Poll: Tikka T3 vs. CZ 550

Which rifle do you prefer (any caliber, but especially 6.5x55)?

  • Tikka T3

    Votes: 41 46.1%
  • CZ 550

    Votes: 48 53.9%

  • Total voters
    89
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Bear2000

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This topic has been discussed numerous times on this board and elsewhere, and I've bugged a lot of users about it. But I haven't seen a poll for it yet. Since the many people (including myself) do come down to Tikka and CZs when deciding on a new rifle, I thought it might be useful and fun. Please comment if you like on why you voted as you did.

I'm considering a Tikka T3 Hunter and CZ 550 American in 6.5x55 Swede - probably will get it sometime in September when the $$ flow improves. I almost bought an excellent CZ 550 FS that another THR member was offering, but am now leaning back toward a standard American-styled model.

Both rifles have a lot to recommend them. When I hold the Tikka, I lean toward the Tikka. When I hold the CZ, I lean to the CZ. It may end up being a coin toss seeing as both rifles will run me about $600 otd. I already own a T3 Varmint SS in .308, which I like a lot. I feel there's no risk with the Tikka and a lot of practical reasons to go with it. But the idea of getting something new is attracting me to the CZ, which has a lot to recommend it.

Here are some of the factors I weighing:

Tikka T3

1. light (around 7.5 lbs scoped)
2. super smooth bolt
3. very crisp, adjustable trigger
4. recognized for its accuracy
5. decent, but not great stock
6. plastic trigger guard/mag
7. detachable mag
8. customer service not great

CZ

1. nicer finish/worksmanship overall
2. all metal/wood
3. set trigger (very nice), but standard trigger is creepy/grity
4. a little on the heavy side (8+ lbs scoped)
5. very accurate (although my sense is here Tikka has the slight advantage)
6. good customer service
7. bolt a bit rough (mauser action)
8. not a Tikka, which I already have
 
Looked at both rifles at length yesterday. The Tikka made the best "first impression" and the CZ never really caught up. The Tikka action felt notably smoother and more solid. The Tikka stock was notably nicer. The Tikka trigger was better (subjective, I know). A hunting rifle is carried for more minutes than it is shot.

:cool:
 
I love my CZ550. It's more of a Classic US hunting rifle IMO. I personally like Mauser type action. My trigger is not gritty or that heavy - infact I almost never use the set trigger.
Will
 
I have a CZ550 in 6.5x55 and love it.
I also have a Tikka in .270 Win. I love it too.
Both point and shoot very, very well.

I think you should buy them both. :)

As a matter of fact, I think I just talked myself into making my next gun a Tikka in 6.5x55! :D

Poper
 
You will be happy with either. In your case, I think that the CZ is the best deal right now. Good Luck and enjoy.
 
I voted CZ because mine has been great. I do like the weight of the TIkka and the smoothness of its bolt but try as I may I just cannot warm up to the feel of a shouldered Tikka. I wish I could - I would love one. It just feels awkward in my hands and the three panel checkering makes that worse. I do like the set trigger on the CZ and it makes range work an awful lot of fun. The wood on the CZ's tends to be pretty nice, very nice by many of todays standards, when treated by the right hands. I am not against detachable mags per se, though I am not a fan of how the T3 mags click into place. I could conceavably warm to plastic in parts but the CZ just has more old world craftsmanship appeal and makes a better heirloom. I would dearly love to try out the M 695 or 595 Tikka's. I actually think the better comparison is Tikka to Browning, and perhaps CZ to Winchester?
 
I have nothing useful to add, i just feel compelled to anyway because i bought a stainless Tikka .308 a couple months ago:D. But,from everything i've ever read and heard, you can't go wrong with either. I realize this was no help whatsover.Sorry. :evil:
 
I own one CZ and I would never hesitate to get another. The wood is top notch and it is very sturdy. As far was what stock, I asked a question about that a while ago and was told that the Lux/FS style stock is built for iron sights and doesn't work as well for scopes.
 
Is there much validity to the claims that CZs have problems with their stocks cracking? I have heard this from several people in the hunting biz. thanks
 
The cracking stocks is a real issue with the magnums - as in the 458, Rigby, maybe the .375 - as the stocks aren't pinned or bedded from the factory.

The mild 6.5 isn't going to crack anything.
 
What is the accuracy of a 550 in 3006, this rifle/caliber really intrigues me, I am thinking about getting one, but I want to do a little research. Thoughts?
 
Between those two, I'd go with the Tikka.

But I will also make one other suggestion that people seem to just skip over for one reason or another: T/C Encore rifle.

Do you have one yet? Do you even have that STYLE yet?

- "free" extra 2-4" of barrel length for the overall size.

- Excellent fit & finish

- American-made

- Easy & cheap(er) to convert to another caliber or even type of gun. It can also be a shotgun or muzzleloader, and can be made into a carbine easily enough too by simply getting a shorter barrel.

I also have to question that if you miss a shot on a game animal, is he going to stick around for you to cycle your bolt and get another shot? If so, he would probably stick around another couple seconds for you to reload your single-shot.
 
If you want a great hunting rifle for today buy the tikka. However if you want a great hunting rifle for the rest of your life buy the cz. They are a no nonsense kinda rifle, that are heavy duty. I have a brno .22 that belonged to my great granddad. The rifle has had half a million shells put through it and still shoots good. I'm pretty sure it will last long enough for my grandchildren. Also the action is slicker than anything I have ever felt so they do get a lot smoother with time.
 
I've got two CZ-550 rifles. 6.5x55 (American) and 9.3x62 (Medium - Lux style with the cross bolts). I love them both. I've shouldered a couple Tikka's, and the light weight is attractive, but the CZ's just tickle my fancy a lot better. They shoulder better for me, and I really like the Mauser style action. That single set trigger is pretty trick too.
 
Tough call. I wanted a .223 and looked at Tikka, CZ, and a Savage. I couldn't make up my mind so I bought an AR. :)
 
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