Tikka T3 or Weatherby Vanguard

[Dance&Sting]

After spending massive hours at work (doing nothing ) and reading about the .300WSM I've concluded to two reasonably priced rifles. I have never shot neither of them nor the cartridge .300WSM. Interested, I want your opinions and suggestions on these two remarkable rifles. I was leaning towards the Vanguard, SUB-MOA stainless steel to be exact, but after reading about it's rival, the Tikka T3, I've been having second thoughts. Both are very attractive rifles and I am sure its accuracy is similiar to one another using the right ammunition, of course.

For me, the advantage of the T3 is the weight (1 pound less), 72 degree bolt lift (unlike Vanguard's 90 degree), smooth bolt action, free-floated barrel, adjustable trigger and not to mention its crisp pull ( 2 Ibs min. I believe), and most importantly a company affiliated with Beretta

On the other hand, vanguard models all come with factory shot targets to gaurantee its 1 1/2" 3 shot groups at 100 yards (.99" on sub-moa models ), the beautifully, attractive composite fiber stock, triple gas ports, and a reputation of the fine hunter's marksmanship.

As I've mentioned before I have never shot neither of these rifles, but have put massive amount of time into researching about one from the other. I've got the money rotting in my jeans, but just can't decide which one to grab. Im also planning on mounting a Leupold 4-12x40 A/O on whichever one I grab. If anybody in this forum have had any experience with either one please let me know. Any recommondations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


HOPEFULLY I CAN MAKE MY DECISION BEFORE THE END OF FRIDAY


yes, im new

 

[Preacherman]

I've used both, and IMHO, the Tikka is head and shoulders above the Vanguard. That's not to say the Vanguard is a bad rifle: but the Tikka is just very, very good. No question - if it were my money, I'd be buying the Tikka.

 

[rust collector]

I love my T3 lite stainless in 308, but the combination of a light rifle and magnum chambering may be uncomfortable to shoot. I hope you can road test one before buying, or buy one of the heavier models.

Never heard any negatives about the Howa. It seems to be reasonably well built gun, but I have not shot one. I don't believe you would regret purchasing either gun.

 

[atblis]

Tikka all the way

But I believe the Vanguard can be had for less money now (Tikkas have gone up for good reason).

The Tikka's trigger is sweeet.
Mine shoots, and by all acounts others do as well.

The other day with my 270 I shot three back to back 5 shot groups all easily under 1" at 150 yards with three different loads.

 

[rbernie]

+1 for Preacherman.

 

[adaman04]

T3 gets my vote as well.

 

[45crittergitter]

I have not used the Weatherby, but have two T3s. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

 

[IV Troop]

The Tikka is a phenomenal rifle. I have a T3 Varmint in 308 that I use as a sniper/competition gun. I think it is the best value on the market today bar none. I have a number of heavy bbl target rifles from win, rem browning, savage etc.

The Tikka is a superior rifle in smoothness, accuracy and overall shootability. All for a price that is less than what I have paid just for a custom barrel. I am afraid once the news is out they are going to take a big jump in price.

 

[scubie02]

Unlike the experience most online seem to have, the one tikka I owned, after having to go back three times before they got me a stock with no cracks in it, had the distinction of being the least accurate centerfire rifle I have ever owned--I'm talking averaging groups in the 5" range at 75 yds with most of the many different types of ammo I tried. I must have just got one of the lemons, since as I said most people seem to really like theirs. They do have great triggers, the bolts are fairly smooth, etc. But the T3 is a cheapened version of the previous Whitetail models, sold at a much higher price, and there is no chort action with them--getting a short magnum to use in a long action wouldn't make sense to me either. With the Vanguard you get an excellent reputation and GUARANTEED accuracy, which is pretty impressive, and you'd get it for significantly less than what they are asking for T3's these days.

