Tikka T3 vs Savage 16FLHSS

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MuleyMadness

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Hi All,

New member, been reading for a long time but thought you all might be able to provide some insight so this is my first post. I am considering a couple of rifle purchases, a .270 WSM and a .300 WSM for myself and my son. Up until now I have always shot Browning and Remington rifles but this time around I am very strongly considering the Tikka T3 and Savage 16FLHSS (I shoot left handed). I know the Tikka doesn't make a true short actions and there is a lot of plastic but I want you folk's experiences with the rifles toughness, accuracy, action smoothness, feed issues (if any), triggers, and any major problems you have encountered. I am a hunter first but the game I hunt (monster muley's and elk along with the occasional moose and whitetail thrown in) rarely is standing still nor lets you get much closer than 250 - 300 yards (at best) so I need an accurate rifle that does what I want after a rough hike in crappy weather. I am only really interested in Synthetic stocks though if any of you really love the wood on either of those two models by all means share. Incidentally if anyone is curious I am going away from Brownings simply because I want the chance to experience something new (I have only ever had 1 new rifle before, and that was my 16 year old Browning(that is hopefully as good for less bucks) and don't want another Remington because frankly I am not at all impressed with the new stuff they are turning out. Thanks for all your help in advance, anything else I can tell you to help please let me know.

Todd
 
I owned a savage in 300 win mag. Model 116fcss (stainless synthetic with drop mag) weather warrior. I am a shi*ty shot pretty well, but I was putting my home loads into .88 inches @ 100. Darn accurate rifle. But I had a little run in with a Grizz and wanted something a little bigger.
So I found a Tikka T3 lite in .338 win mag and sold the savage. This tikka is SOOOO smooth, I find myself actually looking at the round chamber because there is so little resistance, it feels like I slid over the round. I have never used a gun that was so easy and fast to work the action.
The savage's stock left a lot to be desired. It did the job, but was pretty flimsy at the front. The Tikka's is much more rigid and is fibreglass reinforced throughout. I have only done preliminary load testing but my first big batch of handloads got me 5 round groups of 1.08" to .98" @ 100 with a rifle rest and burris scope. I don't really care if I can get better than that. The tikka's are sure light, mine is 6 3/8 pounds, and this can spell heavy recoil. I put a thick soft decelerator recoil pad on mine and its made a world of difference. Now it feels like a .30-06 to shoot. Definately get a good recoil pad, and it will be a joy to carry and shoot. (get decent glass on top for it too)
 
I can't comment on the Savage but I do own a T-3 in 270 WSM. Like sgt.rock said, the action is very smooth. The trigger is good as it comes from the factory, and it only takes an allen wrench to adjust the trigger pull. The most common problem with these rifles seems to be the plastic bolt shroud cracking. The almost always shoot good, but some people don't like the looks or feel of them. I've used my rifle for 4 seasons now, and it hasn't lost it's zero since I sighted it in at that time. Durability doesn't seem to be an issue.
 
My other half sold her savage to get a tikka t 3 lite 3yrs. ago.I ended up buying one after sighting in and load development.We now have three tikka's but none in the WSM's.2 -t3 lites and 1 varmit hb.
The actions are not short but are all really smooth .
 
Both are high quality rifles, and similar in nearly all categories. I don't think you would be disappointed in either purchase.

The tikka would be my preference because of the accuracy (1" guarantee), the bolt smoothness, the trigger (breaks like glass), the weight, and other smaller considerations like bolt throw, barrel, etc. Don't let the plastic scare your, all their components are tough as nails. The downside to Tikka is their magazines are quite expensive and the premium optilock scope mounts are also very high priced.

Cheers
 
I've only ever owned one savage I liked, it was a lever action model 99.

I'll take a T3 before a Savage any day.

The Savage is OK, but that's it.

bearhunter
 
Tikkas are light, smooth, known for accuracy, and detachable mags are a bonus on top of everything! As mentioned, the single stack design feeds superbly.


Make sure you both go handle them. I personally find Tikka stocks very comfortable, but others may not.
 
The good people at Sierra recommend three factory rifles for accuracy and Tikka and Savage (I own two Savages) are two of them. I can't remember the third manufacturer they recommended but it was European.
 
