-up. I have 3 Vanguard [Howa] S2 rifles, and 1 S1. All are well under moa with several loads.
The Howa is heavier, but if you are looking at a 300 Win Mag, you may appreciate the extra weight at the bench.
The DBM is a non-issue with me, but some prefer them, so the Tikka wins there, if that is your preference.
I actually prefer the Howa/Vanguard myself, but many like the Tikka. I would suggest that you handle a couple of each
to see how they feel to you. Better yet, shoot one of each in your chosen chambering. Then decide. Dave.
The Howa is heavier, but if you are looking at a 300 Win Mag, you may appreciate the extra weight at the bench.
The DBM is a non-issue with me, but some prefer them, so the Tikka wins there, if that is your preference.
I actually prefer the Howa/Vanguard myself, but many like the Tikka. I would suggest that you handle a couple of each
to see how they feel to you. Better yet, shoot one of each in your chosen chambering. Then decide. Dave.
Yea I’ve heard the recoil on the tikka is a bit more noticeable, I’d like to hear more from the howa guys as they seem to be one of the better if not best budget actions to build on, and also have the option of buying a barreled action, not sure if you can with the tikka. And I’ve heard great things about the vanguard s2’s which I’m told are essentially a 1500.
350tracker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Interlake Manitoba
I have both and they work well for me. I did have a Tikka in the 300WSM and did not like the recoil on that rifle so it's gone now...
I have a Weatherby S2 and a Howa HLR in 6.5 creed - sold them both now drink the lemonaide from the Tikka glass
Tikkas dont fit me in factory form so that is a major part for me. I worked up a load for my buddies t3 in 22250 and it felt like it was on par recoil wise to my savage 300wm shooting 110gr bullets at 3600fps. Not bad recoil but felt horrible from a 22250. That said the stocks dont feel right to me. The savage does.
Tikka uses one action length but for the 300wm that doesnt matter
The howa is heavier in the base model. Feels solid and they fit me well. If the choice was mine id go howa and use the extra cash on better optics
Both my 300wm are savage. The next factory bolt action i buy will likely be a howa but in a mini action
Tikka uses one action length but for the 300wm that doesnt matter
The howa is heavier in the base model. Feels solid and they fit me well. If the choice was mine id go howa and use the extra cash on better optics
Both my 300wm are savage. The next factory bolt action i buy will likely be a howa but in a mini action
