opinion on weatherby vanguard select vs tikka t3

B

bud69

CGN Regular
Rating - 91.3%
70   7   3
Im looking for a light bolt action in 308 whit good accuracy for my hunting trip (black bear,deer)
Im in my wait to buy my next rifle
I handle both of them fit me like a glove

Tikka t3
Weatherby vanguard select

Which one and why is is better over the other ?
 
I would buy the lowest grade vanguard before the t3. Personal preference.
But if you want reasons to not go with the t3.... small top opening. removable mag. plastic. bolt shroud breaks. They say it is a smooth action, I say its loose.
The tikka is 1 pound lighter.
Ideally find a used rem mountain or browning a bolt micro if you want light on a budget.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_rugged_vs_refined.htm
 
Last edited:
guido said:
I would buy the lowest grade vanguard before the t3. Personal preference.
But if you want reasons to not go with the t3.... small top opening. removable mag. plastic. bolt shroud breaks. They say it is a smooth action, I say its loose.
The tikka is 1 pound lighter.
Ideally find a used rem mountain or browning a bolt micro if you want light on a budget.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_rugged_vs_refined.htm
Click to expand...

I agree,

The extra pound is nothing more than a little more "cushion for the pushin' ". ;)
 
You could also look into the Howa Alpine....same as the Vanguard basically, different stock, touch lighter at 5.7lbs and weatherproof.
 
Hitzy said:
You could also look into the Howa Alpine....same as the Vanguard basically, different stock, touch lighter at 5.7lbs and weatherproof.
Click to expand...

I have now had two Howa Alpines, a 6.5 CRM and currently a 308.
Despite the receiver shaving and the 20" barrels etc. they still come in at 7.lbs scoped so no real advantage over the T3 weight wise.
Both Howa and T3 are similar with respect to accuracy, quality control of both are excellent.

As for breaking bolt shrouds on a T3 how the heck do you do that ?
I have had and hunted with T3s in 223, 30-06, 338, and two in 9.3X62 with no bolt shroud issues.
Maybe some people beat a rifle up more than others ?
 
guido said:
I would buy the lowest grade vanguard before the t3. Personal preference.
But if you want reasons to not go with the t3.... small top opening. removable mag. plastic. bolt shroud breaks. They say it is a smooth action, I say its loose.
The tikka is 1 pound lighter.
Ideally find a used rem mountain or browning a bolt micro if you want light on a budget.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_rugged_vs_refined.htm
Click to expand...

Apparently you haven't looked at the changes on the new T-3x.
 
Kevan said:
I have now had two Howa Alpines, a 6.5 CRM and currently a 308.
Despite the receiver shaving and the 20" barrels etc. they still come in at 7.lbs scoped so no real advantage over the T3 weight wise.
Both Howa and T3 are similar with respect to accuracy, quality control of both are excellent.

As for breaking bolt shrouds on a T3 how the heck do you do that ?
I have had and hunted with T3s in 223, 30-06, 338, and two in 9.3X62 with no bolt shroud issues.
Maybe some people beat a rifle up more than others ?
Click to expand...

A little research will give you knowledge on the breaking shrouds. Its not a myth.
 
guido said:
A little research will give you knowledge on the breaking shrouds. Its not a myth.
Click to expand...

Oh, I have read everything that all the T3 critics have posted and I know about the shroud issue, aluminum recoil lug / wedges and others.
All I was saying is that I play no favours on the hunt and having had more than average T3s to play with have had no shroud issues.
Don't misunderstand here, I'm not a charter member of the T3 fan club, I enjoy most all brands equally... Or vice versa.
 
Id take a Tikka anyday of the week over a Vanguard and Ive owned both. Ive never had an issue with a Tikkas whatsoever and if you wish metal bolt shrouds, bottom metal and even metal mags are available and affordable. Slick actions, excellent triggers and exceptional accuracy have made this my go to rifle. I have a Varmint in .223, a T3 Lite in .204 and one in 300 wsm and all shoot extremely well.
If someone is that worried about a shroud buy one for $30 bucks and feel better. You look on the internet hard enough you can find issues with everything. :jerkit:
 
Last edited:
Regarding plastic vs metal for the bolt shroud and trigger guard:

The trigger guard and bolt shroud on the vanguard are die-cast white metal AKA pot metal, AKA the stuff they make dinky cars out of. It's absolutely fine, and I love vanguards, but it's not stronger or more resilient than fiber reinforced plastic.

The X-bolt has a pot metal trigger guard, but an investment cast bolt shroud which is a lot stronger. It's also a fugly bolt shroud, and the Xbolt's bolt is a huge pain in the ass to strip. As bad as a Remington 700.

The Tikka and Vanguard are both terrific rifles. I have more than one of each. To the OP: Buy both!
 
Between the two I would look for a good deal and go with that. Look at the sales or see if you can find a good price on the EE.

Both will shoot well, function well and do everything you want them to do. If you do a lot of walking and stalking, the tikkas lighter weight might be better. If you do a lot of sitting in a stand, shooting from a bench practising at the range, the weight of the vanguard will be beneficial.
 
I had an opportunity to shoot Mr. H's Tikka yesterday and I'm impressed.
First one I've had the pleasure of shooting.
I've had an arff dozen or so Weatherby's and I think my sights may be
for a Tikka in .308win if one should 'appin along.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom