Tikka T3 or Savage

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grady450

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Hey everyone, I'm new to the game, and the forums, but I thought I would get some considerations.

I've finished my test and currently waiting on my license, so all I can do is research and make a wishlist.

I'm looking for something that will be a good rifle for both target (600yd range) and hunting (BC, deer and likely moose) so from what I've read I'm eyeballing .300 Win Mag for caliber (possibly 7mm rem mag).

I'm also a lefty so that limits me.

Which would be the better choice
Tikka T3 - considering hunter, lite stainless, and maybe varmint stainless
Savage 110 Predator Hunter Max(for the accustock and trigger, not sure which caliber though)
Savage 111 International Trophy Hunter (no accustock)
Savage 116 FLCSS

Can anyone weigh in on these options?
I'm wondering if I should opt for the smaller caliber of the 110 Pred and eventually pickup a larger rifle for large game hunting.

--- Update ---
Thanks for all the feedback. I'll leaning more towards the tikka now.
One thing though, with regards to caliber, if I wanted something for range and hunting which would be a good option? Most of these I'm not familier with, looking for price and availability (general info is fine).
25-06, 6.5x55 SE, 270 Win, 7x64, 30-06, 8x57IS, 9.3x62, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag.
The magnums aren't something I'm uncomfortable with, as much as this is my first rifle, I'm not a new shooter. (But thanks for the warning Timmy)
 
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I, personally, couldn't be happier with my Stainless T3. I have no experience with the savage though. I wouldn't recommend any 'varmint' style, as I feel the weight is unecessary, when you don't need many shots. If this will be a range toy as swell, then go ahead.
 
My vote is for a savage model 14 with the nice wood stock and stainless action and barrel. I have one In a short action and its
Accurate and a pleasure to hunt with.
 
I have both and the Tikka is vastly superior in fit & finish. The Tikka has a much smoother action also. Accuracy is similar. I never use the Savage because I just find the action to be "crusty". If money was an object, I may consider Savage. If money is not an object, I would not ever consider a Savage.
 
Another vote for the T3.

Stay away from the varmint style barrel. Too much extra weight. With a scope it would be around 10 lbs.

Having said that, install a Limbsaver recoil pad on the T3. My newly acquired T3 scoped weigh in at 6.8 lbs. I will likely be adding some weight to the stock to bring the weight to somewhere between 7.5 lbs and 8 lbs. It is a 300wsm.

Have fun.

BTW, a 30-06 would also be a great choise for your intended useage. Easier on the shoulder too.
 
I have a heavy tikka and a t3 lite also. I have not owned a savage. I've held many but couldn't get past the feel of it. So I didn't buy any. The heavy tikka is great for varminting and targets but a bit heavy to be carried too far. I haven't compared the accuracy of mine as I bought the lite at the end of this last hunting season. For what you're talking about doing a 30 06 or 7mm in a T3 lite is what I would get. Make sure you put a decent scope on it too.
 
Having owned both I'd take the T3, It's just a better gun in most respects. If this is your first rifle I would advise against a magnum as your first rifle. A 260, 7mm-08, 308, 270, 30-06 would be a lot funner to shoot just starting out. (Don't ask me how I know.) Make sure you handle both and see which one you like better before you make your decision.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I'll leaning more towards the tikka now.
One thing though, with regards to caliber, if I wanted something for range and hunting which would be a good option? Most of these I'm not familier with, looking for price and availability (general info is fine).
25-06, 6.5x55 SE, 270 Win, 7x64, 30-06, 8x57IS, 9.3x62, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag.
The magnums aren't something I'm uncomfortable with, as much as this is my first rifle, I'm not a new shooter. (But thanks for the warning Timmy)
 
My heavy tikka is a 6.5 55(it works very well and with handloads shoot very well) and the t3 lite is a 7mm08. I'm not scared of recoil at all just what's the point of all the extra power when the deer is just as dead. Also was started with lighter recoiling rifles by a friend so I didn't develop a flinch. I very happy he took the time to do that.
 
I have a 11/111 international trophy hunter in 7MM mag and just love it. Before I bought it last year, I did a lot of research and fired lots of different rifles and this is the one that choose. That being said, you have to find what works and is comfortable as well as what is a good fit as far as your hunting/shooting style. I had the luxury of having many friends with different types of rifles to be able to try out. One of the clinchers for me was save a bit on a very accurate rifle and have more $$ to upgrade the scope! As far as the calibers, all the ones you listed are suitable ( look at 7-08 as well), just look into price for quality ammo as well when deciding. Good luck and have fun looking!!
 
Your going to want to shoulder both rifles and see how they feel and fit you. Everyone is different. I also shoot lefty and I prefer the T3. It fits me very well. Some of the recommendation to stay away from the magnums is that if you do get a T3 they are a light gun, so felt recoil is going to be a bit stiffer than a heavier rifle like the Savage. Have you explored Ruger Hawkeye's? They also come left handed.

If you are not reloading or are not planning on reloading then I would stay with the common calibres as you will save some money and ammo availability - especially now with the "Obama is going to take all our guns" doom and gloom to our south. So something in 270 Win or 30.06 would serve you well, in my opinion.
 
Savage 16 would be an excellent hunting rifle to carry on your back. Very nice features for a good price. I just bought a new rifle and decided against tikka for a few reasons. Although its weight is great for carrying its way too light for me when actually shooting. It always wiggles too much whether I'm at the bench or prone or what. In my mind that's a gun you hike with and shoot once a year at a big target like a deer. The second reason I disliked the tikka is the lack of upgrades. Good luck replacing the stock if you ever want to. And you'll be paying out the nose for a new trigger if you want one. I absolutely love my savage 25 with thumbhole laminate stock. It's got great weight for the range and the gopher patch. And being a young guy I still have no problem carrying it all day when coyote hunting. Would I want to carry it on a week long trek? No. Would I ever shoot it free hand? Probably not. This thing shoots far better than my buddies t3 light but I think part of that comes down to the weight...

If you bought that savage 16 FCSS in left hand I think you'd be very happy. And that's an extra couple hundred bucks to put into a scope.
 
As long as you're fine with the detachable mag and it's available in your desired caliber, you will not regret spending a bit more on the Tikka. IMO, it's the most practical buy out there.
 
JRodko said:
Savage 16 would be an excellent hunting rifle to carry on your back. Very nice features for a good price. I just bought a new rifle and decided against tikka for a few reasons. Although its weight is great for carrying its way too light for me when actually shooting. It always wiggles too much whether I'm at the bench or prone or what. In my mind that's a gun you hike with and shoot once a year at a big target like a deer. The second reason I disliked the tikka is the lack of upgrades. Good luck replacing the stock if you ever want to. And you'll be paying out the nose for a new trigger if you want one. I absolutely love my savage 25 with thumbhole laminate stock. It's got great weight for the range and the gopher patch. And being a young guy I still have no problem carrying it all day when coyote hunting. Would I want to carry it on a week long trek? No. Would I ever shoot it free hand? Probably not. This thing shoots far better than my buddies t3 light but I think part of that comes down to the weight...

If you bought that savage 16 FCSS in left hand I think you'd be very happy. And that's an extra couple hundred bucks to put into a scope.
Click to expand...

You wont need a new trigger. I had no problems finding a Robertson and a Bell and Carlson stock for my Tikka's.
 
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