 

[Dance&Sting]

Thanks for all the suggestions and information guys. Just stopped at Gander Mountain and compared the two. I think im leaning towards the T3 Hunter in .300WSM because it feels right, smooth bolt action, lighter, and apparently the walnut stock seduced me. The checkering is done magnificently on the T3. The vanguard is cut off by a few hundred dollars when compared to the T3 but the features on the T3 is reasonable enough to add another few hours of work to purchase. I am going to grab the T3 sometimes this month. Any doubted thoughts about this decision is welcomed Thanks THR.

 

[rick_reno]

I'd go with the Tikka. I was looking at 300WSM rifles yesterday and found a Savage package (rifle, scope, sling) in 300WSM for $329 new. Anyone know if these are any good?

 

[DPD06]

+1 for Tikka T3. I currently have a Remington PSS in 300 mag (love the rifle) but if Tikka would have offered they Tactical or Varmint model in the same caliber instead of just 223 or 308, I would have bought a Tikka.

 

[exoduster18]

Am I the only vote for the Weatherby Vanguard?

I've shot both, and while both are excellent rifles, I liked the Vanguard a whole lot better.

The Vanguard must of just "fit" me better.

 

[Fumbler]

I have a T3 Lite in 308win.

IMO the T3 is simply a better engineered rifle. The Vanguard is "just another bolt action."

The T3 is guaranteed to shoot 1MOA and from my experience and everyone else's (except scubie) you won't need a test target.
Mine will do less than 0.5MOA with Black Hills 168gr BTHP Match.
That's pretty darn good for a lightweight.

 

[Dance&Sting]

I have a T3 Lite in 308win.

IMO the T3 is simply a better engineered rifle. The Vanguard is "just another bolt action."

The T3 is guaranteed to shoot 1MOA and from my experience and everyone else's (except scubie) you won't need a test target.

Hehe Sorry scubie Just teasin' ya. By the way has anyone ever seen or shot T3's newest model Big Boar or I think it was Battue? Both?

 

[45crittergitter]

One FYI for the T3: The magazines usually run about $60 each.

 

[Red_SC]

The Vanguard is guarenteed to shoot 1.5 MOA. Mine shoots much better than that. I don't think you will go wrong with a Vanguard, but I've heard a lot of good things about the Tikka, too.

 

[TooTech]

The three Tikkas I own all have better triggers and shoot more accurately than my Weatherby Ultralight, at much less than half the price.

I LOVE my Ultralight, but the Tikka is a lot of gun for the $$$.

 

[exoduster18]

Yeah, the Weatherby's come from the factory garuanteed to shoot sub 1.5 MOA.

However that was some time a go. They now come from the factory garuanteed to shoot sub 1 MOA now. So what it all comes down to is which one fits you better/is it in/price/is the wife a factor in the price/do you like its overall look/is it suitable to your needs are all questions that you need to ask yourself

 

[Essex County]

I own both and I'd go Tikka.........Essex

 

[iamkris]

I have a Tikka T3 Hunter in 300 WSM. I bought it from a guy who only shot 17 rounds from it (he provided the one factory box and the empties to me) for $400. Said it wwas "too much gun" for him. I think the cartridge is not bad at all from a recoil standpoint...maybe I'm weird.

It is really a fine rifle...light, well made, absolutely the best trigger I've seen on a factory gun, smooth action, balanced and extremely accurate with my handloads (I've never shot factory loads from it)...sub MOA. I have a Burris Ballistiplex 3-10x on it...great scope.

A few notes:

** The styling is a little less "American" than the other two...stock shape, checkering, action configuration
** The WSM action is no different than their regular actions...same size. Usually the WSM actions for other makers are shorter resulting in less weight...not so with Tikka. Doesn't really matter though since it is a very light rifle in the first place (6-3/4 lbs).
** The receiver on the Tikka appears to be an alloy of some sort and is finished in a slightly different matte black than the polished blued barrel...not a big deal just something to note.
** Poster above notes that magazines are $60 each but who buys a lot of extra mags for a bolt action???? One extra (to carry along for different load) ought to do you just fine.

If I hadn't got a good deal on this, I would have bought the rifle in 300 WM to give me more flexibility in heavy bullet weights.

