tikka t3x lite vs savage axis II precision

S

super.klop

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I am looking to buy 308 bolt action rifle for longer range (300-500 yards) target shooting. I have 1200 dollars and I already got the optics. I am relatively new to bolt action (I don't really count mosin nagant). However, I will be reloading myself. After some research I found those two rifles at 1200 each. Which one would you recommend me buying? Or maybe I should be considering something else?

https://www.tikka.fi/rifles/tikka-t3x/t3x-lite-stainless
or
https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57550
 
My experience with Savage barrels is that although they generally shoot OK they will not last as long as a Tikka barrel . The suggestion to pursue a Varmint weight barrel is a good idea.
 
Let me start with saying I love the Savage Axis for what it is (or was...) - a cheap bolt action hunting rifle that'll get you in the field. And the Axis 2 precision deals with a bunch of the problems I have with the Axis - the trigger on the base axis sucks but the accutrigger is decent enough, you can't mount a scope back far enough with normal 2-piece bases on the Axis but the precision has a 1-piece base, and the stock on the Axis is pretty crappy (at least the older ones, I haven't held the newer ones with the redesigned stock) but the precision comes with a chassis.

However! I doubt they addressed the biggest problem I have with the Axis: The bolt lift. Trying to open the bolt with the gun still in your shoulder take a LOT of effort, way too much IMO. As far as I am aware, unlike all the other things (trigger, bases, stock) there is no cheap or easy fix to the bolt lift. For that reason alone, I generally tell people to pick something else.

I absolutely LOVE my Axis. Got me my first big game animal, and shoots sub-moa with handloads. But $1200 for one, regardless of the chassis and trigger and whatever else, is way too money because at the end of the day it will still be an Axis. To me, the Savage Axis II Precision is the definition of Lipstick on a Pig.
 
I’d look for a used Tikka Varmint or CTR.
I like Savage but the last 2 I had we’re pretty shotty quality. Tikka is a much nicer platform if you upgrade later
 
I love Savage's had some real good shooter also have some crappy one - with your budget I would look at the Tikka.

there is a used one here:
ht tps://alsimmonsgunshop.com/product/tikka-t3x-varmint-308-win-10589n/

These people are very good to deal with
 
There's no comparison between an axis and a tikka action. Go with the tikka and if you plan to shoot more than 3 shot strings every 15 mins to half hour go with a heavier barrel
 
I have an Axis II Precision, and the MDT chassis is quite nice, though I am not a fan of the unscrewing two screws/bolts to adjust the cheek rest. Have it mated with a Primary Arms SLX 3-18.

The bolt on the Savage seems to be fairly stiff and heavy, but this is my first Precision rifle, so I have little in ways of comparison. I don't own a Tikka but those who have had one swear by them.
 
My Tikka experience has been excellent (my own 7mm Rem Mag varmint and my buddys 300 WSM Varmint). Dead nuts accurate. Slick as glass action, accurate barrels. Attention to detail (no rough finishes or burrs anywhere, nice clean barrels). As for the Savages, they don't stack up quite as nicely fit and finish wise in my experience, but the ones I've used had no problems with accuracy (my experience has been with various model 10's, can't speak to the Axis specifically). If you got the Tikka route, definitely try to find one with Varmint barrel if you are going for more of a precision rifle. It tends to handle longer strings of shooting without a shift in point of impact.
 
Skip savage. Look for a tikka ctr or varmint in the EE. I've seen a few 308s come up for as low as $1050. There is no vs between tikka and savage. Savage and Ruger are more in the same ballpark
 
My Savage Stealth ( now in an XRS chassis) shoots very very good, trigger is decent, however if you will be shooting fast follow up shots, the bolt lift sucks. I would go Tikka CTR or varmint. Keeping my Savage though.
 
In recent years I have all but done and gone with almost all rifle manufactures except Tikka. I own 3, waiting on my fourth t3x, best rifle for the money, butter smooth action, cold forged barrels, sub moa out of box (with every rifle I have anyways), awesome customer service, good warranty, great aftermarket support. My only gripe is they have a slow twist rate in almost every rifle. I tend to shoot mid weight/ lite for caliber monolithics, so it's of not to much bother for me. Either way great choice in rifles. Cheers!
 
Of the two rifles, definitely the Tikka. I would skip the Axis entirely at that price point, it's still a cheap gun and you can get into a Savage 110 that would compete a little more closely with the Tikka. As long as you get a T3X Lite and not a Superlight you should be alright with the recoil - the Superlight fluted barrel looks neat but adds to muzzle rise and my perception was much sharper recoil. Other good rifles in the price range worth looking at are the top of the Weatherby Vanguard line, the Browning X-Bolt, and the Bergara B-14. Odds of getting "a good one of those" are actually really high, very nicely made rifles, some heavier than others.
 
Had similar dilemma when buying my target 308 kit about 5 years ago. Went with Savage 10 FCP-SR just because I found it dirt cheap in a big store (about 600$ whereas the Tikka was about 900-1000$). Later put it in a MDT chassis and it shot much better (the original stock is very flexible and uncomfortable). Later upgraded to 24" IBI heavy barrel, etc. VERY happy with the build now, BUT would 100% have gone with Tikka if at similar price; better action, single stage trigger, similar/better aftermarket support including shouldered pre-fit barrels, etc. Hope it helps!
 
Marcos said:
Had similar dilemma when buying my target 308 kit about 5 years ago. Went with Savage 10 FCP-SR just because I found it dirt cheap in a big store (about 600$ whereas the Tikka was about 900-1000$). Later put it in a MDT chassis and it shot much better (the original stock is very flexible and uncomfortable). Later upgraded to 24" IBI heavy barrel, etc. VERY happy with the build now, BUT would 100% have gone with Tikka if at similar price; better action, single stage trigger, similar/better aftermarket support including shouldered pre-fit barrels, etc. Hope it helps!
Click to expand...

This.
 
You need to ask yourself do you want a hunting rifle to occasionally shoot targets with or a target rifle?
Two distinctly different styles of rifles for alternate purposes. The Tikka t3x lite is a great hunting rifle that is more than likely plenty accurate for shooting well beyond your 500 yard goal, but it is light and as others have mentioned the barrel will heat up quickly degrading accuracy but it is also harder to shoot a light weight rifle as accurately if you haven't developed good shooting habits and form. The axis model you are considering does not seem to have the budget benefits that make the rifle appealing for only a little more you can get yourself into a lot better quality for very little more or a lot less for similar quality and may need a stock upgrade eventually if you want to.
Do you intend to hunt with this rifle? If not .223 is a much more cost efficient option with the bonus of recoiling less.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom