300 WSM Tikka versus Savage!

[Houston Bill]

I own 6 Tikka's and had a savage a number of years ago but sold it. Everyone of my Tikka's shoots better than 1 MOA and most shoot much better. No question, Tikka is the way to go.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am looking at purchasing a 300 WSM in either a Tikka Super Varmint or a Savage MOD 12 VLP. The Savage has a 26 inch barrel with the Tikka having a 24 inch barrel. I will be getting a grs stock. Main purpose being long range hunting. Which one is the better option? I have no experience with Tikka or Savage. Current rifles being BRNO and Winchester Mod 70....

I have two tikkas and find them to be the best of the lower priced modern rifles. They are certainly the flavor of the month for semi custom builds And have many accessories available.
I have a prejudice against Savage because they were so bad long ago. I admit I really need to look at them at some point.
Your choice of .300WSM is a very good one for Safari. The only short mag that made it.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Scope mounts for the Tikka? I guess they have an Opti Lock, or a rail or something else? Something keeping with the lighter weight concept.

 

[Rusty Iron]

Go with the Tikka you won’t regret it. Savage vs Tikka is like comparing Vortex to Leupold.

 

[Inline6]

Go with the Tikka you won’t regret it. Savage vs Tikka is like comparing Vortex to Leupold.

I would not personally use that analogy. When you get in to the upper end of Vortex they are heads and shoulders above Leupold in every measurable way (expect weight) . Vortex Gen III razors are give European glass a run for their money.

 

[MTA]

Another vote for Tikka

 

[Rusty Iron]

I would not personally use that analogy. When you get in to the upper end of Vortex they are heads and shoulders above Leupold in every measurable way (expect weight) . Vortex Gen III razors are give European glass a run for their money.

I’ve heard that on occasion from friends and in every case those individuals eventually ended up selling their Vortex glass. I wouldn’t risk a hunt using ANY Vortex glass.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Scope mounts for the Tikka? I guess they have an Opti Lock, or a rail or something else? Something keeping with the lighter weight concept.

Either is an option they are both taped for a base and set up for Sako rings.

 

[BeeMaa]

I've owned 2 Savage rifles and one of them in 300WSM. Both were incredibly accurate with sub 0.5 MOA being easily attainable with factory ammunition. I've never owned Tikka rifles, so I wouldn't presume to like one better than the other. By all accounts, Tikka is a very good brand as well.

That said, I do consider the 300WSM one of my weaker firearm caliber purchases considering the options at the time. The current market is flooded with (arguably) better and more accurate calibers that are not based on the short action. There is very little weight saving or stroke of the bolt length savings vs a standard or even a magnum length action. The advantages lie completely with the manufacturer and their cost to produce a rifle.

As a hunter, I was looking for an accurate .30 caliber that was capable of taking elk sized game out to 350 yards with a 150 to 220 grain bullet. My answer was the 300WM, but just as easily could have been the 30-06, 300WBY, 300NORMA, 30NOSLER, 300RUM, 300H&H, 300PRC or 300RCM (I'm sure I missed more than a few). In the end my decision was swayed by ammo availability in remote locations and my likelihood in finding it.

I highly recommend you look beyond just the 300WSM if you intend on hunting more than just your home range with your new Savage or Tikka.

 

[Inline6]

I’ve heard that on occasion from friends and in every case those individuals eventually ended up selling their Vortex glass. I wouldn’t risk a hunt using ANY Vortex glass.

Well, I'm not sure what they seen or did not see. Speaking for myself only, shooting competitively all over the country spending a minimum of 1k a match between entry fees, fuel, hotel, ammo, and won't talk about barrel replacement cost. I have chosen Vortex and Nightforce in that order. Have witnessed many Leupolds go down in the field.

If you are comparing a 150.00 Vortex to a 3k + Gen lll razor well your results will probably play out that way you would think.

I have had lots of different glass over the years, one thing I can for for certain. We are much better off today than we were just 15 years ago.

 

[revturbo9967]

I’ve heard that on occasion from friends and in every case those individuals eventually ended up selling their Vortex glass. I wouldn’t risk a hunt using ANY Vortex glass.

Funny, I feel the same about leupold. I’d use one of the lower end ones on a short range deer hunt, or squirrel hunting with a .22 , but I’d never spend the money on an high priced leupold, too many tracking issues

 

[shootist~]

Scope mounts for the Tikka? I guess they have an Opti Lock, or a rail or something else? Something keeping with the lighter weight concept.

I use the Talley one piece mounts. Seem to work fine.

 

[Houston Bill]

Scope mounts for the Tikka? I guess they have an Opti Lock, or a rail or something else? Something keeping with the lighter weight concept.

I have found Talley mounts to be great for Tikka's. I have used both the light weight single piece ones and the QD rings with Talley bases.

 

[112Savage]

I’m left handed and grew up using savage bolt actions. I still have my original 112 action which started as a 112FLVSS in 25-06. It was crazy accurate with anything from 100gr sierras to 115 Bergers. It now lives as a carbon6 280AI and is still crazy accurate.
I also own a tikka T3x Lite in 300WSM. The tikka action is much nicer. The shorter bolt throw and smoother cocking are head and shoulders above the savage. The tikka is also crazy accurate and after bedding is much less picky about its preferred loads.
Today, I would say get the tikka. It’s lighter, smoother, and just as accurate. The largest negative to me is that tikka barrels seem a little slower than other barrels. They still shoot greet though.

 

[Safari Dave]

Tikka's are great rifles.

Savages work fine, but they are not as nice as Tikkas.







I've owned one Vortex - It was crap and would not hold zero, but they did replace it. I sold it immediately when the replacement came in

For $2,500 you can even get one made in America!

Otherwise - China, Philippines, or Japan.




I've got about 20 Leupolds. Never had a problem...

I believe all Leupold rifle scopes are made in Beaverton, Oregon, U.S.A. by many people who actually own rifles and hunt with rifles!

 

[Katy Darren]

I have Tikka in 7 mag and .243 and they are both very accurate. I’ve not owned Savage but cannot imagine a better rifle for the money. They’ve only killed deer and hog but the 7 mag will be making my first Africa trip in ‘24.

And it appears AH has spoken….Tikka and it’s not even close!

 

[CoElkHunter]

So, a factory Tikka T3 Lite blue/synthetic is good to go right out of the box with no mods? I don't want to HAVE to do anything to a factory hunting rifle for mid range (300 yds.) shooting except add a scope.

 

[375Fox]

So, a factory Tikka T3 Lite blue/synthetic is good to go right out of the box with no mods? I don't want to HAVE to do anything to a factory hunting rifle for mid range (300 yds.) shooting except add a scope.

Just add a scope

 

[Berettaco]

So, a factory Tikka T3 Lite blue/synthetic is good to go right out of the box with no mods? I don't want to HAVE to do anything to a factory hunting rifle for mid range (300 yds.) shooting except add a scope.

I would pay the little extra for the roughtech if you are going to leave it fairly factory. Simple upgrade for bolt handle - add DNZ mounts and a decent scope - good to go

 

[Flewis]

Yes and so is the savage, ceh also look at the storm. I have it in 6.5x284.