Author Topic: Tikka vs. Browning (Read 3606 times)

Power167 · « **on:** September 26, 2008, 12:58:39 PM »

I know this has probably been done to death, but how does the Tikka Lite Stainless measure up to the Browing A-Bolt Composite Stalker? I've heard nothing but good about the Tikka, but then I saw a writeup (admittedly by someone with no credentials that I'm aware of) who said the Tikka is, in a word, garbage, especially when compared to the A-bolt. Sounds like jive to me, especially considering the overwhelmingly positive response the Tikka has, but I'd like to hear some more.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2008, 02:44:56 PM »

Total BS.
I have SEVERAL Brownings. Matter of fact a not many years ago that would be the ONLY rifle I would buy. The Browning is a sold well made rifle that will give years of great service. The Tikka is all that too. The Tikka has a much better trigger and trigger assembly. I would also say the Tikka would have a slight edge on accuracy.
I can still get a Tikka at a cheaper price so I would buy another Tikka before another Browning.

Bear Wallow · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2008, 04:51:19 PM »

I've had both and also some nice Sakos. The Tikka is a great buy, but not finished like a Sako. I don't care for Brownings for several cosmetic reasons.

I'd get the Tikka, you know it'll be a shooter with a great trigger.

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2008, 09:09:21 AM »

I just got a Tiika heavy barrel varmit 308,super trigger and ultra smooth action, 1/2" MOA..........love it. Never had a Browning rifle.......

Old English · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2008, 06:24:47 AM »

Gotta love the Browing logo though, never owned one but I shot one and the logo is great. I have to buy tikkas though.

Big Blue · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2008, 08:48:08 AM »

I also read a review by a well known guy, let's just call him Chuck, he trashed the Tikka up one side and down the other and in doing so totally lost my respect. Chuck, I own two Tikka rifles and therefore know better.
Don

Tunaman · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2008, 06:38:05 AM »

I too own both brands. I have a 7mm mag A bolt composite stalker and I own both a 25/06 and 300wsm tikkas. There is not much bad to be said about either. The tikka's were less expensive, had a better trigger and were much more accepting of different ammo right out of the box. The Browning requires a bit more work to get it to shoot but after a bit of trigger tuning and finding the right load, she shoots very well also. I can honestly say that i am confidant when I have any of the three rifles in my hand. Given my druthers, I would probably buy another Tikka before buying a Browning but If I came across a great deal on a browning, I would have no quams buying the browning.

pochis · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2008, 11:18:00 AM »

imho there is no better for the money, my t-3 25-06 always shot 1/2 n less from the bench once i found the right ammo.

ms · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2008, 11:24:37 AM »

There both great rifles.

Tunaman · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2008, 11:33:16 AM »

Quote from: pochis on October 15, 2008, 11:18:00 AM

imho there is no better for the money, my t-3 25-06 always shot 1/2 n less from the bench once i found the right ammo.

Out of curiosity, what load are you shooting in your 25/06?

pochis · « **Reply #10 on:** October 17, 2008, 05:15:01 AM »

believe it or not factory win 120gr pep a very deadly round, i have a lot of friends shooting this rd and all are accurate. pep= positive exp point. thanks

Minnesota1 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2008, 06:50:53 AM »

I own both. I own an A-bolt and 3 tikka's to date. I like all of them. I think it's more a matter of feel. All shoot lights out, the tikka does have better out of box triggers if you prefer them light. If a 4 lb vs. a 3 lb bothers you then go with a tikka or buy a $20 spring kit from timney and you can have a lighter trigger pull on the browning. The bolt is smoother on the tikka but the A-bolt feels beefier-in a good quality way. I'd go and hold them up and try the triggers and see which feels better to you. Both will serve you well for your life and your kids!

Tunaman · « **Reply #12 on:** October 23, 2008, 03:41:26 PM »

Quote from: pochis on October 17, 2008, 05:15:01 AM

believe it or not factory win 120gr pep a very deadly round, i have a lot of friends shooting this rd and all are accurate. pep= positive exp point. thanks

Have you killed anything with that bullet? if so how was the performance?

delmer · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2008, 10:38:05 AM »

Quote from: Big Blue on September 28, 2008, 08:48:08 AM

I also read a review by a well known guy, let's just call him Chuck, he trashed the Tikka up one side and down the other and in doing so totally lost my respect. Chuck, I own two Tikka rifles and therefore know better.
Don

Yes I have also read a review by a guy that I too will call Chuck.

Having previously read a lot of his other reviews, I thought that he seemed to be a level headed guy. Wrong! That all went out the window when he started bashing Tikkas for being cheap, over priced and overrated guns.

pochis · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2009, 05:35:08 AM »

sorry i never saw the ouestion, yes i have most do not go but a few steps, my farthest was 175yds instant kill. for some reason this cal seems to produce shock very rapidly and i can not explain that.

