Tikka T3 Lite Stainless or Ruger M77 Hawkeye

Quebec_Shooter

Quebec_Shooter

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Hi folks,

Im a deer and moose hunter. I own a Browning 7mm Magnum and i find it really heavy. So now im looking to buy a new rifle for hunting next season.I got 2 on the top of my list. The Tikka T3 Lite Stainless and the Ruger M77 Hawkeye All weather both in 270 caliber.

I will spend about 50 rounds at the range every year + hunting. Any of you owns one of these 2? I'd like some thoughts and feedback. Cant make my mind.

Thank's
 
Both good choices, neither that I regret. I have the Tikka T3 Lite stainless in 308 and a Ruger M77 MarkII All Weather in 223 (very similar to the Hawkeye). Both are good rifles. Both are accurate. The Ruger is obviously more old school, has a Mauser type bolt and no detachable mag. I like the Ruger built in ring bases and included rings. They seem robust and give me confidence they will hold zero. The Tikka requires you to buy rings and bases, I'm using Leupolds which are a lot less expensive than Optilocks. The Tikka has a way better trigger than the Ruger, and less importantly, or possibly not at all, the bolt is extremely smooth on the Tikka. The Tikka is considerably lighter, which may or may not matter to you.

I'd make the decision based on whether you like the looks and conventional design of the Ruger over the Tikka. If its based on nothing more than performance or weight, I'd give the Tikka the edge for trigger and accuracy. The detachable mag is something you may or may not value and factor into the equation. You won't regret buying either.
 
I'm a huge Ruger fan, but the new Hawkeyes are rough. Solid and dependable, but starting to see some corners cut.

Plenty of Tikka fans on here, and I don't think you'll go wrong.

My two cents:
Look for a used rifle...won't be hard to find a .270, consider a new Savage as well.
 
I would choose the Ruger for the following reasons:

-Aesthetics: traditional styling and less plastic
-Hinged floorplate magazine
-Rings included
-Controlled feed

There is also the option of the Ultra-Light or the Mannlicher-stocked International if you want something lightweight.

The main downside of the Ruger Hawkeye is the matte finish. I prefer the looks of high-polish bluing. I guess it's a case of a cost-cutting measure being marketed as a "feature."
 
Aesthetically, I prefer the looks of the Ruger and the fact it has less plastic. And I find it a relatively light rifle, but the Tikka is VERY light, if that's what you're looking for.
You didn't say, but I think we're all assuming your Browning is an autoloader, which means that either of these rifles will feel comparatively lighter.
 
Kilo Charlie said:
Aesthetically, I prefer the looks of the Ruger and the fact it has less plastic. And I find it a relatively light rifle, but the Tikka is VERY light, if that's what you're looking for.
You didn't say, but I think we're all assuming your Browning is an autoloader, which means that either of these rifles will feel comparatively lighter.
Click to expand...

Exactly!

Thank's to all for your quick replys. It is very much appreciated.

Quebec_Shooter
 
Just adding something different into the mix...

I really like Tikka's, I have 2 of them...
but I also have a Sako A7 stainless in .270....
Similar in some ways to a T3, but with enough differences to make it worthwhile checking out:


  • 3 round semi flush "locking" mag
  • integral rail so you can use a wide variety of scope rings
  • you don't get the long action of the T3 if you pick a short cartridge
  • you can single load from either side, it's not just an ejection port like T3
  • 6.5 lbs - nice carry rifle!
  • comfortable stock
DSC02764.jpg


DSC02766.jpg
 
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When it comes to a hunting rifle looks/aesthetics don't even enter the picture for me.

It's all about function. You want a light, all weather rifle and that is in my mind the Tikka T3 lite in SS of the two you are looking at.

I have one in 243 and it is awesome, shoots real good right out of the box can be carried and shot all day. It is my deer and predator hunting rifle.

For bear and moose I have a Remington 7600 pump rifle in 270win another no nonsense hunting rifle. Light and synthetic makes an awesome hunting rig that can be carried all day if need be.

Also look into a Savage I think you get alot for the buck and can still find what you are looking for in a rifle, function wise. I guess it depends on the type of hunting you do... and how important looking good is while doing it!
 
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The Ruger won't be very light, certainly not as light as the Tikka T3. As well, the Tikka will very likely be more accurate out-of-the-box than the Ruger, with a nicer trigger. But the Ruger is built to last IMO - bottom metal instead of plastic trigger guard, metal bolt shroud instead of plastic, metal floorplate instead of polymer drop box, built-in bases and included rings generally considered to be superior than the Tikka Optilock rings, and any competent gunsmith can make a Ruger trigger break as good as any Tikka for a little cash if it matters that much to you. But it'll never really come close in terms of weight, and putting 50 rounds a year through them is hardly a stretch for either - I know of one T3 already crossing the 1000 round mark after only 2 years and it shoots like a champ and wear-and-tear on the plastic hasn't been an issue at all.
 
Of the Rugers Ive owned they had terrible triggers and lack lustre accuracy.

The Tikkas I had had excellent triggers that did not have to go to a smith and were outstanding shooters. Bolts are very smooth and rifles all functioned flawlessly. If you like Sakos they shoot just as well, the Fins make good stuff. My Tikka T3 .204 is scary accurate

Funny thing is I have a POS Remington 700 30-06 as my big game rifle at the moment. Id sooner shoot a Ruger or Tikka before it but...my money is being tossed at varmint rifles at the moment :D
 
Both are functional, all weather, big game rifles. However, these days I place fit/comfort at the top of my list of requirements. While a rifle may be light, stainless, and accurate, what good is it if it doesn't fit you? My advice is to go to the nearest shop and shoulder a few different brands to see what you like...
 
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