Browning x bolt or tikka t3x
- Thread starter David78b
- Start date
I bought my .270 7 years ago.
Had the T3, xbolt, Sako A7 and howa 1500 of the shelf at the same time. All synthetic
Howa was put back first and then the T3. I struggle to pick between the other 2 but Browning was a good bit cheaper so went with it hand have no regrets.
The T3 felt far more plasticy, although I have heard they have improved a little. It also didn't seem to fit me as well as the X bolt, but I suppose that's a personal thing.
I love that the bolt can be removed from the Browning with the safety on. I have never found the trigger heavy, just nice and crisp. You get used to anything and I now find Tigger's in other rifles very light!
Had the T3, xbolt, Sako A7 and howa 1500 of the shelf at the same time. All synthetic
Howa was put back first and then the T3. I struggle to pick between the other 2 but Browning was a good bit cheaper so went with it hand have no regrets.
The T3 felt far more plasticy, although I have heard they have improved a little. It also didn't seem to fit me as well as the X bolt, but I suppose that's a personal thing.
I love that the bolt can be removed from the Browning with the safety on. I have never found the trigger heavy, just nice and crisp. You get used to anything and I now find Tigger's in other rifles very light!
Are you living under a rock?How do you figure that
No, but I have been shooting Browning's for 50 years
That's...nice. I wasn't referring to service, I was referring to aftermarket support of parts and accessories.
Browning X-Bolt rifles are nice rifles, I have one. But they have no where near the available aftermarket triggers, scope bases, stocks and barrels.
Have you ever rebarreled a Browning?
Brownings are a "you get what you get" rifle. Nice rifles, but you're not going to be able to easily customize a Browning. Unlike a Tikka, where parts and accessories can be found just about anywhere.
We won't even get into price versus capability....
norcan
Well-Known Member
Both are quality rifles in my opinion.
The rubberised finish on the X-bolt’s stock feels nice (though I’ve heard of some durability problems and it feels a bit flexy for me), I prefer its tang safety, it has a proper short action for the .308 chambering, and the 60° (vs. Tikka’s 70°) bolt-handle lift is a small bonus.
The T3X is so widely recommended that it’s almost boring, but for good reason; you can’t beat the barrel, trigger and smoothness of the action for the money, there’s a huge variety of configurations available, plus they’re dead-nuts reliable and simple to service, even in the field — the firing pin assembly is pure genius. I’d say it has better scope mounting options, too.
I’d be happy with either one, but the superior trigger means a lot to me, so the T3X is the one I personally chose when deciding between the options out there. Possibly worth mentioning that Howa makes a good rifle around this budget too.
The rubberised finish on the X-bolt’s stock feels nice (though I’ve heard of some durability problems and it feels a bit flexy for me), I prefer its tang safety, it has a proper short action for the .308 chambering, and the 60° (vs. Tikka’s 70°) bolt-handle lift is a small bonus.
The T3X is so widely recommended that it’s almost boring, but for good reason; you can’t beat the barrel, trigger and smoothness of the action for the money, there’s a huge variety of configurations available, plus they’re dead-nuts reliable and simple to service, even in the field — the firing pin assembly is pure genius. I’d say it has better scope mounting options, too.
I’d be happy with either one, but the superior trigger means a lot to me, so the T3X is the one I personally chose when deciding between the options out there. Possibly worth mentioning that Howa makes a good rifle around this budget too.
This is a very well written summation IMHO.
I would add the weak points to the Tikka, just for the sake of being fair and forthcoming.
The Tikka T-3 has two weak points:
1. The bolt pin stop is not as robust as it could be. While totally sufficient for regular use, if a shooter is one prone to yank the bolt back hard and stiff, they will probably end up shearing the bolt pin stop off. It's a pain to replace, but can be replaced by the end user.
2. The bolt itself, while well made, has a weak point on the rear. The dovetail cut that accepts the bolt handle has too little material to the rear of it. And, if a user drops their bolt onto a hard surface (stone floor, concrete, etc.), and the handle strikes the hard surface first, it will shear the dovetail end off the bolt. This has happened to several shooters, who had no option but to either weld the piece back on (costly, and the jury is still out on the long term durability of that), or procure a new bolt. Fortunately, Tikka's tolerances are so tightly controlled, a new bolt does not require the barrel to be rechambered. It's enough of a problem that there is a manufacturer in the US now, of aftermarket Tikka bolts (Long Rifles Inc.). It's not a common problem, but it occurs enough (obviously) to warrant a private company to invest in offering replacement Tikka bolts to the public.
norcan
Well-Known Member
Good points there. I consider the bolt pin to be a non-issue if the rifle isn’t abused, but hadn’t come across the problem with the bolt-handle mount before.
Maybe a good excuse to get a lightweight alloy bolt handle, so it breaks before the dovetail milled into the steel does?
Maybe a good excuse to get a lightweight alloy bolt handle, so it breaks before the dovetail milled into the steel does?
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Koenig
Well-Known Member
I’ve shot both and own a T3. Both have their good and bad points.
1. I like the tang safety on the Browning.
2. The Tikka IMHO has a better trigger.
3. The Tikka is easier to get aftermarket kit for.
4. The stick in the Browning is better.
5. There is no difference in accuracy.
Take your pick, either will do.
1. I like the tang safety on the Browning.
2. The Tikka IMHO has a better trigger.
3. The Tikka is easier to get aftermarket kit for.
4. The stick in the Browning is better.
5. There is no difference in accuracy.
Take your pick, either will do.
Ronin
Distinguished Member
Worked on both
Whilst the Browning is a good serviceable rifle - the T3 surpasses it
Browning trigger heavy and only adjustable by changing the sear spring which whilst reduces the weight does not reduce creep
Tikka trigger crisp and usually excellent out the box
Browning bolt smoother than some but Tikka cycling is glass smooth
Browning safety nice if you like shotgun type
Browning scope base mounting unique to that brand though secure when fitted correctly
Tikka when fitted with picatinny rail is in my view better
Stocks on Browning not as durable as Tikka
Accuracy quite similar
Tikka magazines better (sinpler )
Browning cheaper to purchase
Both can be rebarrelled though browning relies on sandwich washer type recoil lug Whixh is a little flimsy
Browning more suitable for woodland lightweight stalker
Tikka can do all
Try both
Pick what suits your needs best
Whilst the Browning is a good serviceable rifle - the T3 surpasses it
Browning trigger heavy and only adjustable by changing the sear spring which whilst reduces the weight does not reduce creep
Tikka trigger crisp and usually excellent out the box
Browning bolt smoother than some but Tikka cycling is glass smooth
Browning safety nice if you like shotgun type
Browning scope base mounting unique to that brand though secure when fitted correctly
Tikka when fitted with picatinny rail is in my view better
Stocks on Browning not as durable as Tikka
Accuracy quite similar
Tikka magazines better (sinpler )
Browning cheaper to purchase
Both can be rebarrelled though browning relies on sandwich washer type recoil lug Whixh is a little flimsy
Browning more suitable for woodland lightweight stalker
Tikka can do all
Try both
Pick what suits your needs best
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