Tikka superlite / Mesa / X-bolt

[Adkmtn26]

Too many options out there! Looking for opinions on a rifle , looking to keep it lightweight possibly a maven rs.2. I currently hunt coyotes pronghorn, deer ,elk and black bear. Not looking for a Rem 700 I have a custom already. I have no experience with the above mentioned models. I have owned weatherby mark v, ruger, kimber, cz and a model 70, I only have the 700 left chambered in 6.5 creedmoor.

 

[coues32]

Caliber?

 

[Lawnboi]

The Mesa is essentially a rem 700 with some of the stuff people prefer to do to them, like upgraded extractor, side bolt release.

Really like my tikkas, but personally wouldn’t buy one in a long action caliber.

 

[Adkmtn26]

Caliber?

Not stuck on any caliber. I handload as well looking to get out to 500yds is all. Maybe 7mm08

 

[Adkmtn26]

The Mesa is essentially a rem 700 with some of the stuff people prefer to do to them, like upgraded extractor, side bolt release.

Really like my tikkas, but personally wouldn’t buy one in a long action caliber.

I was under the impression that all tikkas are long action with a caliber specific bolt stop?

 

[Lawnboi]

I was under the impression that all tikkas are long action with a caliber specific bolt stop?

They are. But the max length limits you in the longer ammo

 

[Adkmtn26]

I see.

 

[Apollo117]

My suggestion is a Tikka. Pick any applicable caliber for the game you are hunting. I like the .270 or 30'06 for the game you have listed, because Tikka doesn't offer a .280 AI.

 

[LightFoot]

Tikka is a great gun! Browning has gotten some mixed reviews, but I am a big fan of their latest offerings. I bought my dad a Browning HC Speed in 6.5 Creedmoor and I have a Browning Pro 300 WSM. Both are great shooting guns. Triggers a good (probably not as good as the Tikka). I like the fit and finish much better on the Browning. Small weight penalty in the Browning I think, but negligible. You get a true short action with the Browning.

Can't go wrong with either, but my preference is the Xbolt.

Spend your money on experience before you spend it on fancy gear.

 

[Fonkie]

Depends on what caliber your interested in. If you want a true long action magnum probably a Browning. But if not personally I would go with a Tikka superlite in a 300wsm. They have a smooth action, great factory adjustable trigger & many great aftermarket parts being made available including stocks,trigger springs,extended coal magazines & bolt handles. I have seen very few that weren’t very very accurate. On top of that they come in at a bargain price compared to the others & are a great build platform if so desired down the road.

With all that said, a Tikka T3x Superlite in 300 wsm shooting a pill somewhere between 180-200 would be my choice.

 

[manitou1]

I prefer the X-bolt over the Tikka. Have had several of both and still have a couple X-Bolts that will go to the grave with me. Either will serve you well. I never shot a Mesa but would like to.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I just unloaded a Mesa chambered in 6.5 CM, and opted to keep a Barrett Fieldcraft instead (same chambering). That Mesa is a beautiful rifle and felt really nice in the hands and shooting/action, but the FC felt just as nice, was more accurate, and weighed 1.5 lbs less. Have you considered a Fieldcraft?


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[Mr Drysdale]

I have a Tikka SL in 7RM and love it. I just received my Browning HC Speed yesterday in 300 WM. I will give a review on the differences and what I like/don’t like between the two after I run the HCS through the paces.

 

[Fonkie]

I to have a 7mag tikka sl. It shoots 168 Bergers very well.

 

[Tohopko]

I've had both, will likely always have a Tikka in the safe. One of the best factory triggers you can get--especially after swapping out a $10 spring. I'm giving Bergaras a run at the moment, but harder to call them "lightweight". The Tikka in 7-08 would be a lightweight dream!

 

[Desk Jockey]

I own a couple of tikkas and shot a browning. Both were great. Tikka trigger was better. Fit and finish on browning was much better. Tikka stock feels like plastic. Tikka was just about half the price.

IMO for hunting they both shoot very well. Browning looks and feels better in the hand. The tikka is the best value among the brands you mentioned.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

I bought a Tikka in 6.5 CM recently. It shoots 10 rounds under 1" with a variety of ammo. I'm very pleased with the gun.

It has a SWFA 6x scope with sportsmatch rings very solidly mounted.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I have several light wt. rifles in chamberings of .300wsm, .270win, 6.5cm, and 7mm08. The 7mm08 is a Tikka T3 lite in stainless/synthetic and I have a hard time considering it really light wt. since it weighs over 7 lbs. all up. The Tikka is very accurate and has a very smooth action, but I absolutely hate the stock, and don't hunt it much (it's only been on one moose hunt), because it weighs more than any of my other light wt. rifles. I know I could drop another several hundred dollars on a much nicer stock, which would definitely improve my thoughts about the rifle in general, but I don't think that I want to put several hundred dollars in to it and still have a "heavy" light wt. rifle. All my LW rifles are sub MOA shooters, so no issues there, but I'm definitely least fond of the Tikka, although I do like the 7mm08 caliber.

 

[2five7]

The Hells Canyon Speed is a heck of a rifle, with lots of upgrades in a factory rifle. Removable brake, cerakote, plenty of mag length in SA or LA. Plenty light for a mountain rifle, especially if you don't go crazy on the scope.

Don't own a Tikka, so take for what it's worth.

 

[MHWASH]

I find these options an odd comparison. The Tikka is light weight, the other two not so much. I think you need to decide what you want from the rifle first.