Tikka T3 vs Savage for 338??

[Jeremy]

I am looking for a 338 cal rifle to bridge the gap between my 270 and my 458. I saw a Tikka T3 in 338 for sale on the board recently and a store in Montreal has the Savage in 338 (both models 111FCNS and 116FCSS). Both are moderately priced and so I was wondering which one people liked better? I love both my Tikkas for thier smooth actions but I was thinking that a syn. Tikka T3 might be a bit light for a 338. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Here's a link for the stores page on these Savage guns:

http://lebaron.ca/pdf_fall_06_07/hunting/savage_weather.pdf

 

[boonerbuck]

The T3 is a much better rifle and yes, I own both. You are right about the recoil though. I have 3 and the one in 270WSM kicks like a sob!! I get bruised at the range. My 9.3x66 don't bruise...

With that being said, do you flinch from recoil? I'm pretty good with it and when it comes to hunting, I'm usually in a shooting position that is a little more forgiving than on the bench.

I'd buy the T3 if you think you can live with the recoil. I would consider passing on the deals otherwise.

 

[JasonYuke]

I don't find my T-3 too bad on recoil.
And it shoots like stink with 250 SGKs.

T-3 gets my vote.

 

[chappy]

my choice would be t3. nicer looking and the stock fits me better. if you found it too light you could foam a mecury recoil reducer in the butt of the stock as they are hollow. i foamed my t3 stocks keeps them quiet.

 

[Jeremy]

What about a muzzle brake? I know it would piss of other shooters at the range but since I'd mostly be using it for hunting I'm sure I can tollerate the occassional range bashing.

 

[boonerbuck]

i foamed my t3 stocks keeps them quiet.

How did you go about that?

 

[savagefan]

If you're handling 458, don't worry about 338 recoil, pick the rifle that pleases you.

 

[Elk man]

My vote would be for the tikka as well

 

[Gatehouse]

Between the 2, I'd take the TIKKA, and never look back.........

 

[BIGREDD]

Buy the Tikka... if recoil is problematic fill the stock with Gel or Urefoam, put on a limbsaver and use a long eye relief scope.

 

[Danny Boy]

I haven't handled any one of these in 338 but the answer is obviously Tikka. If you can tolerate the recoil on a light rifle there shouldn’t be any issue.

A muzzle brake can reduce the recoil. But it will increase the noise level for yourself as well as others at the range. I would venture to guess the cost would be significant. If you can afford a muzzle brake, I suggest that you look at a new Browning A-Bolt with Boss. Alternatively, a Pachmayr recoil pad and/or a PAST recoil shield would be more practical.

Regards…

Danny

 

[boonerbuck]

The whole thread starts with the price of the T3/Savage being the draw.