Which rifle?
 

Assuming fit and feel were equal which would you choose/why? Chambered in a 338 WM. Accuracy is always important so if anybody has either of the below rifles in 338wm please share your findings.

1) Browning A bolt Stalker 26" SS barrel(synthetic stock)

2) Tikka Whitetail Deluxe 24" blue barrel (wood stock)

Tikka is A++ condition but virtually the same price as the NIB Browning.

3) Savage 116FSS Accutrigger24" SS barrel (synthetic stock)
(Note modifications will be required to get this option to the same state asfirst 2 options - so while cheaper intially final costs will be not that far apart between all 3)

RE: Which rifle?
 

Tikka's are generally great shooters but, the ones I've shot at the range in that caliber, kicked like a mule. I have a Tikka stainless synthetic but it's only in 25 / 06 so that doesn't help much in this situation. I think the Browning is probably a better built quality rifle so I'd vote for the NIB Browning. I'd also look at Rugers as they are well built also.

RE: Which rifle?
 

Fit and feel are always the most important to me. I can only suggest to get your grubby paws on each of them but if I had to make a blind choice, it would be the Savge.

RE: Which rifle?
 

I've a couple of tikka's they're good rifles, but in that calibre I'd go browning

stew

RE: Which rifle?
 

Because of fit and feel, I would have to buy it in a 700 Remington. The fit of the 700 makes felt recoil less than any other brand that I have fired in the bigger calibers. Ruger probably smacks me the hardest followed closely by Savage. You are on the right track though, its got to feel right to YOU.

RE: Which rifle?
 

Actual the Tikka Deluxe(M695 action pre T3 design)is the heaviest of the 3 bareat 7 1/2#, Browing 7 1/4# and Savage7 (but with a laminate stock it will be 7 3/8 - 7 3/4 lbs.

Ruger not an option - no 338 wm in LH

James I agree with you but unfortunately Rem doesn't chamber a LH 338wm either.

I went back today and the tikka felt the best, though still not 100% sure.Browning was ok and Savage is out.

On a side note I found a LH T3 Lite in 2506 that felt great. Another cartridge i have been looking for so thinking seriously about getting it and going back to my original plan of building a 338wm off a 700 action down the road. Though it appears as though the mag doesn't have a lot of room for OAL adjustability. I am wondering if anyone reloads for a T3/ 2506 and if they have found problems getting to the lans due to mag. restrictions?

Thanks for the input

RE: Which rifle?
 

if you don't already have a .25-06 buy the one you speak of. you won't regret it. people who have never used them generally don't speak highly of them but those of us who have will never get rid of them.

RE: Which rifle?
 

I have been a promoter of the 2506 and realize its prowess. I sold my 700 when I deceided to convert to LH bolts so right nowI am without personally. ThoughI have a couple to play with still in the form of others.;)

I decieded against the Tikka(s), nice but not quite whatI am wanting I guess. I have decieded to keep looking for a donor 700 action and then building.

Thanks for the input though:)

RE: Which rifle?
 

I think Remington probably makes the heaviest barrel which probably helps reduce the recoil?

RE: Which rifle?
 

I sold my Browning 338 magnum a while ago. It would shoot clovers all day from the bench. If you buy the Browning, you won't be disappointed. Not as much fun to shoot as the 25 06, but very effective. BTW, I have never had a bad Browning. Can't say the same about other manufacturers though. Go with what feels right to you.

RE: Which rifle?
 

i have a rem 700 and a tikka t3 ,both 270 win. the tikka weighs a lb less and kicks less. go tikka.

RE: Which rifle?
 

You'll prob be happier with any of them but My vote is for the Browning.

RE: Which rifle?
 

the tikka is usually a good gun so that would be my chioce

RE: Which rifle?
 

I own a tikka in 338 mag and it is a very nice rifle to carry . It is very accurate,as are all my tikkas...The nice thing about the tikka is , that it's clip feed and how smooth it is...NOW AS FOR RECOIL ??? Yes it recoils hard but the only way to over come that poblem is to shoot lots and get use to it!!! Being that you and me are both from SASK... For an easy to shoot load try 65gr of reloader 15 and a nosler 200gr balistic tip. It bucks the wind pretty darn good and can be used on deer to moose... If your going after elk or sharp tooth critters a top quality 250gr like the good old partition and 67.5 to 71.5 grs of H4831. I go with 72grs in my rifle and it will put a stop to any animal in North Amarica!!! Remember 72grs of H4831 is .5grs over max so what ever gun you buy don' t start with this load but work up slowly till you find your rifles sweat spot!!!

RE: Which rifle?
 

skeeter 7MM

I just traded a Weatherby Vanguard for a Tikka (300 Win Mag) - Recoil really does not seem that significant... I did get the better of deal with the Tikka - it is one heck of a shooter....

RE: Which rifle?
 

Skeeter. I forgot you are wrong handed.;). I Rebarreled several 700 Remington LH rifles. The 700 Fits me the best so If I had to rebarrel one, I had it done.