Conundrum CZ vs Tikka

[kentucky_smith]

So I'm debating in the off-season which to buy. I'm down to these two:

A CZ 550 American in 6.5 Swede

or

A Tikka T3 Hunter in .260

Which one and why? Use will be light deer hunting, varmint, various and assorted.

 

[rbernie]

I prefer the Mauser action in the CZ, and strongly dislike the plastic bits on the Tikka.

 

[chaseguitar]

both are fine rifle makers....I have two TIkkas, one in .308 and one in 270 WSM and both a real shooters....I also have a CZ 452 in 17 HMR that is a great gun...totally different beast than the 550 but speaks to the quality of the guns they make....you really couldn't go wrong with either....

 

[Poper]

CZ 550

Kentucky Smith:
I have a CZ 527FS chambered in .222 Remington. 3/4" 5-shot groups at 100 yds are typical with handloaded ammunition. Best group to date measured 0.22" for 5 rounds. (24.2 gn N133, Hornady 40gn v-max, CCI-SRBR, RP case).

The quality of workmanship, wood to metal fit and finish on this gun is outstanding. Quite a pleasant surprise for a lower mid-range-priced rifle. I have to agree with rbernie, too. I am more a traditionalist and don't care for the plastic bits either. Particularly the plastic magazine. I am sure it works fine, but just doesn't seem right to me....

Poper

 

[rangerruck]

once you try the cz set trigger, all will become shiny and new in your life. I have 4 cz's , and love them all. their accuracy for a mass production rifle, smokes all others' mass produced rifles.



this is with a cz 527 in 223, at 100 yds.

 

[atblis]

Why not?

Either rifle would be great. I've already got the Tikka, and it is fantastic. Next on my list is a 550 American in 6.5x55

Why not a Tikka in 6.5x55?

 

[kentucky_smith]

Just to clarify a friend of mine is facing this question. I have a CZ in .243 and love it. He's leaning more toward the shorter action, but to me it's a tossup.

 

[atblis]

BTW

Usually the 6.5mms are not ideal varmint calibers. They'll work just fine, but are usually optimized for deer sized critters. 6.5x55 is usually setup for 140gr projectiles, and the 260 more so for 120gr bullets. At normal Varmint ranges, they are both a little overkill. To kill the odd varmint, fine. All day varmint blasting, No.

Does he intend to shoot varmints more than deer? If so, 243 might be a better choice. 6.5x55 is my personal favorite round, and that's what I'll be shooting groundhogs with this spring (in a M96). SHould say shooting at groundhogs.

I wouldn't let the short action thing scare you away from the Tikka. They are truly great rifles.

 

[Essex County]

I love mine equaly. Just like my kids. Either is an excellent choice...Essex

 

[SaMx]

I've fired a CZ in .223. It has an amazing trigger, and is very accurate. CZ is a good value and great quality. I don't really know anything about Tikka.
6.5x55 is a really cool sounding cartridge. Is it good for long range shooting?

 

[atblis]

Is it good for long range

It has a following in 1000 yard benchrest. Quite a few trophies have been won using this round.

The 6.5x55 AI (though it's arguably not an Ackley) is perhaps the best 6.5mm cartridge out there.

 

[one eye joe]

If he reloads, the 6.5x55 will outshine the .260. Not sure I understand the action length problem as I thought both companies made only a long action. I also didn't find the Tikka to be to my liking. Although it is light and the 550 is a bit heavier than needed, the CZ is all metal and well built (no plastic). Both are known for good triggers and accuracy. I looked and bought the CZ. Happy with it too.

 

[Simple Man]

I own one Tikka T3 hunter and several CZ's both centerfire and rimfire. It is a tough draw between them. They are both equally accurate, both have great looks and I like the different checkering of the Tikka. The CZ has the set trigger which is awesome. When you set the trigger it can bet set to a hair trigger which really helps with those shots that you want extreme accuracy. In the normal trigger mode I think the Tikka has it beat. The tikka's has a great trigger that has no creep or take-up, it breaks incredibly crisp. The Tikka will adjust down to 2 pounds in a matter of a couple of minutes. The Tikka also has a very slick action. Honestly you can not go wrong with either - buy whichever one feels the best to you. You will be very happy with either.

 

[CZguy]

Conundrum CZ vs Tikka

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I'm debating in the off-season which to buy. I'm down to these two:

A CZ 550 American in 6.5 Swede

or

A Tikka T3 Hunter in .260

Which one and why? Use will be light deer hunting, varmint, various and assorted.

I usually solve these problems by buying both.

 

[atblis]

That's my take

I intended on getting a CZ, but got a Tikka for $360 OTD. I intend to buy a CZ next, but I love my Tikka so much that...

You really can't lose with either one.

 

[Black Snowman]

I have a buddy who's a gunsmith and makes barrel sets for double rifles and shotguns as his main labor. His take for "bang for the buck rifles" puts Tikka at the top with the CZs a very very close second. I think it comes down to the features you want. If you prefer the option of a set trigger, go for the CZ. If you're confident enough in your shooting, or have someone who can work the trigger over for you, I'd say the Tikka has a slight edge in mechanical accuracy.

Personally I like the looks of the CZ and the set trigger on the CZs. But I've always been impressed with the design of the Tikkas. Also, last I checked Tikka's only had one length action. So a 223 and a 338 will be the same size guns. I'm not certain if this still holds true though, it's been a while since I really investigated them.

 

[Poper]

Black Snowman:

You will have a tough time stuffing a .308 or 30.06 casing in the action of my "Micro" length actioned .222 Remington chambered CZ527FS!

CZ's action lengths are sized according to the chambering. I.E. .222/.223 class calibers "Micro" length, then .308 (short), then 30.06 (long) action, then Magnum .375 H&H/.458 Win. Mag. class.

I hope this is helpful.

Poper