My personal preference is Tikka as well. I have owned a couple and I currently use one in 338 Federal. Accurate, light, smooth as butter. Nothing 'wrong' with the Savage, my personal preference is Tikka.
 
Tikka T3 lite is an excellent rifle. I bought one in 308 and I couldn't be happier. Trigger, bolt, finish and stiff plastic stock all are preferred by me over my Savages.
 
Well thanks everyone for all your opinions. I would never have guessed such a one sided response, but it seems people like what people like. I honestly like everything about the Tikka except for the actual feel of the bolt (not the action mind you), it just seems a bit small and doesn't give me the same real solid feeling that my Brownings do, but not a big deal if all you folk feel they are rugged enough
 
I have a two Tikka T3 LS 270WSM rifles and love them, and anothe rbuddy has 4 T3 rifles. Great shooters.

As for a Savage I can not comment but my BRO-IN-LAW and I are contemplating one for his two sons (12/8) in a youth model in 243 due to price. I would prefer to find a used Tikka T3 in a 243 for them. My Sako m75ss 243 is a bit heavy for them but it has a bi-pod so they may try shooting a few rounds at the range with it.

Savage are good shooters... and price is right...just ugly looking IMO
 
I would say that both rifles seem to have a pretty good reputation. I am a Savage guy myself, and although I will agree the T3 action is smooth as silk, I've seen better accuracy results from the Savages over the years. The accutrigger is nice, although I cannot comment on the T3 Trigger.

I think it comes down to preference. At the end of the day the Tikka is probably a little nicer looking, but I always thought they felt a little plastic, and didn't seem like something I would want to drag around in the bush.

Just my opinion.
 
I own a Tikka T3 Lite in .300 WSM. I have found it t be worth every penny paid for it. Light, smooth action, and deadly accurate (pardon the pun). It does have few short comings though.
The mag is plastic, and though it hasn't happen to me, I have had two buddies who've had the mags fall out in thick foliage, which brings up the secoind point. The mags are about $100, but I believe Wholesale Sports had them as cheap as $65. The mag could be taped though.
The next big problem is recoil. I have never felt recoil like this thing! My .375 H&H doesn't buck as much.
Last year at the range I ended up with some torn ligaments in my shoulder because of it (and yes I had proper posture):owned:
I have since added a Limbsaver recoil pad and this has calmed it down to a bearable level.
The fact is that it is a light gun, perhaps a little too light. If you are thinking Tikka I would encourage you to look at the T3 Hunter series or if price is not a big deal the laminate models. The extra heft will dampen the recoil. If you want light, though, get a limbsaver for it.
As for Savage the only experience I've had is my Stevens 200 in .22-250. Excellent build quality when compared to the price and other guns in the same class. I won't comment on accuracy as I have only run factory ammo through it so far. The savage is easier to customize as there are all sorts of goodies available for them. The Tikka... not so much. Haveing said that, I still think the better gun is the Tikka. Then buy yourself a Stevens 200 in 30-06 or 308 for plinking or deer hunting.;)
(Here's what happens when you hit a small deer with a WSM http://w w w.youtube.com/watch?v=rE2msO1Mqyw)
 
3 weeks ago I could of gone either way. But 3 weeks ago I got my new tikka t3 in 7mm rem mag. I was not expecting much more than a good stand by rifle that I could beat arround. But I was amaized.
before this I was shooting a rem model 7 in 243 I could not get groups under 2.5" @100. I was satesfied, just put the blame on only shooting 70-80 rounds a year. I took my new gun out got it sighted in off sticks about 2" groups I was happy with that. then went prone over my pack and put 3 shots in one tattered hole. I was supper stoked.

I would get the tikka good luck.

Brad
 
Well I have to say thank you to everyone for their input. I always liked the Tikka no matter what people said about it, and never was much concerned about the fact that it had a lot of plastic (as I bought a Browning composite stalker 16 years ago and haven't had a bit of trou ble with it, in fact it's never lost it's zero in all that time). My only real concern was the bolt and the rifle's toughness as I don't know anyone personally who owns one, so your ideas and info have been great. Thanks everyone, great intro for me to CGN forums!
 
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