looking at getting a Tikka T3 or Benelli R1

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elk-a-holic

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I was looking at possibly getting one of these rifles for myself, and was looking for some firsthand thoughts from people that have these in the field. For added info the Tikka T3 is the hunter package with the Burris Fullfield II scope, i would like to know how it shoots, how well the scope and mounts hold up under real world pressure. For the Benelli i would just like some info on accuracy, reliability and durability, as well as any issues people may have discovered.
 
I have several T3's but no R1's (all my Benelli's are shotguns). My Tikka's are for hunting and shoot 1-1.5" groups at 100 yards. Accurate enough for the hunting I do. I use a different scope and rings with my Tikka.
 
I had a Beneli R1 Argo in 300 win mag and loved it.
It was fun the shoot, super reliable and very easy to clean.

Accuracy wise it was more then enough for hunting.

I only sold it due to needing the money when our First Daughter was born. If I every get the spare money again I'd probably buy another.
 
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Benelli will be very reliable with factory rounds, reduced recoil from gas system and accuracy will be marginal at 1.5-2.5" on average. Tikka will be a tack driver, fit better and be lighter and have much better trigger. Only advantage will be follow up shots with the Benelli. Tikka likely wont need follow up shots.
 
shorttrac said:
Benelli will be very reliable with factory rounds, reduced recoil from gas system and accuracy will be marginal at 1.5-2.5" on average. Tikka will be a tack driver, fit better and be lighter and have much better trigger. Only advantage will be follow up shots with the Benelli. Tikka likely wont need follow up shots.
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Since needed follow up shots are more likely due to the shooter than the rifle, I find the above statement misleading.

Not all Tikka rifles are tack drivers either. Most are very good, but exceptions are out there.
I know, I had a T3 Hunter that was a 1½ moa rifle at best.

Not being a semi-auto fan, the Benelli has no real appeal to me, but it will be more than adequate in field conditions.
They have a good reputation for reliability, and soak up some of the recoil.

Bottom line, you need to see how each feels and points for you. Then you can make a decision.
FWIW, semi auto rifles are not exactly a reloader's dream.

Regards, Dave.
 
sounds like the same scope the Sako A7 package comes with.

that took a bit of getting used to, at least for me... I think they call it a floating reticle or something like that.

a lot of my friends use T3's and have nothing bad to say about how they function. it's mainly minor gripes about the amount of plastic that's in the gun... mind you the hunter has the wood stock, so it'll be less plasticky.

the Tikka's I've seen and shot seem to be fairly accurate with even cheap factory loads and better with mid-range stuff. the actions are smooth out of the box and the trigger is really nice.

I have no experience with the benelli R1, but to toss a 3rd gun in, check out the Browning X-Bolt.

good luck in your decision making!
 
My Benelli R1 in 338 mag is a great hunting rifle with my pet load with 225 gr TSX... 1.5 MOA easy up to 350 yards, recoil is minimal, reliability is flawless, and maintenance is so easy, cant go wrong with either... This R1 is a very nice rig for hunting... JP.
 
IIRC 1.5 to 2 MOA was about right for my Benelli as well.
It wasn't picky about ammo either.

Nothing wrong with Tikkas as well.
 
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I would pass on fullfield II unless real cheap. Had one recticle go wonky and lose zero and another lens coating came off. Bushnell elites are the best thing going for the money by far. Sweet deals on EE regularly.
 
Have you considered the Sako A7 as an alternative to the T3? Its a little more money but for me I felt the differences were worth the price. Lots of comparative reviews can be found if you're interested. As for the R1, it is a fine gun for a semi auto. Reliable, easy to take down and clean, accuracy is as the others described it - decent but not bolt gun accurate. Biggest complaint is the trigger, which has a fair bit of creep. The A7 by comparison has a wonderful trigger and is dead on accurate. If I were to choose just one it would be the bolt gun.
 
Just got a T3 the first cheap ammo I tried, shot 1.5" 5 shot group right away. I can only imagine it will get better as I find the right ammo.
 
Never had a Benelli-cant comment on it. I have had 2 Tikka T3 in the LS models----great shooters:sniper: Silky smooth actions...got to like silky smooth;)

Loved the T3's. Both were in 270WSM. Recently sold them to the inlaws (helped fiancé my Yamaha Rhino purchase) since I bought in December 2012 a mint Sako m75ss rifle in 270WSM:rockOn:
 
It is very difficult to compare a bolt action rifle with a semi auto.

T3 is almost half the price of a R1 and is lighter. Overall T3 would be more accurate than any semi auto.

R1 is a highly rated semi auto in terms of reliability and durability.

If you are new to big game hunting I would recommend a bolt action rifle like T3, A7 or X-bolt.

Save the money on the R1 to buy a good scope. Bushnell Elite or Leupold... Spend your money on ammo to practice...
 
I just bought my first rifle, a Tikka T3 Synthetic Stainless in .270. I haven't been able to shoot much since getting it a couple weeks ago, but I did mount a Bushnell Trophy XLT 4-12x40.

 
For me a R1 give me a very accurate first shot ( that's really the only one you need ) but it's also give me extras fast follow up shots in case it's needed, without loosing my target sight, this is a big +, we are not at the range here, we are hunting... In my book that is... JP.
 
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