Backcountry rifle - Browning X-Bolt & Tikka T3

[buckchaser]

I am looking between these two rifles in synthetic/stainless. I have handled them at my local gun shop, shouldered them, etc. Both seem to work pretty well for me. Just looking for some input from posters here. It will be used in harsh Canadian conditions (cold, wet, snow) and sometimes on backpack hunts. Any particular reasons to buy / not buy for either rifle from those who have used / owned them extensively? Trouble spots, etc.? Fit and finish seemed pretty similar between the two.

 

[wind gypsy]

Can't go wrong with either, would be the two I'd choose between as well. I prefer the stocks on xbolts to t3s personally. Also, if you are a hand loader the Xbolt mags allow for longer COAL.

Tikkas have much better aftermarket support if you want to tinker.

 

[hodgeman]

Not a bad choice here at all. I've had both and currently have an X-Bolt in .270WIN....it shoots 3/4MOA with Federal "Blue Box" and my Tikka would shoot about the same.

I prefer the Browning's stock over the Tikka and greatly prefer the safety.

 

[rileybassman]

To add to your list, the Savage 16/116 weather warrior/ lightweight hunter's are great rifles as well - as is the weatherby stainless vanguard 2 - tho that one is a little on the heavy side.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Don't know much about the browning but the tikka rocks. You can do some research on here and you'll find that are very well supported with the slide community. Absolutely a great backpacking rig and very accurate.

Randy

 

[Ndbowhunter]

My Nz hunting partner has a an xbolt I have the tikka.

Ford or Chevy really. I prefer features in both.

Both shoot as great.. Splitting hairs there

I actually like a t3's Palm swell better but the xbolt is a better stock.

I like the tikkas mag better.

I like the xbolt trigger from factory better but the t3 can be lightened to be sweet as too!

The only negative on the tikka in my mind is the safety, and the non free floated stock on a t3

You cannot beat a t3 superlite at that price point.

For magnum caliber a I might be leaned towards a xbolt but I went with the superlite and banked the difference for future hunts.

Oh and both are good to go in shit weather. Riihimaki is further north then most places in Canada,

 

[belly-deep]

For hunting in the conditions you describe, I'd be inclined to go with a Ruger or Winchester (preferably with the original style trigger). JMO.