Model 700 or Tikka T3 Lite?

[pips4bucks]

Okay guys, I'm looking at getting a new rifle for general purpose hunting.  I've been looking at both the Rem Model 700 and the Tikka T3 Lite rifles.  I've narrowed caliber selection down to either 7mm mag or .300 Win mag. 

I like the actions on both, but the Tikka action seems to be smoother.  I also like that the T3 is very light. 

I like that the 700 has a drop out magazine option as well.  I think it's the CDL model, but I haven't found one yet.

I'm wondering what the accuracy is like between the two.  What do you guys think?  What are your preferences?  Pros/cons?  I look forward to hearing your opinions.  Thanks!

[carpsniperg2]

I own and have owned many of both. 100% tikka all the way. They cant be beat for the price and what you get out of them!!!

[bod]

+ 1 on the tikka 7mm rem mag

[KFhunter]

Is there any chance you'll ever modify the gun?

[bobcat]

If it were me, I wouldn't want a light rifle like the Tikka in a 7 mag or 300 mag. So just for that reason, I would choose the Remington. If you could go with a lighter recoiling cartridge like a 270, 280, or 30/06, then I would go with the Tikka.

[pips4bucks]

Is there any chance you'll ever modify the gun?

Not likely.  Maybe a muzzle brake and a recoil pad if anything.

[Maligator]

I own and have owned many of both. 100% Tikka all the way. They cant be beat for the price and what you get out of them!!!

 

I can honestly say that I would choose the Tikka and never look back. Given the calibers you are deciding between I would also suggest that if you choose the Tikka you may want to consider getting a Limbsaver or Pachmyer pad as well. I have the Tikka T3 Hunter with the Limbsaver recoil pad  on my 300 WSM and I can shoot through a few boxes of ammo without later day remorse 

As far as the accuracy...what can I say??? Never had a Remmy even come close to a Tikka for out of the box accuracy.       Every Tikka I have owned has been sub MOA right out of the box.

[Gutpile]

Well, the T3 lite is going to beat the hell out of you with recoil, so in those two caliber choices I'd go with a Remmy. I have a T3 and do love it and plan on buying more but not in a magnum. The Tikkas are awesome little rifles. Mines in .243 and its just a fantastic little shooter.

[mrolen]

i own both but i hunt with my tikka 300 wsm, recoil is not bad it just depends on how sensitive you are, if it is to much for you throw a limb saver on and you will be good to go. The only advantage the remington has over the tikka is the aftermarket support. In my opinion they are the best off the shelf hunting rifle for the price, great accurate lightweight package... and the 300wsm is a hammer!

[Skillet]

Another vote for the Tikka T3 Lite.  I just set up my mountain rifle (T3 Lite Stainless in 270WSM) and couldn't be happier.  It came with a limbsaver on it and even though it weighs 2# less than my M70 Featherweight 30-06 I swear the felt recoil is 2/3 or less of my 30/06.  I also love the plastic stock since I just don't care if it gets a ding in it - which is the exact opposite of my wood stock rifles where I'm overly-anal about keeping them nice while hunting...

[Rick]

The Tikkas are guaranteed to shoot 1" or less out of the box.

I've got a T3 in 30-06. Nice rifle,but it feels cheap.

Don't lose the magazine. They're about $60

[Gutpile]

 

i lost mine and bought a new one. then I promptly found the first one. i hate detachable mags. lol

[JohnVH]

T3 all the way, LOVE my 7mag

[Carl]

I did the same research before buying a new rifle. 

My requirements were:
A light rifle (getting too old to haul around my Win Mod 70 wood stock);
Accurate;
And price/performance.

Everything I read and people I talked with, pointed me toward the Tikka.  I’m sure the other rifles are fine too.

I’m very happy with my Tikka – 308. 

Carl

[lover_of_all_racks]

I've got a tikka t3 light 7mm rem mag with a vxii. I'll never be in the market for another rifle. Best gun I've ever shot and to be honest the recoil doesn't bug me one bit. No limb saver. 

[carpsniperg2]

Yeah I always use a slip on pad for the added length of pull. You put one on the 7 or 300 and it will not beat you up. The new limbsaver pads are the ticket. The older ones don't stay on as well after getting broke in. The new ones have a new design to them and they hold very very well. Also if you are getting a brake then no worries and you could stick with the stock lop and use just the stock pad.

[Huntbear]

Tikka..

It may be considered a poor man's Sako, but it is still better than the current crop of Remington 700s I see out there... 

