Reminded me of a thread from a couple of years ago...
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Re: A buddy's looking for a new 7mm Mag deer rifle- Tikka T3, or Remington 700?
« Reply #38 on: February 27, 2015, 09:28:50 AM »
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Quote from: j_h_nimrod on February 26, 2015, 08:05:56 PM
Quote from: Bob33 on February 26, 2015, 07:42:01 AM
If you’re looking strictly for “out of box” accuracy, I would favor the Tikka T3 between the two you have asked about. An interesting test would be to take ten out-of-box T3s, ten out-of-box 700s and run an accuracy test between them. I believe the Tikkas would have a slight edge. I’ve not known of a Tikka T3 that didn’t shoot well out of the box.
That said, no custom rifle makers that I’m aware of uses Tikka actions. Many, if not a majority use 700 actions. With work, a 700 can usually become as or more accurate than any other actioned rifle.
As far as aesthetics go, the Tikkas generally don’t score well - some believe they look and feel cheap. If that bothers you, get a 700 or expand your search to some of the other makes mentioned.
It seems that no one talks much about their Remington accuracy anymore, maybe it is just a "given" now and people take it for granted. That being said I have never been impressed with a box Remington, for accuracy they have been on par with all the Rugers I have had and a sloppy second to Winchester or Tikka at the similar price point. A Remington is kind of like a hammer, not much by itself but you can use it to build something. IMO as far as look and feel, most of the base Remingtons (SPS, XCR, CDL, etc.) feel as cheap as any out there. Some would say the reason there are so many aftermarket options for the Remington is because they need them
Bingo!....and you copied my comment from a few months ago re aftermarket R700 parts....LOTS of demand for those.
The reason R700 is the platform used for many customs is it was designed to be manufactured as cheaply as possible out of round stock. Anyone with a lathe can claim to be an R700 gunsmith.
No way I would bet $500 clams on whether I get a lemon in a green and yellow box.
I shoot a Tikka 300WSM and after 8 or 10 rounds, I need a few Advil. No question, even with the Limbsaver pad.
That said, it's not a bench gun, it's a hike 4 miles and 4000 ft of vertical every day gun.
Good thing it and the Burris scope don't lose zero, I don't have to fuss with it before every season.
Buy a R700 and Leupold scope if you really want a project...it will keep you busy guessing which one is out of tune.