Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

Hey, just wondering who has shot either of these rifles and what people think of them. I own a tikka .223 already andI am pretty happy with it, but was looking at guns today and really liked the look and feel of the Browning X-bolt. Would really like to hear what people think about the x-bolt. I have read on other forums that some people have stayed away from them because they say... "made in japan." I like Tikka's but they seem to be made a little cheap, quite a few plastic parts; plus, as I've experienced from owning my tikka .223, beretta/tikka customer service is worthless. For the price it's hard to beat the Tikka; it shoots extremelywell, smooth bolt, and looks decent. Have read pretty good reports about the x-bolt butwhat does everyone think?

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

I've had two Tikkas. I have an X Bolt on order for my wife. That's my $.02.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

Get an Micro hunter or Micro Medallion and yall will be happy from now on. The Browning is LOADS ahead IMO, offering the best features, while being of great design and very slick.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

My buddy just went through the same thing.

Tikka T3 or X-Bolt.......he now owns an X-Bolt.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

Thanks for the info... I like both guns, but am leaning a little more towards the x-bolt. It just seems like it is made a little better and it seems like people I've talked to say they are both very accurate rifles. Just think the Browning would hold up a little better over the years. Also, what caliber does everyone think? I hunt mostly whitetail deer, sometimes antelope. I am thinking either a .270 W or .270 WSM. The WSM is supposed to be faster and shoot a little flatter, but I'm not sure if it's worht the extra price in ammo. Plus, I've read on some articles how some calibers have come and gone, doesanyone think the hype about short magnums will fade out and they will be tough to get ammo for?

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

The .270 would serve you well. Good choice.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

If you are going to shoot animals up to the size of a Caribou then the .270 Win is just about a perfect round. Fairly light recoiling, accurate and you can find ammo just about anywhere that sells ammo.

If you are considering elk then the .270WSM would be a slightly better choice.

That being said, you would be capable of taking an elk or moose with a .270Win, but would have to be a bit more selective about your shots and use heavier (140gr or 150gr bullets)

I own a .270 Win A-Bolt and my buddy a .270 WSM X-Bolt. I would be confident with either rifle for anything up to and including elk and moose.



As for the particular calibers, the .270 WSM is nice as it will shoot out of a short action gun as opposed to the .270 Win which requires a long action although in all practicality, an X-Bolt in .270WSM and Win only differ in weight by 1 ounce (not enough to worry about).

Ballistics for the WSM are a bit better than the Win.

Tough choice.
I think if I were buying a new gun right now AND reloaded, then the WSM would get the nod
IF I did not reload, then I would probably go with the Win.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

Browning has it all over the Tikka.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

If I was going to get a .270 it would be a .270 Winchester. I have a buddy with a .270wsm and he will tell you it's not the easiest thing to even find ammo for. If it's hard to find ammo for it right now while they are popular how is it going to be in 5 years? You can go to any Wal-Mart that sells ammo or even most other places that sell ammo and most all of them sell .270 Winchester ammo but not many have .270wsm instock.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

No comparison, Browning. I would also stay with the .270 Win, it will definitely do the job you are looking for your new rifle to do.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

I stated that I mostly hunt whitetails and occasionally antelope. However, in 5-10 years, I might chase after some elk or moose. Do you think the regular .270win has enough knock down power to take one down? I've looked at ballistics charts comparing the two and the .270wsm does has more velocity and quite a bit more knock-down power.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

I have to agree with everyone else and say don't get the wsm. 270 win is just fine for elk and even moose. I am trying to decide between a 270 and a 25-06. I know plenty of guys who shoot elk with a 25-06 and if you mainly hunt antelope you should not over look this round.

RE: Tikka T3 Lite vs. Browning X-Bolt
 

I own a T-3 Lite stainless and love it. I have never shot the Browning but assume it shoots great. My question is what is the difference in price?

I was in the same position... it came down to the t3 light or the x bolt... I like the smooth bolt on the tikka but I have heard some not so pleasant news about sako and tikka however I also read over and over that both shoot very well.


I ended up with the 243 browning x bolt as it just looked and felt a little better then the tikka synthetic... the wood grain tikka was very close though also.


I have an a bolt in a 22-250 and it is a tack driver at 200 yds so I stayed with browning on this one. Paid 750 for it and a 400 nikon monarch scope... more then I wanted to spend... yes but I know I will be happy.

X-Bolt, and what caliber rifles do you already own ?

Check my signature. Like 22-250, havent shot the 243 yet... weather isnt great right now.

Yeah… the tikkas felt great I just sort of feel in love with the browning… Doesn’t Browning now own Winchester?

I looked at the model 70 and the only thing I didn’t like was that lever styled safety on the bolt… other then that pretty smooth nice looking gun.

I pick my X-Bolt Stainless Stalker in .338 Win Mag next week.



I just brought a Sako A7 in 7mm Rem Mag.



My .243 is a Remington 700 SPS, that I had the barrel hand lapped and a trigger job done on it.


I also shortened the LOP and put a new Pachmayr pad on it.


It is the most accurate rifle I own and the first rifle I brought since I was a kid.




I have put one of these on all my bolt action rifles.


http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-4...le-scopes.html

The Tikkas are very accurate but I think the Browning is an overall nicer gun. I have owned two Tikkas and sold both but they were shooters. I just couldn't get used to the ergonomics and the way the stock felt. I have two X-Bolts; one stainless and one Hunter model. I love Browning rifles; A-Bolts have served me well for years andn ow I'm using the X-Bolts.