Tikka T3X Battue or CZ 557 Synthetic Black Edition .308

[J05H]

Hey All, I posted this in my Welcome Thread but I thought I'd try here too. I hunt deer in mostly bush and occasionally field. I also chase. I plan on putting a 1-4x 0r 1-8x illuminated scope on the gun. But I want to have the irons for back up. I'm set on having them.

I'm trying to decide between these two guns
Tikka T3X Battue .308

https://www.tikka.fi/rifles/tikka-t3x/t3x-battue-lite

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CZ 557 Synthetic Black Edition .308

https://g4cgunstore.com/product/cz-557-american-synthetic-308win-24-brl/

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What are your thoughts?

 

[woofer2609]

I have owned a T3 battue and a CZ 557 Ranger. Both were great. I still own the CZ, so I guess that answers your question. I like the fiber optic sight on the CZ a lot. The 10 round mag is nice but makes the rifle harder to wear on your back. The fact that it is not a heavy barrel means you probably wont shoot more than 5 rounds at a time. The CZ is a heavy rifle. The bolt is not as nice as the Tikka, but still great. I've been told that the CZ trigger can be used as a set trigger. Yet to find out.

 

[DTM5]

I have both the Tikka Battue .308 and the 557 wood stock. This is the Carbine model I have. https://www.gotenda.com/shop/firearms/rifles/cz-557-medium-20-5-barrel-walnut-stock-bolt-rifle-308-win/Both are excellent;
I use both with Trijicon 1-6x illuminated scopes in QD mounts.

Advantages of Tikka:

Super smooth action
Very Light
Tons of modularity (Stocks, trigger guards, trigger kits, etc)
20" barrel is very handy
Excellent Tikka Trigger and buttery smooth action
Sights are very cool and easy to use

Disadvantage: 2 position safety - have to put in 'fire' to unload

CZ advantages
Heavier weight / beefier eat up recoil
Ability to unload while on 'safe'
Beefy receiver, lots of metal, feels very 'old world European'

Disadvantage: Super long action for a .308 (Made with same receiver as long action cartridges). Tikka is 'one size fits all as well' but the cz bolt pull is looooongg.

Both are super accurate. If I could only keep one, it would probably be the tikka as it is so light and handy, and you can easily customize it.
Plus, I'm not a fan of 24" barrels in any rifle, especially a hunting rifle where it adds weight length. Either way you'll be happy.

 

[Dorian Gray]

I'm a total Tikka whore so my vote would be for the Battue. I have one in 30-06 and it's my go-to rifle. Extremely accurate and a joy to carry and shoot. Mine sits in a Bell and Carlson stock, upgraded trigger spring is a Mountain Tactical one and breaks at about a pound. Mountain tactical bottom metal and bolt handle both adorn it as well. Its topped with a Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36 in a MaSI quick detach mount. It's a really, really great rifle. My best friend just got one in 9.3x62 and it's just as amazing.

No experience with the 557 but I've had 2 527 carbines and they were both great rifles. One in 7.62x39 and another in 223. Both were sold to fund, in part, the small collection of Tikka's that I have now.

 

[Boomer]

IMHO, a .308 hunting rifle doesn't need a 24" barrel, and for that reason alone I'd prefer the T3. But a CZ 557 with a 20" barrel would probably draw me away from the Tikka. Then again, I think I saw a Brno 601 with a pop up peep on the Tradex site, and would be my first choice for a .308, even if I had to shorten the barrel.

 

[woofer2609]

IMHO, a .308 hunting rifle doesn't need a 24" barrel, and for that reason alone I'd prefer the T3. But a CZ 557 with a 20" barrel would probably draw me away from the Tikka. Then again, I think I saw a Brno 601 with a pop up peep on the Tradex site, and would be my first choice for a .308, even if I had to shorten the barrel.

Intersting that the 557 Range Rifle is a 21" barrel.

 

[nagol]

I have the battue in 308.
Masi mount is great but the rear fiberoptic sight limits the scope options.
I have a 15$ trigger sprig, pull is about a pound for me as well.
I installed a new bottom metal to allow the use of acis mags.
It’s accurate and easy to use in the bush.

 

[J05H]

Hey everyone thanks for all the advice. I bought the Tikka Battue .308 with a 1-8x 24mm Bushnell AR Illuminated optic. Sighted it in this weekend and she kicks. But I cant wait to use it this November. The weight and maneuverability are excellent. It didn't take to many shots before I was getting 2 inch groups. I know it's not amazing but for a first time scope user I'm happy. Now I just need to convince the deer to walk by my stand more often.