Xbolt or tikka t3x
- Thread starter bud69
- Start date
I've got one of each and they're similar rifles, the older t3 line had some minor issues like the recoil lug. The t3x seems to have addressed the minor issues. I honestly think ths tikkas are superior but just by a little bit. The one area where tikkas I find superior is the aftermarket parts. Like triggers, browning makes a decent quality trigger but it's too heavy. Tikka you can bring the weight down some and if you don't like it there are more aftermarket options.
Don't get me wrong you won't be disappointed with either. I love them both I just have a tiny bit more love for the tikkas.
My choice for a hunting rifle, I would go stainless with the laminate stock. Good weight for helping tame recoil and no fear of weather. Blued rifles are real nice but a little more prone to rusting.
Remember rust is the #2 enemy of firearms...politicians are #1
Don't get me wrong you won't be disappointed with either. I love them both I just have a tiny bit more love for the tikkas.
My choice for a hunting rifle, I would go stainless with the laminate stock. Good weight for helping tame recoil and no fear of weather. Blued rifles are real nice but a little more prone to rusting.
Remember rust is the #2 enemy of firearms...politicians are #1
Both are great rifles and you won’t be disappointed with either, but from my experience there are a few things to consider.
X bolt uses different receiver sizes depending on the cartridge size, vs the tikka one (long) action length and also the xbolt comes barreled with a shorter barrel than the tikka for some cartridges, so depending on which cartridge you’re going with the xbolt may be up to a few inches shorter/more compact
Stock trigger on the tikka is lighter, xbolt can easily swap in a yo Dave trigger spring to lighten it if desired
Action on the xbolt is smooth but the tikka is smoother
Xbolt comes with the action bedded from the factory and IMO the stocks are a bit nicer, cut checkering on the wood options
Tikka has far far more aftermarket if you’re any to change something out, xbolt is basically nil
Both are very accurate rifles
X bolt uses different receiver sizes depending on the cartridge size, vs the tikka one (long) action length and also the xbolt comes barreled with a shorter barrel than the tikka for some cartridges, so depending on which cartridge you’re going with the xbolt may be up to a few inches shorter/more compact
Stock trigger on the tikka is lighter, xbolt can easily swap in a yo Dave trigger spring to lighten it if desired
Action on the xbolt is smooth but the tikka is smoother
Xbolt comes with the action bedded from the factory and IMO the stocks are a bit nicer, cut checkering on the wood options
Tikka has far far more aftermarket if you’re any to change something out, xbolt is basically nil
Both are very accurate rifles
X-Bolt triggers don't come close to Tikkas. You can throw an MCarbo or YoDave spring in them to lighten them but they rarely go beneath 3lbs and if you can get them there they just aren't consistent. Newer X-Bolts have trigger packs with weird screw heads rendering them non-serviceable, you can't access the internals to perform a trigger job.
The way to achieve a decent sub 3lb trigger on an X-Bolt is by spending 250$ on a Timney but by doing so you lose the locking bolt feature.
The way to achieve a decent sub 3lb trigger on an X-Bolt is by spending 250$ on a Timney but by doing so you lose the locking bolt feature.
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Every Tikka T3x that I have had did not have this magically adjustable trigger. Could never get it down to the advertised lowest weight because of a screw head that's in the way and prevents the trigger adjustment screw from backing out far enough.
I prefer the tang safey on the x bolt along with the bolt lock and unlock feature for unloading a loaded rifle safely. Tikka still does not have that extra safety feature.
I also prefer the flush fit rotary mag of the X bolt. X bolt for me I guess.
I prefer the tang safey on the x bolt along with the bolt lock and unlock feature for unloading a loaded rifle safely. Tikka still does not have that extra safety feature.
I also prefer the flush fit rotary mag of the X bolt. X bolt for me I guess.
I haven't tried a T3X, but comparing the older T3 to the Xbolt i preferred the browning.
Most of the pros for me were just the small "feels better to me" things and i certainly wouldn't turn down a Tikka if it was offered to me though. See if you can pick up and hold them side by side.
Most of the pros for me were just the small "feels better to me" things and i certainly wouldn't turn down a Tikka if it was offered to me though. See if you can pick up and hold them side by side.
