Tikka T3/T3x vs Browning X-Bolt - Looking for opinions from those who have owned both

[buckchaser]

I've narrowed it down to these two rifles for my next deer rifle. Caliber will be 7mm-08 and the rifle will be used mostly in the backcountry "big woods" of Ontario and the Adirondacks (New York). Snow, rain, sleet - you name it, this rifle will see it. Weight is a consideration as it is common to cover 10 plus kilometers per day. Most hunting is from a "base camp", but I do backpack in to access certain areas. Long range accuracy is not a huge concern as it is unlikely I will ever take a shot over 100 meters due to the terrain and thick vegetation.

From those who have owned both I would appreciate your thoughts about:

1) Overall build quality and durability over time
2) East of maintenance in terms of bolt designs, etc.
3) Opinions of gunsmiths if you have heard any

Thanks in advance.

 

[ReddingArcher]

I've got both of them, a tikka in 7mm08 and the x bolt in a 7mm mag. Both of them shoot really well. I carry the tikka more often just cause it saves me about 2 pounds over the x bolt. The x bolt stock feels a little better to me but that's not to say I hate the tikka stock, it's perfectly fine for me. If you get the tikka I'd say go with the t3x for the stock, I just bought a 300 superlite and like the feel of that stock much more than the older t3. Both of them have held up great! Either way you'd be happy I think. Let us know what you buy.

 

[Jimbob]

I have a T3 list SS. my Dad has a T3 compact and my hunting buddy has an x-bolt. Factor in price and the tikka wins out.

The x-bolt has a nicer stock, the tikka has a smoother bolt. Both nice guns that shoot well but the tikka is cheaper.

 

[hodgeman]

I've had both. Not sure there's a bad pick here.

FWIW, I like the X-bolt safety, stock and magazine much better.

 

[Trogon]

I've had both. I would go with the Tikka. The only week point of the Tikka is the crappy plastic stock, which can easily be replaced. Trigger on the Tikka is really good right from the factory. Tikka is easily customizable if desired. Accuracy is documented. For the browning, mine shoot great but I dunno, the build quality just seems cheap to me. The one thing to be aware of is with the Browning you get what you get. You cant do much with the trigger (mines not great), and theres no aftermarket stuff to speak of.

Edit: As of 2023, I revise my statement on the "crappy" plastic stock. Its plenty stiff, light, and cheap. I see no reason to upgrade.

 

[Josh Wright]

I have both in 7mm08. I bought a Browning micro for a specific stand location in a slough. Made it easy to get in out through buck brush and water.

Out of the 20 inche barrel I get 3082 fps with varget and nosler 120 gr ballistic tips. .4 moa.

 

[Bravo6]

Love the Tikkas, but am also looking at X Bolt, any other experience out there comparing the two?

 

[Jeremyc_1999]

I like my x bolt a bit better but both are good rifles

 

[KoolBreeze]

There is also the CA Mesa for a couple more Benjamins, depending which specific xbolt you're interested in. Decisions decisions.

 

[Lxhuntinpa]

Sold my Browning A-Bolt II stainless stalker .308 for an X bolt .308 wish I never would have. My A-bolt was more accurate and fit me better. Just sold the x-bolt and ordered a Tikka T3x stainless .308 to try out. Now that browning did away with the dura touch the stock feels extremely cheap for the price you are paying. They need to go back to the A-bolt synthetic stock material.

 

[TheCougar]

I have two Tikkas and a Hells Canyon Speed. The tikka stocks just don’t cut it on magnums (I replaced it on my 7RM but left it on the 243). I replaced the Browning trigger, as I just couldn’t get it low enough - it’s a cheap $20 mod. I’m happy with both. I don’t think you can go wrong. If you’re just going with a straight X-bolt, for the money a Tikka with a new stock is probably going to be the better rifle, as you can get the Tikkas for dirt cheap if you are patient.

 

[manitou1]

Have had both. Still have two X-bolts.
The Xbolt wins out in balance, stock and magazine IMO. The two Xbolts I have are sub 1/2" shooters also.

 

[BCD]

I haven't owned both but spent a lot of time researching and handling both last year when looking for a 300WSM. I did not like the looks, feel or stock of the Tikka at all and will never own one. I really like the XBolt HC Speed.

 

[BCD]

Have had both. Still have two X-bolts.
The Xbolt wins out in balance, stock and magazine IMO. The two Xbolts I have are sub 1/2" shooters also.

The Xbolt has a better safety as well.

 

[manitou1]

Ha! Great point. The #1 reason I ditched the last Tikka was that I shot my truck. Was unloading one night, dropped the mag, went to catch it, gun slipped, hand hit the trigger... 7 mag through rim of front tire.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I have a Tikka T3 SL stainless in 7RM and a Browning Hell’s Canyon Speed in 300 WM. Both are accurate rifles. The Tikka has a 24” barrel while the Browning has a 26” with factory brake. I don’t love the stock on the Tikka but don’t hate it either (wouldn’t spend the money to replace it). The safety is better on the Browning. The bolt is much slicker on the Tikka. Trigger adjustment on the Tikka was a breeze down to 2.5#. I was able to adjust the Browning down to 3#. The Browning is the heavier of the two and I seem to grab the Tikka more often when headed to the woods. Both have claimed their share of Whitetails. BTW I shoot factory Barnes Vor-TX out of both. 160’s in the Tikka and 165’s in the Browning.

 

[jaredg]

I own several of both. In Tikka, 223 SL (2), 243 T3, 270 SL, 270 WSM T3 & 7RM SL. Brownings are 22-250 white gold, 270 WSM Eclipse, 6mm CM Hells Canyon Speed, 7RM white gold and probably a couple I forgot about. So.... Tikka has a nicer trigger, Browning HC Speed has an AWESOME stock, Tikka has the edge on bolt smoothness, accuracy is a toss up, they all shoot. I seem to grab the Tikkas more than the Brownings though. I don't know why... But my favorites to shoot are my Sakos. They more time in the field than the Tikkas and Brownings combined BTW, I've had Browning X Bolts that wouldn't shoot, but I've never had a Tikka that wouldn't shoot under an inch