[carpsniperg2]

 

I got rid of all my newer 700's and kept only a couple older ones. The new ones are just so low in quality fit and feel.

OH AND: I was at wholesale sports the other day. They have there clearance deals going on right now. SOME AMAZING DEALS IN THERE!!! They only had one tikka on clearance it was a 243. I think they did have  a couple 700's they are trying to move out as well.

[3nails]

 I've owned and hunted with 700's all my life until 3 years ago when I bought a T3 in .300 wsm. Love the rifle and caliber. My son hunts with it sometimes too and recoil isn't an issue.

[3nails]

Is there any chance you'll ever modify the gun?

Not likely.  Maybe a muzzle brake and a recoil pad if anything.

With your size?  :puke:muzzle brakes! I will hunt you down at work daily just to tell you how big a sissy you are if you put one on!

[coachcw]

muzzle breaks have there place . I wouldn't knock one just because you dont like them on your stuff . my long range system has one for the sole purpose of seeing impact through the scope and it works assume. my buddys 300wm we just put together has one and makes it a pleasure to shoot . if your not gonna spend a bunch of time behind the gun ans only hunt with it then maybe go with out , but I can say my 30-378 is gonna get one ! the tikkas are great and the synthetic stock absorbs recoil well the 300wsm my son shoots rocks . the 700's are better if you plan on any mods just more better stuff out there , a 700 with a wyatts box mag and timming trigger would be a nice set up but your gonna be double the cost of the t3 . 

[dscubame]

I have both and gravitate towards the Tikka almost most of the time due to its weight and knowing I am already going to pack more than I wish I was in weight.

I just love the Tikka. 

[birdwacker]

Between those two definitely go with the Tikka, If you don't mind more weight look at a TC icon or venture, Smooth action and moa shooters.

[TwoSixFourWins]

Stay away from Remington

[pips4bucks]

Is there any chance you'll ever modify the gun?

Not likely.  Maybe a muzzle brake and a recoil pad if anything.

With your size?  :puke:muzzle brakes! I will hunt you down at work daily just to tell you how big a sissy you are if you put one on!

HA! HA!  If it was just me shooting, I'd go without the muzzle brake and recoil pad.  I'm also thinking my girlfriend will be shooting this from time to time so I don't want it to beat her up too bad.  Not only that, but how nice would it be to shoot a magnum caliber and have it feel like you're shooting something much smaller. 

[pips4bucks]

Thanks for the info guys!  Tikka it is!

[madmack76]

check out the tikka hunter to it seems like a pretty nice rifle

[JoeE]

I guess I'll be the minority here. I've owned both. I currently hunt with a Tikka T3 lite in 300wsm and I hate just about everything about it. I switched from a model 70 in 300wsm where I was shooting 1" groups at 100 yards easily. With several different loads I just can't get the Tikka to group the way I want it. I think it feels cheap and I don't like the way the bolt feels. I sold my 700 a few years ago but I would take it back in favor of my Tikka. I'm actually about to buy a T/C pro hunter to hopefully replace the Tikka. That's my two cents anyway.

[madmack76]

i would agree the syn stock feels cheap but you can get a wood stock

[Swatson]

Love my Tikka 300WSM!!!!!!!!!  Sold my 700 to a buddy shortly after I bought my Tikka.  The recoils not that bad either.  I suppose it's got a little more kick than a 700 but I'll trade that over the extra packing weight.

[longrange7mm]

I would go 700 only do to the fact that aftermarket parts are far more available

[coachcw]

the tikkas and the savages both feel cheap but they shoot well can't debate that . don't over look a sako either it's the tikka only better .

[Greenhorn]

I just bought a Remington 700 7mm mag. stainless with clip from a friend who had a load all worked up for it.  Friday we went out shooting rocks across the canyon starting at 400yds and working out to 1300yds.  I would have never believed it, but I was hitting something 2'x2' without any problem out to 1000yds every time.  I wouldn't trade this thing for any other hunting rifle.  Maybe a rifle like this is only 1/20 from Remington, but it is amazing with the right load.  I have never owned aTikka though.

[brown dog]

I have both rifles in 7MM-08 that my boys shoot. One is the Tikka T3 lite and the other is a Rem 700 mountain with the laminate stock. In a side by side comparison i would give the edge to the 700 but the Tikka feels much better in the hands... Both shoot the same handloaded ammunition with accuracy being about the same. I'd pick the one that feels better.