I've never heard of anything but good reports from Vanguards...they are Howa actions I believe. Only comes in synthetic stock though. Savages have a wonderful reputation for accuracy...just expect slightly less in the fit and finish department.

 

[Dance&Sting]

From researching and your personal experiences I think I've found my next arsenal to my gun rack. Thanks again.

Tikka T3 Hunter series chambered in .300 WSM

Any objections are ultimately welcomed

 

[Dance&Sting]

I have a Tikka T3 Hunter in 300 WSM. I bought it from a guy who only shot 17 rounds from it (he provided the one factory box and the empties to me) for $400. Said it wwas "too much gun" for him. I think the cartridge is not bad at all from a recoil standpoint...maybe I'm weird.

It is really a fine rifle...light, well made, absolutely the best trigger I've seen on a factory gun, smooth action, balanced and extremely accurate with my handloads (I've never shot factory loads from it)...sub MOA. I have a Burris Ballistiplex 3-10x on it...great scope.

A few notes:

** The styling is a little less "American" than the other two...stock shape, checkering, action configuration
** The WSM action is no different than their regular actions...same size. Usually the WSM actions for other makers are shorter resulting in less weight...not so with Tikka. Doesn't really matter though since it is a very light rifle in the first place (6-3/4 lbs).
** The receiver on the Tikka appears to be an alloy of some sort and is finished in a slightly different matte black than the polished blued barrel...not a big deal just something to note.
** Poster above notes that magazines are $60 each but who buys a lot of extra mags for a bolt action???? One extra (to carry along for different load) ought to do you just fine.

If I hadn't got a good deal on this, I would have bought the rifle in 300 WM to give me more flexibility in heavy bullet weights.

WOW you have just boosted my motivation towards getting this Finland Rifle by a trillion points I don't know but I think I like the checkering and stock on the T3 better than SOME American made rifles. It's unique and has a Sako styled look but $1000-$2000 cheaper and in my blind opinion, bang for the buck.

 

[scubie02]

I'm the first to admit that I seem to have gotten a lemon in the accuracy department, since the 3 people I know personally all get good service from theirs. My brother's shoots very well with the loads it likes (that's something to note--he was very unimpressed to start with with his when the first load or two he tried didn't shoot so hot, but the third I believe it was shoots honest 1/2" groups at 150 yds in his 243. If I were looking for a long action caliber, I think they compare favorably in looks and quality to many of the sadly fallen american classic models. But in a short action, part of the allure is the shorter, stiffer action is supposed to aide accuracy, this somewhat defeated in a long action gun. The price has also risen dramatically as they became better known (like $200 dramatically) which is semi hard to swallow but is the American (or Italian or Finnish way now too) way I suppose so if they can demand the price, I guess they should go for it. But its sort of like being asked to pay toyota prices for a Hyundai, you know? The quality might well merit it, but on some level its hard to swallow.

I wll also warn that if its a wood stocked model, look it over VERY carefully, as they seem to have a tendency to have hairline cracks.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Personally, I'm surprised at the mention of the Vanguards 90deg bolt throw. I could have sworn that Weatherby was all about the six lug bolts with miniscule deg of throw. That being said, I handled the T3 and found it to be frustrating. After all the positive reviews of this rifle I was saddened to find that it fit me like a poorly carved paddle. I really didn't appreciate the long action only deal either especially given that the magazine projects down right at the balance point of the rifle. My M44 is like this and I don't like offhand shooting with my left hand so far forward. The Vanguard accuracy guarantee is to my mind, significant only if the rifle fits you well. I have found that stock fit is crucial to steady performance. Not to throw a wrench into the works buy what about a Savage? They have an enviable reputation for out of the box accuracy and there are a boatload of aftermarket parts for it unlike the conspicuous lack on the part of the Tikka and to a lesser extent the Weatherby. As always, consider that these rifles aren't cheap no matter what the retired doctors say. If you're looking for a rifle to last a lifetime, take your time and make it the right one. For me, this generally means that I have to look for rifles with the most potential and add on the niceties as funds make themselves availible. Just my two cents.