SPS VS T3

[Harold]

im in the market for a new rifle. ive put a few bought my current rifle used it was in great shape, still is in great shape but ive put about 750 rounds thru her and would like to give her a break. I would like peoples opinion on the two rifles, i would like to know every single little flaw about them before i buy one. i love the feel of the sps but i dont like the matt finish on the barrel of the bolt. the bolt isint smooth at all to me. the tikka i love all around other then the stock is a little small and they dont have the history of the remington. please tell me all you guys can about there triggers, how do they feel can they be improved without having to buy a timney or jewel, also im looking at possible going with a new caliber other then my trusty .270. im thinking about a .308 or a .300 win mag. im going to want this gun to be able to take elk at 300 yds and it would be cool if i could plink around out twards 500yards. any input on both rifles and cartridges would be very helpful thanks for bein there guys!

[DRobnsn]

I have both SPS chambered in 7mm RUM and Tikka chambered in 300WSM.

First off the SPS stock sucks but doesn't seem to kill accuracy as bad as one would think. The trigger is adjustable however its not the same good ol trigger the other 700s come with. If I remember right it only adjust weight not take up or stop. Where as the other 700 trigger does. I went Timney and will never turn back. No the action isn't as smooth as a chrome bolt but I have never had issues with it.

As for the Tikka the stock is much better as far as strength and barrel float. Its still just plastic though. The trigger is adjustable as far as I know. If I remember correctly mine measures at 3.5 lbs without touching it and it actually feels pretty descent to me.

I really like both guns but if one had to go it would be the tikka simply because I really like 700s and have many plans for my sps. My tikka is kind of my brush beater cause its shorter lighter and has a 3x9 scope. The sps is more my longe range gun for east side and out of state hunting it has a 6.5x20x50 mark 4 so its a bit of a tank to pack in the thick stuff.

I don't think you could go wrong either way.

[carpsniperg2]

T3 is my pick between the two. My best friend shoots a 30-06 sps I have shot it from time to time. The sps is a good gun, but if it was me. I would say Tikka all the way, they are a great shooting gun. They are light weight and are very solid guns. 

[7mag.]

You should go with a Remington 700 CDL. Nice and light, same proven action, the bolt is not matte, and it doesn't have the cheap crappy stock like the SPS. I bought the SPS for varmints and wish I would have got the CDL instead.

[wastickslinger]

Out of the two I would go with the tikka for sure. I dont know if the trigger is adjustable or not but I left mine the way it came and I think the trigger pull is nice, very durable gun, lightweight, and very accurate. And if it were me I would go with a 7 mag. 

[C-Money]

My friend has a Tikka, it seems to be just fine. It shoots well, and is a good rifle for the money. I am more of a Browning Compsoite stalker fan. Lots of folks are using the Tikka, it is a popular gun right now for good reason. I am not impressed that much with many of the Remington rifle's anymore. Hard to beat the Remington CDL and BDL's. 

[ribka]

Had both. Sold the SPS kept the Tikka T 3. For a lite weight rifle in the $500 range can't beat it.  I see quite a few used SPS's  in Gun Stores and hardly ever see a Tikka.

Can purchase a Tikka with a wood stock

[longrange7mm]

Dont get me wrong I love my tikka action. The factory trigger was ok too but it sounds like you do not like the stock on the tikka. Have ever looked for a tikka aftermarket stock? well I ended up buying a blank and carving it out for mine  You may want to start looking into a CDL or BDL That will also elimanate your dislike of the Cerakote and action. Also I would recomend the 300 win if your try to choose between the two .30 cals you mentioned they are both great rounds but 300 yds on an elk you leave little margin for error with the .308 hope this helps

[turkeyfeather]

I also have a Tikka, mine is a 270. I love this gun it's lightweight, and is built by Sako so you know it's a good quality. Plus very accurate. The only thing I might caution you about is getting a large caliber, being a lighter weight gun it is going to kick pretty good. It's not that big of a deal, but something to keep in mind.

[Harold]

bang for the buck it looks like tikka is winning me over and they seem to be a bit more accurate from the factory, im 21 6'3 and 280lbs im not worried about kick thanks for the concern tho. the tikka just might have to be put on hold, i just got a deal i couldnt refuse on a model 70. thanks for all the feed back guys!