What's a good alternative to a Tikka T3 SS / Lam?

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Pootle

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Hi,

First post.

I've purchased a number of used hunting rifles, but now I've saved up the funds and want to buy a new one. My criteria are as follows:
1) Stainless.
2) Synthetic.
3) Detachable magazine.
4) Available in 7mm Rem mag.
5) $800 (ish) budget limit for just the rifle.

I've already decided on the optics (base model Zeiss Conquest if I can still find any).

I handled the T3 and it seemed nice for what it is, but I've heard a few horror stories about the recoil.

I also handled some Savages and found that their bolt just wasn't as smooth as the Tikka. I'm also not clear on why there is such a price premium on the weather warrior (accustock and accutrigger) over the Trophy Hunter (non-accustock synthetic and accutrigger).

I made the mistake of handling a Sako A7 (which I can't afford) and loved that soft touch stock.

Haven't been able to find a winchester in detachable mag.

Are any of the harder to find makers (Steyr, Howa, etc.) worth trying to find?

What would you suggest as good competition to the Tikka given the requirements?

David
 
Hi David - within that budget and criteria you are pretty much looking at Savage or Tikka. The other one I would look at is the T/C Venture with Weathershield.

With respect to recoil, it is subjective and depends on you. It also depends on the loads you will be using. Replacing the recoil puck on the Tikka with a pre-fit Limbsaver will also make a difference. Also, I think that the SS Laminate T3 is usually a bit more than $800.

You can replace the regular Savage trigger with a Timney or Rifle Basix trigger, and I am not sure if the Accustock is actually useful - I have never owned one.
 
I have a couple T3 LS rifles - great shooters, but as mentioned, new LS rifles go for $1000-1100. Maybe $800-900 in the EE.

A Sako A7 with the Burris scope pkg goes for around $1200 new...might find a used one in the EE for under a $1000.
 
I have a tikka t3 and enjoy the rifle. Just not a big fan of 7mm reg mag with that gun. Too damn lite for me. My tikka is a 6.5x55. Winchester makes a nice rifle.
 
If you like the soft touch stock you will like the browning xbolt. I have one in 270 and love it. I've shot the t3 lite in 7mm with a limb saver and its not too bad, just not something I would want to sit down at the range and put a box of shells through.
 
I had a T3 Lite and I did not like the recoil either.

I currently have several brands, the duratouch on the Browning stock is real nice, and has the recoil lug bedded from the factory, (at least my A-Bolt does). However, I also have a Savage 16 and I am not sure there is a better stock and trigger from the factory in that price range. And that answers your question about the price for the the Weather Warrior. The Accustock is worth it considering the aluminum bedding block that you generally only see in high priced aftermarket stocks.
 
Add another vote for considering a floorplate rifle. So many better options.

Detachable mags under $1000: Tikka, Savage, Bowning, CZ (but not in stainless).
 
Browning X-Bolt stainless stalker, the dura touch stock is simply amazing. Smooth action, clean crisp trigger, excellent polymer rotary DBM and accurate as they come.
 
Nothing wrong with the laminate you mentioned.
I do not know if it falls into your price range, but do know the T-3 will kick like a mule.
If it must be synthetic, then my vote is for a Wetherby Vanguard .
Your choice may differ from my opinion.
Rob
 
buck up and buy the t3 ls. its a pussycat in 7rm. its a little heavier than the synthetic and the recoil isn't sharp. use a bolt on limbsaver pad too. my 300wsm and 338wm has more and sharper recoil than the same rifle in 7rem.the laminate is a far nicer rifle than the synthetic stocked ones.
 
Ardent said:
I would reconsider the desire for a detachable mag and go with a Ruger in your case. More gun, same money.
Click to expand...

I currently have a 30 (?) year old Ruger M77 in 7mm Mag which this new rifle will be replacing. Honestly, the more I fondle new guns the more I believe that despite the complaints about plastic-this, plastic-that gun quality and usability has really improved over the years (of course my Dad's 50 yr old Voere still has the slickest bolt I've ever handled).

As per suggestions I'll try to get my hands on an X bolt - hopefully in the same store as a T3 and Weather Warrior.

Detachable Mag is an absolute must considering the amount of on/off atv/vehicle hunting I do (and the requirement to constantly unload/load the rifle).
 
Another vote for the X-bolt, the fit was perfect for me, and the bolt is smooth as butter. Win model 70 or Tikka T3 would be among my 2nd picks, but the mags on the x-bolt are a thing of beauty.
 
What Eagleye said - Vanguard!!!
I had/have T3's in larger calibers. Decent gun, way better made than most, but IMHO the recoil is abusive. In magnum calibers, this is not a gun that you can go to the range and play with without developing a flinch....however in smaller calibers its a great gun and fun to shoot.
Get a Vanguard S2. Yes they make in 7mmRM, here is an example of what you are looking for, now you just have to find one in Canada... hopefully the sponsors here have in stock.

w w w.championfirearms.com/Weatherby-Vanguard-S2-Stainless-7mm-REM-MAG-p/vgs7mmrr4o.htm

Here is one from Clay (Prophet River) but blued, not stainless:
http://store.prophetriver.com/weatherby-7mm-rem-mag-vanguard-s2-blk-gry-syn-blued-24/
 
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