Zachary · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2009, 05:29:36 PM »

Quote from: Power167 on September 26, 2008, 12:58:39 PM

I know this has probably been done to death, but how does the Tikka Lite Stainless measure up to the Browing A-Bolt Composite Stalker? I've heard nothing but good about the Tikka, but then I saw a writeup (admittedly by someone with no credentials that I'm aware of) who said the Tikka is, in a word, garbage, especially when compared to the A-bolt. Sounds like jive to me, especially considering the overwhelmingly positive response the Tikka has, but I'd like to hear some more.

I own both. Well, actually, I have Tikka WH Stainless rifles, I think a Tikka T3 Stainless, and 2 Browning original A-Bolt Stainless Stalkers. Both are excellent guns. As many people on this site know, I am a HUGE Tikka fan. In fact, when Tikka first came out and I was praising it, many of our members were very skeptical (I'm talking about a looooooong time ago...probably back in 2003 or so?). BUT, as time went on, more and more people started buying Tikkas and fell in love with them. People always wondered if I worked for Tikka. LOL No, I don't, but I wish I did!

Zachary

tiecampdeerslayer · « **Reply #16 on:** July 11, 2009, 07:18:22 AM »

I haven't posted much on here but I have owned and shot many different guns and calibers. I'm the guy who can't afford and can't justify having many different rifles. I used to buy a rifle and trade it after a couple of deer seasons until I bought a Tikka T3. I've had mine for 3 years now and a couple of weeks ago I was considering trading her for another as I was getting that itch again. All I had to do was go to the gun cabinet and take her out and that itch went away. I have the laminated stainless version in 30.06. It is a good looking gun with an excellent trigger and it shoots the federal 165 gr. fusion under 3/4 in. Just couldn't resist to post this time.....

jcn59 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 02, 2009, 06:00:08 PM »

I have a Browning Micro Hunter .300WSM & a Tikka T-3 Hunter .270. Both near perfect rifles. Tikka is more accurate but the Browning is no dog at 1-1.5 " at 100 yards. If you want a short action cartridge, keep in mind the Tikka is only offered in long action (the last I heard).

Buy the one with the best WOOD!

tegman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 02, 2009, 11:25:59 PM »

I have a tikka t3 lite in 30.06 and my dad has a Browning BLR in 30.06. The best 3 shot group I have got so far is 1.3 inches,but I usually average around 2.5 at 100 yards. My dads Browning shoots .5 inch groups all day long! We both use remington core lokt factory ammo. Both rifles were purchased within a week of each other.

usherj · « **Reply #19 on:** August 08, 2009, 10:38:47 AM »

Tegman,

Remember that the tikka 30-06 has a slower (11") twist, and may prefer different bullet weights than the Browning. I believe the Browning is 1 in 10", which I believe is the preferable twist for 30 cal.

tegman · « **Reply #20 on:** August 08, 2009, 08:01:23 PM »

I am using 150 grain core lokt right now, would it help to use 165 grain since you said the Tikka's rate of twist might prefer a heavyier bullet?

usherj · « **Reply #21 on:** August 09, 2009, 04:04:15 AM »

Usually a slower twist rate does better with lighter bullets, which is what you were using. People like the 150s due to the faster velocity and flatter trajectory, but the 165s are considered a nice overall performer in 30 cal. Most match ammo in that cal uses 168g bullets. I would try the 165s. Good luck

Minnesota1 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 22, 2009, 05:35:18 PM »

I own and love my browning and I have 3 tikkas as well. Both brands are accurate and reliable. If I were you I'd decide if I wanted a lighter gun or a heavier one. I like the tikkas when I have to walk around or hold the rifle up for any period of time. If you have a stand you sit in and walk to for a short while either one would be great. You really can't go wrong with either rifle. I love all of them but the tikkas do have the better triggers and I did put in a timney trigger spring which helped out a lot on the browning.

jcn59 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 22, 2009, 07:34:39 PM »

Insert Quote
I am using 150 grain core lokt right now, would it help to use 165 grain since you said the Tikka's rate of twist might prefer a heavyier bullet?

The core-loct is a very fine deer bullet with which I have had lots of success, but, if I want to shoot tiny groups I usually shoot Sierra bullets. You might too.

tegman · « **Reply #24 on:** August 23, 2009, 07:55:16 AM »

Went to the range yesterday with my new Nikon 6-18sf using up the rest of my core lokt 150's and shot a few one inch groups sighting the new scope in. A few of the groups were out to 2 inches, but that could be me flinching or sometning. Anybody try the hornady SST interlocks?

jcn59 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 23, 2009, 10:06:02 AM »

They work real good in my .30TC Icon.