T3X Super Varmint VS. 110 Core Predator

J

jp123

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Flatrock, Newfoundland
I'm looking at picking up a new rifle for coyote hunting in 22-250. These two have caught my eye and the reviews I've read on both have been positive. My local gun shops however have neither in stock, but are happy to order. Has anyone had any experience with both that could offer an honest comparison?
Thanks
JP
 
Every single tikka I've owned and shot have been perfect; very very accurate and no issues
I've owned a few savages - when they shoot, they shoot, but I've had troubles with fit and finish. one had a faulty safety (110 varmint) another one had the scope mount holes in the receiver drilled off axis, another one had problems fully locking the magazine into place. all were warrantied and it was expensive to send to On and it got really old by the 3rd time.
i dont buy savages anymore haha
 
I’ve had a couple savages and my buddy has a few more. He loves them I’ve also had a few tikkas and they are my preference. I don’t currently own a savage and likely won’t unless it falls into my lap.

I just find that the tikkas are a smoother nicer action and shoot better in my experience. Not saying the savage won’t shoot cause they do but I always recommend a tikka!

B
 
Have handled the new 110 CORE Predator at a US dealer show last month - very impressive rifle! I think I'm going to pick one up in 204 Ruger
 
owned a couple of savages over the years , the last one being the savage ultralight but replaced it with a Tikka, there's just no comparison quality wise. I still own half a dozen tikkas from 338 to 22lr and they are the best bang for your buck by a long shot.
 
Another vote for Tikka.

Have owned Savage. Most have had issues. Feeding, extracting, fitment issues etc.

Have also owned Tikka and Sako. Not a single problem.

I don’t buy Savages anymore. YMMV.
 
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On paper both tick many of the same boxes and aside from the green stock look very appealing.
One stand out is the Tikka can come in a 1-14 or 1-8 twist where it seems the Savage is only 1:12.
No idea if this would matter but likely something to consider.
Something else to consider is no matter what you do to the Savage it will never run as smooth as the Tikka.
It would also be likely the Tikka would have less depreciation and sell quicker than the Savage.
But after doing a quick glance at their basic costs I’d have to have a fluffy budget to justify a thousand dollar difference…a plastic Tikka for $2500 is a big pill to swallow - you could spin a custom barrel on the Savage and still come in at the same price as the Tikka…
But if you got the dollars to burn the Tikka would be my choice.
 
I've owned both. Had 2 or 3 Savages (110s and 116s) before my first Tikka. I like the Tikka trigger far better - crisp, clean breaks every time. The AccuTrigger wasnt my favourite. Accuracy out of the box goes to Tikka, hands down, and they do better with a wider variety of ammo - factory and hand load. Fit and finish far better on the Tikka too. I eventually sold the Savages to fund more Tikkas. Mine are all either 308 or 30-06, so I cant speak to 22-250, but im sure the results would be similar. YMMV
 
I’ve owned two savages both of them shot exceptionally well. But that’s it and a long list of dislikes including reliability. I could see owning one for just punching paper or steel but other than that no thanks. Really like tikkas about the only thing that I would like more would be a double stack, flush magazine and possibly adjustable comb. Not sure what kind of predator hunting you’re going to be doing, but if it involves walking the varrmit, model wouldn’t be the one I would choose. I would give up some accuracy and go with the light or super light. My current coyote gun is a sako 85 carbon lite in 1-14 22-250. The only thing I would possibly change would be a 1-8 22 creedmore.
 
In my hands-on experience with centerfires made by both companies...I really don't know who would pick a Savage over a Tikka in a side by side comparison but that's me. Savage used to have the $ edge so I get that, but back when I stopped looking....Savages were creeping up in cost without QC improvements as an understandable cause. In a world where Savage CF rifles cost 60% as much as Tikkas=I get the appeal. The closer they get in price=the more I suggest saving longer.

From a nuts and bolts/what would a beginner see first?

"Tikka/Savage accuracy are comparable"=my targets suggest the same, but with the Savage I was running handholds. I've yet to shoot a Tikka CF rifle that wasn't MOA or better with factory ammo. Another observation-the last Savage I used my own $ for=the finishing on the barrel was so rough/deep tooling marks that it ground fibres off of the cleaning rags when I wiped them down with a rag. Little balls of fluff dotting the length of the barrel. I've always believed Savage can make good barrels, and decently light (acu) triggers etc. but if they can find a place to cut corners they will. I once cut myself on a new/plastic Savage stock. lol

I love the Tikka SuperVarmints and tried to order one well before they ever came to Canada. Now that they've been here a while...and knowing the extra frills/nice finishes won't make it shoot better than a standard Varmint model....it's still an idea that's brewing....

Good luck with your choice
 
It used to be there was a big difference in price between Savage and Tikka... but now, depending on the model, that gap is much closer (especially if you are a savvy shopper).

Now, the real value is in the Tikka, for not much more $. Much better rifle, no question.
 
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Just to add from my previous note I’d go for a varmint vs a super varmint. If you need an adjustable cheek piece install a Kalix Teknik CR1 (super easy just need a screw driver, drill and drill bit.) they are $150 plus tax. CSC usually has them in stock but not currently.

I see a stainless varmint T3X 22-250 price of $1624.77

Super varmint I see $2425.00.

Now if you want the fluted bolt and the other add ons like 2 stage trigger, cerakote etc. sure go for it. However, it likely won’t shoot better than a standard stainless varmint. (I have had a couple varmint barrels all have been fantastic.)

B
 
I have not tried the Savage but I do have a Tikka Super Varmint in .223 and it is an absolute tack driver. I got a NIB for $2100 shipped from a great CGN member and feel the extras you get with the Super Varmint (adjustable cheek piece, scope rail, better stock and metal coating) was worth the extra dollars. Very happy with the rifle.
 
wasrupzuk said:
But after doing a quick glance at their basic costs I’d have to have a fluffy budget to justify a thousand dollar difference…a plastic Tikka for $2500 is a big pill to swallow - you could spin a custom barrel on the Savage and still come in at the same price as the Tikka…
But if you got the dollars to burn the Tikka would be my choice.
Click to expand...

Putting lipstick on a pig sort of example.
 
Get the Tikka Super Varmint, but make sure they order you the one with the faster twist barrel.
Tikkas typically have a 1-14 twist which limits you to lighter bullets. The Super Varmint is currently the only model in 22-250 that Tikka offers in 1-8 twist.
Savage 22-250s have a 1-12 twist.
I'd go for the Tikka and get the faster twist rate.
 
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Got both aswell. An OG Tikka T3 Tactical 300wm and a OG savage 110FCP 308 and both are amazing. But the savage is the older non threaded model.

The Tikka is by far wayyy smoother action wise but both go bang and shoot very good
 
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