X-bolt or Tikka T3x?
- Thread starter Chef777
- Start date
I have owned both over the years, now only Tikka sits in my safe or goes afield with me. I found the Browning to be very close to the Tikka in many categories and maybe even superior in some, but the Tikka always shoots better for me, and the trigger is head and shoulders above the X Bolt. And the scope mounting system for the X Bolt is pretty much a propriety system that limits your options, which I don't care for.
I just purchased a T3x Battue Lite in 308 and did some testing yesterday.
What like:
- At 80 yards with the open sights I can keep my shots inside a 8" paper plate with the cheapy Federal and Winchester 150 and 180gr SP as well as 147gr fmj handloads for plinking. Perfect for deer and bear season under 50 yards.
- It's true Tikka test fire each rifle at the factory. I still had trace amount of copper in the barrel.
- The Tikka barrels are lapped so absolutely no break in procedure needed and cleaning the barrel after 20 rounds was so easy compared to my Remington barrel.
- Bolt is silky smooth and fast.
- The trigger is the best factory trigger I've ever felt. The trigger doesn't break as good as a TriggerTech but very close.. No need to upgrade this trigger.
- Weight is 6.32 lb with 3 rounds of 150 gr in the magazine on my digital scale.
- From the factory the trigger is set and pulls consistently at 3.5 lb.
What I don't like:
- Magazine will only fit factory length ammo. Can reload long but have to single feed.
- Extra 3 round magazine are expensive.... $90 each. Get them when Sail has their 15 - 20% off sale on hunting supplies.
- Wish the butt stock was adjustable like the compact model, its 1/2" too long for me.
What like:
- At 80 yards with the open sights I can keep my shots inside a 8" paper plate with the cheapy Federal and Winchester 150 and 180gr SP as well as 147gr fmj handloads for plinking. Perfect for deer and bear season under 50 yards.
- It's true Tikka test fire each rifle at the factory. I still had trace amount of copper in the barrel.
- The Tikka barrels are lapped so absolutely no break in procedure needed and cleaning the barrel after 20 rounds was so easy compared to my Remington barrel.
- Bolt is silky smooth and fast.
- The trigger is the best factory trigger I've ever felt. The trigger doesn't break as good as a TriggerTech but very close.. No need to upgrade this trigger.
- Weight is 6.32 lb with 3 rounds of 150 gr in the magazine on my digital scale.
- From the factory the trigger is set and pulls consistently at 3.5 lb.
What I don't like:
- Magazine will only fit factory length ammo. Can reload long but have to single feed.
- Extra 3 round magazine are expensive.... $90 each. Get them when Sail has their 15 - 20% off sale on hunting supplies.
- Wish the butt stock was adjustable like the compact model, its 1/2" too long for me.
Last edited:
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
Get the long action mag and bolt stop and you can use anything up to 3.3” long.
Get mags here.
https://www.wolverinesupplies.com/ProductDetail/TIKS5850372_-Tikka-T3--22-250-Rem---243-Win---308-Win--3-Round-Magazine-
https://www.wolverinesupplies.com/ProductDetail/TIKS5850374_-Tikka-T3--22-250-Rem---243-Win---308-Win--5-Round-Magazine-
Then why not save half your money and buy a savage axis over a tikka lol!!!
Why settle for an ugly accurate rifle when there are plenty of beautiful accurate rifles in the same price range as a tikka.
- Wish the butt stock was adjustable like the compact model, its 1/2" too long for me.[/QUOTE]
Maybe that's what I don't love about it. Seems to get caught everytime I shoulder. The X Bolt just feels better. That said,. It's hard to look away from the overwhelming majority pointing at Tikka.. stainless Tikka with composite stock is the same price as the blued Browning.
Maybe that's what I don't love about it. Seems to get caught everytime I shoulder. The X Bolt just feels better. That said,. It's hard to look away from the overwhelming majority pointing at Tikka.. stainless Tikka with composite stock is the same price as the blued Browning.
Half your money for an axis? Mine was $235... That's a bit cheaper than half...
I know a guy with an x bolt in 300wm. It's a nice enough gun, shoots well, recoil is manageable, and the magazine holds rounds at the shoulder, stopping the bullet from hitting the front of the mag under recoil which is a neat design feature. I have no experience with Tikka.
fishslinger
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern ontario
I like the x-bolts, I have two. A hunter in 308 and a white gold medallion in 223. Both can shoot moa at 100 yards with factory ammo if I do my part. I have handled the Tikkas and must admit thay have a smooth action but they also have a cheap feel to them as well. The x-bolts rotary magazine feeds buttery smooth and the trigger is easily adjustable to 3lbs which is good for a hunting gun. Available in many configuration’s it’s a winner in my book.
As has been said; what ever feels best in your hands. I have a week old t3x hunter stainless that put 3 rounds into an inch on my first outing, and it wasn’t ideal conditions either. The xbolts have a lot of die cast parts in the trigger which turned me off. I was considering one but tikka has better mfg processes, and the bolt stainless in walnut was too slippery against my beard. Wasn’t comfortable at all. The Winchester model 70 was a very close second but the tikka shouldered just, *just* a little better than the Winchester, and it was available in stainless with a walnut stock. Overall it looks and feels amazing. Recoil is very good with the updated pad in 30-06.
SomebodyTookMyName
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Saskatchewan
I'd get a Tikka, not just based on performance, but also because I don't like the idea of buying guns from a company that makes the majority of their profits selling their "lifestyle" rather than their guns- shirts, truck decals, sunglasses, and licensed swag...
I'm just saying I've never seen anyone with a Tikka decal who didn't know it was from a gun company
I'm just saying I've never seen anyone with a Tikka decal who didn't know it was from a gun company
I'd get a Tikka, not just based on performance, but also because I don't like the idea of buying guns from a company that makes the majority of their profits selling their "lifestyle" rather than their guns- shirts, truck decals, sunglasses, and licensed swag...
I'm just saying I've never seen anyone with a Tikka decal who didn't know it was from a gun company
No one hates logos more that I do but I certainly do not blame Browning for making a profit. Those XBolts seem like good rifles, just don't wear the faggy hoodies when you're using one.
I almost bought an X-bolt but ended up going with the T3 LS so another vote for Tikka here. The first 4 shots after bore sighting at the store were one flyer just on the paper, then a 3 shot group at 0.46". From what I understand the improvements from the T3 to the T3x have made a very good rifle even better.
That said, my BIL hunts with an xbolt stainless stalker and he really loves that gun. Takes a lot of game with it too. To me, they look and feel a bit too thin.
That said, my BIL hunts with an xbolt stainless stalker and he really loves that gun. Takes a lot of game with it too. To me, they look and feel a bit too thin.
