Savage or Tikka

[jt59]

Been thinking about a 308 bolt gun. One local shop has a Savage model 11 with 3-9x Nikon for $500, used like new. Another shop has a Tikka T3 (no scope) in like new condition for $500.
I am leaning toward the Tikka. Does anyone have relevant advice? And I am sure someone will say "Buy both", but I don't need two bolt guns in 308.

 

[easttex]

I'd take Tikka over Savage based strictly on reputation. I know several who own Tikkas and do not part with them. I know several who've owned several Savages over the years and tend to trade them off when the time is right.

My $0.02

 

[VALMET]

Tikka makes a fine rifle but for the money, I’d buy a Savage. Remarkably accurate rifles- to be fair I have much more experience with Savages than Tikkas.

 

[The Wind]

I’m very satisfied with my tikka t3x in .270 win. In fact I bought the same model in .223 rem as it’s much cheaper to shoot and also easier on my shoulder. Very smooth action, full floating barrel. For the same money I would buy the tikka.

 

[kopcicle]

Neither.
Trip over a Remington 788. Not the short light one, the full length heavy one.
You'll thank me later. Sometimes they show up at bargain prices. Mostly they don't show up at all.

Second choice is the BSA CF-2 dead even with the Savage. Same,
they show up at bargain prices. Mostly they don't show up at all.

The Tikka is a fine rifle out of the box while the Savage could use a trigger upgrade.

Then there is mainstream. Model 70 or 700.

YMMV

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Tikka

 

[Falcon]

Every Tikka rifle has to go through a 3-5 shot test to prove the rifle can perform under 1 M.O.A. accuracy before being sold.

 

[gunplumber]

I had a tika. I liked the shorter bolt throw.

You can do more with the 110 platform. I think the 11 is in the same . Easy to change barrels, etc. But if you don't want to do anything to it, get the tika.

 

[akinnepa]

I had a tika. I liked the shorter bolt throw.

You can do more with the 110 platform. I think the 11 is in the same . Easy to change barrels, etc. But if you don't want to do anything to it, get the tika.

As a huge savage nut this is the best advice given.

 

[biyf]

Owned both, kept the Tikka. And a model 788 but mainly because it was my Dad's.

 

[kopcicle]

Owned both, kept the Tikka. And a model 788 but mainly because it was my Dad's.

Mainly.
Still My 788's just work. They're nothing fancy. It's amazing what the .44's and 30-30's go for.
Has to hold the modern record for the most plain wood ever used for a rifle stock

 

[tac-40]

Own both and they are the same accuracy wise (me the shooter). If you want a rifle to upgrade to a specific style, the Savage is the way to go. If you want a great all around rifle that is accurate with just about every ammo type, then go with the Tikka.

 

[otis61]

Tikka makes a fine rifle but for the money, I’d buy a Savage. Remarkably accurate rifles- to be fair I have much more experience with Savages than Tikkas.

Same here.

 

[ratas calientes]

I have considered both . . . haven't purchased either yet . . . but every time I shop for a bolt rifle I am disappointed that the Tikka does not use AICS box magazines.

 

[SWOHFAL]

I have considered both . . . haven't purchased either yet . . . but every time I shop for a bolt rifle I am disappointed that the Tikka does not use AICS box magazines.

I thought I had seen conversions for that?

 

[ratas calientes]

I thought I had seen conversions for that?

That would be nice.

 

[SWOHFAL]

That would be nice.

Tikka T3/T3x Bottom Metal - Long Action | AICS or TRG Compatible DBM

Our nEXTgen Bottom Metal for Tikka T3/T3x long action rifles. Aftermarket and replacement detachable box magazine (DBM) kit using AICS and TRG magazines

www.redsnake-tactical.com

 

[STG_58_guy]

The Nikon scope is worth about zero dollars. Should be a decent hunting scope though.

I'm a Savage fan but I can't say anything bad about Tikka.

 

[rowjimmy]

I’ve got a Tikka TAC A1 in 6.5 Creed.

it is a tack driver and the action is Smooth as butter and the trigger amazing.

You can’t go wrong.

 

[davedude]

I like the tikka 60 degree bolt throw. Winner.

 

[jt59]

OK, I could not decide, so I got both! I need to mount a scope on the Tikka and take both to the range to find out which I like best. I will give one to my son when he is out of the Navy. The prices were good so I don't think the value will go down in the next few years.

 

[VALMET]

I think you made the right decision, good shooting

 

[ratas calientes]

Tikka T3/T3x Bottom Metal - Long Action | AICS or TRG Compatible DBM

Our nEXTgen Bottom Metal for Tikka T3/T3x long action rifles. Aftermarket and replacement detachable box magazine (DBM) kit using AICS and TRG magazines

www.redsnake-tactical.com

Thanks for the lead.

 

[SWOHFAL]

Thanks for the lead.

They're not the only game in town, so use your GoogleFu and maybe check forum recommendations/reviews to see if any of the various ones suck and if they make their own or just repackage them for resale.

 

[jt59]

Took both guns to the range to sight in scopes. Mostly using cheap Federal 150 gr soft nose. At 100 yards was getting about 1-inch center to center with both guns. I am sure the guns could give better groups with a better shooter. My shooting skills have deteriorated in the past 20 years, my hands are not steady and the target looks like it is moving when I try to focus with these stupid glasses. The range has a lead sled which I may try next trip. The stock on the Savage fits me better, had less felt recoil. The Tikka stock does not feel right for me, but I found a good deal on a replacement stock. At the end I fired three rounds in each of Hornady lite 125 gr, the groups were about the same size but were about two inches above and right of the Federal group. Recoil was much better with the 125gr, so I plan to get some 110gr for the next trip. The action on the Tikka is very smooth.