T3X SS for the Win ! Great triggers and Accurate - I have 4 Tikkas and Zero Brownies JMO RJ
- Location
- Brockville, ON
You'll prob have to handle them side by side a time or two cuz they are pretty similar like others say! I've played with my friend's Tikka and owned a Western Hunter Xbolt. I kinda liked my Xbolt better for the magazine, tang safety, and looks. That being said, I would buy one of either depending on the end goal. Leave more or less as is, the Xbolt. Customize into a new stock and stuff then Tikka.
Both are good rifles for a comparable price. Personally I am a Sako fan. The Tikka barrels are better than anything from Browning but I have never warmed up to Tikka receivers nor their stocks. Browning Xbolts are a little stiff and clunky but they work well. Triggers are a bit heavy but their stocks seem more stable than the Tikka.
Both are great rifles. Tikka has better aftermarket support if you like to tinker, want a custom stock etc. Xbolt has a longer action and magazine if you want to run heavier high BC bullets and a little nicer stocks. 162 ELDs is about the sweet spot for tikkas in 7mag( I own an Alpine Veil T3x in 7mag) as you can only go about 3.330" in the mag. This all depends if you handload or not.
With a light spring the tikka trigger can easily be adjust for cheap if you like a 1-2lb weight. Check out coretac for parts.
I really like the mounting setup on the xbolts but tikkas are also good. I would go with whatever you can get a deal on, unless you decide to load heavy 180 grain bullets or something then in that case an Xbolt with the appropriate twist rate.
With a light spring the tikka trigger can easily be adjust for cheap if you like a 1-2lb weight. Check out coretac for parts.
I really like the mounting setup on the xbolts but tikkas are also good. I would go with whatever you can get a deal on, unless you decide to load heavy 180 grain bullets or something then in that case an Xbolt with the appropriate twist rate.
Ive always said Tikka when this question comes up.
The Xbolt is growing on me though. I will agree with others and say trigger isn't as good as a Tikka which is a huge factor for me. Do like the fit and finish of the Browning though.
The Xbolt is growing on me though. I will agree with others and say trigger isn't as good as a Tikka which is a huge factor for me. Do like the fit and finish of the Browning though.
prairie lover
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern MB
I have both. X bolts in larger calibers even though there the same weight kick alot less. Limbsaver on the tikka it dont matter the Browning stock design just works for reducing recoil.
Tikkas maybe better barrels on average. ON AVERAGE.
Tikka triggers go down to about 2 pounds give or take. Browning about 3 pounds give or take.
Browning safety is miles ahead.
Browning mag is worth what they ask. Tikka mag is worth 10 bucks.
Browning handles like a dream for me.
So for me x bolts in larger cals. Tikkas in smaller.
Tikkas maybe better barrels on average. ON AVERAGE.
Tikka triggers go down to about 2 pounds give or take. Browning about 3 pounds give or take.
Browning safety is miles ahead.
Browning mag is worth what they ask. Tikka mag is worth 10 bucks.
Browning handles like a dream for me.
So for me x bolts in larger cals. Tikkas in smaller.
Another X-bolt vote. Have owned 30.06 medallion for years, and only handled a tikka couple of times. So not the greatest comparison, but from personal obs the x-bolt action is much smoother, I like the feel and the weight of it, and the padding on the x-bolt is incredible too.
I’m a long time Tikka owner and always will be. A few months ago bought a browning Hunter 243 on sale. Went back a few days later to buy another in 270 win. Both amazing rifles. Xbolt triggers break very clean so for me they shot very accurate no matter the weight so it wasnt a factor. Hold and try both
My recommendation would be an xbolt hunter and a tikka or sako varmint.
My recommendation would be an xbolt hunter and a tikka or sako varmint.
Browning has significantly more x-bolt models, stock options, colours, left handed, calibers etc then any other manufacturer. They have something for every price range. And every application.
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current.html
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current.html
- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
Get the one that fits you best, they are of similar quality.
I personally prefer the X-bolt. I prefer the safety and stock design. Although Browning doesn't have a warranty for a specified number of years, I have been impressed by their customer service.
I personally prefer the X-bolt. I prefer the safety and stock design. Although Browning doesn't have a warranty for a specified number of years, I have been impressed by their customer service.
