Tikka T3 Lite vs. Winchester 70 Featherlite?

Landsy

Landsy

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Considering both as my first hunting rifle, most likely chambered in 30-06, maybe 308. Which would you choose?
 
I personally like Winchesters more than Tikkas. I'm sure others will feel the same or different. Really handle both side by side and see what feels better for you. I personally find the Tikka front heavy and the stock to feel like crap in my hands. The winchester I have no issues with.
 
Buy the one that is the best fit for you. Tikka is a lite gun so you should shoulder both. I have a tikka t3 and is very accurate but not sure I would purchase it in 30 06 due to the recoil. Prefer something heavier in a 308 or 06.
 
Recently was making the same decision as you. Ended up with a Winchester FW 30-06. Wood and construction feels nicer to me. Winchester will also move manufacturing to Portugal soon so worth getting one made in the USA now.

Tikka's trigger can adjust a bit lighter.
 
I was just looking for a new rifle this past December for a Xmas gift to myself. Looked at a t3 the stock felt cheap and cheesy, operating the bolt sounded like it was also made of plastic.
You guessed it. I picked up the model 70 fw in 30-06. Feels like a rifle should. Nice walnut,smooth action. Hold 5 rounds too. Also wanted a model 70 while they are still made in the USA. But 10 times out of 10 I would choose the m70 over the tikka
 
Neither one is "better" than the other just different. buy what you want, they are both good choices. Cartridge? I have a soft spot for the 30-06.
 
....one is clearly superior.

Advantages to a M70:

Beautfiul wood finish (FW)
Higher quality polished bluing
wonderful trigger - better feeling than even the Tikka. It's an amazing design
best safety in the business - complete disengagement
controlled round feed
conical breech face
Twist disassemble bolt - easy maintenance
no plastic parts!
Fixed ejector
Massive mauser style extractor which holds more than 1/3 of the rim of the cartridge
3 position safety
Pachemayer decelerator standard
No need to remove magazine to load rounds (solid top receiver on t3 makes this necessary)
Integrated steel recoil lug (T3 has aluminum)
Shot and Long action receivers (T3 has one size fits all)

Advantages to the T3:

Plastic is lighter, I guess.
70 degree bolt lift
better for road hunting because of dbm
umm....maybe....nope. Can't think of anything else.
 
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With the exception of trying to single load 223 rounds into a tikka varmint rifle I have never really found a problem loading a tikka without removing the mag
 
There is no doubt that the M70 is the nicer looking, more refined rifle, but I'd bet money that the average T-3 outshoots the average M70 9 times out of 10.
 
Scott_N said:
There is no doubt that the M70 is the nicer looking, more refined rifle, but I'd bet money that the average T-3 outshoots the average M70 9 times out of 10.
Click to expand...

How accurate does a hunting rifle have to be? I've never seen a M70 that didn't have more than adequate 'hunting accuracy'. Many, or most, going under MOA, some much better.

I'd take the M70 FW any day over a T3.
 
I have owned 3 Tikka T3 rifles in the past 3 years or so. Don't own any at present.
I am not particularly intrigued by the T3, and one was not a particularly accurate rifle with any ammo/load I tried.

The new M70, on the other hand, just feels "right" in my hands.
Have not had the opportunity to try several yet, but the two I have shot are plenty accurate.

To me personally, it's a no-brainer, buy the M70 and don't look back!

Regards, Eagleye.
 
Scott_N said:
There is no doubt that the M70 is the nicer looking, more refined rifle, but I'd bet money that the average T-3 outshoots the average M70 9 times out of 10.
Click to expand...

I'd take that bet. I've found the M70 to be sub-moa and the Tikka the same. I would call it a wash. Considering all the other 'differences' it's clear that the M70 is the one to go for.

Obviously, we are talking about current production FN made ones.
 
Not sure how accurate you need a hunting rifle to be but mine shoots under an inch at 100 yards as long as I do my part in this game. That with factory loads and my reloads.
 
i have never shot a Tikka. I always hear that they are dam accurate. I handled one and it was a so so experience. I own two new M70's and love them. Both are accurate. Both are sweet and both are keepers.................
 
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