Trouble choosing between Tikka t3x superlite and browning x-bolt speed spr

Joined
Nov 23, 2021
Messages
11
Looking for a new backcountry rifle for Colorado mule deer and elk chambered in 6.5prc i have narrowed it down to the Tikka t3x superlite and browning x-bolt speed spr. I currently own a tikka t3x lite stainless in .270 (great rife) but looking for something new. My current backcountry setup is a Christensen ridgeline .300wsm but im having accuracy issue and i just sold an AR so its only fitting to replace with a new rifle. Im open to other suggestions as well but would like to keep it under $1500.
 
Joined
Sep 10, 2016
Messages
1,623
Browning hells canyon
I own four
2 in 6.5 Creedmoor and 2 in 6.5 prc


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

TxLite

WKR
Joined
Sep 6, 2018
Messages
1,955
Location
Texas
I think both are great rifles. I’d recommend the Tikka because of 2 reasons - aftermarket exists, the ability to DIY barrel changes.
 

Hnthrdr

WKR
Joined
Jan 29, 2022
Messages
3,561
Location
The West
I’d tell you to go with tikka, because of aftermarket options, better action, and better trigger, oh and better barrel…
 

180ls1

WKR
Joined
Apr 19, 2020
Messages
1,163
I'd go tikka since you own one and similar form/function is huge when hunting.

Not because is any better of a rifle.
 

4Truck

FNG
Joined
Feb 10, 2024
Messages
19
Just went through this with a coyote rifle. Top two were the Tikka and Browning. Both excellent rifles, but after extensive fondling I went Tikka. It just felt better built than the Browning. Full disclosure, I went with the Roughtech stock, not the standard synthetic.
 

Carpet Capital Shyster

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 1, 2020
Messages
146
Looking for a new backcountry rifle for Colorado mule deer and elk chambered in 6.5prc i have narrowed it down to the Tikka t3x superlite and browning x-bolt speed spr. I currently own a tikka t3x lite stainless in .270 (great rife) but looking for something new. My current backcountry setup is a Christensen ridgeline .300wsm but im having accuracy issue and i just sold an AR so its only fitting to replace with a new rifle. Im open to other suggestions as well but would like to keep it under $1500.
Have both. Tikka in 270 and Browning Hells Canyon Speed in 6.5 PRC If I had to chose one, I’d take the Browning.
 

ElPollo

WKR
Joined
Aug 31, 2018
Messages
1,611
I was considering a Browning 2 years ago, but bought another Tikka instead. Tikka factory triggers are significantly better than Brownings and don’t require replacement or spring changes, there is essentially no aftermarket for Browning in terms of rebarrelling or restocking, I prefer the Tikka’s integral rail over the Browning’s drill and tap, and I find most Browning stocks to be too flexible in the forend (except for the McMillan that has ergonomics that I’m not fond of). I don’t have a ton of experience with Brownings in rain, sleet, snow, and dirt, but I would rank Tikkas as one of the most reliable actions in those conditions.
 

Leaf Litter

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 8, 2022
Messages
236
I own 2 Tikkas and a Browning X-bolt, I like my tikkas and LOVE my Browning. Buy the Browning if you're not looking to extensively modify the rifle. Buy the tikka if you are. The flush fitting magazine on the Browning is far nicer to carry in hand or sling than the protruding magazine of the tikka.

FWIW, 270 win can be loaded to compete closely with the 6.5 PRC out to 1k yards, a new rifle may not be needed. If you WANT a new rifle, however, either choice is excellent.
 
Joined
Mar 8, 2023
Messages
18
Buy a tikka because your on rokslide 😂. But in all seriousness I’d have a hard time reaching over a tikka to grab an xbolt.
 

pharmfisher

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 23, 2023
Messages
142
I don't think there's a bad choice. I own both and like them equally. I do think that a Tikka with an aftermarket stock on it would be just an amazing gun though, mine is just factory.
 

jhoff04

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 15, 2024
Messages
103
Location
Midwest
A little late to this thread but figured I'd offer my input since I own both. I have a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in .300 WM and the Browning Xbolt Speed in 6.5 CM. Both guns group very well with factory ammo. I would personally buy the xbolt just because of the fit/ finish and comes threaded (I run a suppressor) but it really boils down to personal preference. I enjoy both, just one a little more than the other.
 
Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
9,710
Spr and super lite aren’t really in the same class. Maybe a lite that’s chopped and threaded would be a better comparison?
 

Darryle

WKR
Classified Approved
Joined
Nov 25, 2016
Messages
657
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
Here's an option, plenty of wiggle room price wise to chop and thread or run an adapter for a suppressor. Stock isn't so bad either.
IMG_3851.jpeg


You ditch the stock on this one, stock alone is 41oz. Plenty of traditional "plastic" stocks on Ebay or find someone willing to trade

IMG_3852.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Joined
Apr 14, 2015
Messages
536
I own a Tikka T3 SL in 7RM, Browning HCS in 300 WM and Christensen Ridgeline in 6.5 PRC. I am happy with any one of the three while hunting. All three are accurate with factory ammunition. The only altering I’ve done on these is a spring in the HCS and a Timney in the Ridgeline. If all three were chambered in 6.5 PRC my favorite would be the Tikka. It just carries well and feels good in the hand. You can’t go wrong with either of your choices IMO.
 

House21

FNG
Joined
Jul 11, 2019
Messages
83
I’ve had both and still own 2 tikkas. For me tikkas just feel right, not that the brownings feel bad or shoot bad, they just don’t feel as good as the tikkas. Plus the aftermarket support for tikka is great as well.
 

bnewt3

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 5, 2023
Messages
133
Location
WNC
I think Lite vs Superlite is .2lbs so essentially nothing. What are you looking for from 6.5 PRC that 270 doesn't do?

If you said 300 PRC or 300WM, or 6 Creedmoor, or 22 Creedmoor I wouldn't question it. I don't see the point in having extremely similar rifles in very similar calibers. If you are looking for something different, why not go for something actually different?
 
Top