which one?

[LABS4ME]

I'll try it here in the deer forum and hopefully get some feed back from members who have one of these two rifles... I'm big on personal reviews... mean waaaay more than a magazine article touting their attributes.

I posted in the shooting forum but figured it probably fits this forum better.

This is possibly a toss up, but...

If you could choose between these 2 deer rifles, which would you choose and WHY? They are both within $40.00 cost of each other...

Tikka T3 lite, stainless, synthetic stock, luepold scope .25-06. Used on one antleope hunt. less than 2 boxes of shells. supposed great groups. Has not been shot since antelope hunt 2 years ago. Does not see using it again... hence the sale...

Thompson Center bolt action, new at dealer, 7mm-08, Thompson scope, weaver rings. this one is $40.00 more.

Gun is for my son for a deer rifle. moving up from single shot .243 and want to get him a good gun to last him for his life. I know many will have an opinion, and in the end it will most likely be a coin flip, but looking for honest reviews of pro vs. con to either of them.

Good Luck!

Ken

[InTheNorthwoods]

I haven't shot either, but I'd lean towards the Tikka. I have to think you'll be getting better glass with the Leupold on the Tikka. I've also heard alot of good things about the Tikka rifles, and I think you're getting more for your money with the Tikka (which, unless I'm mistaken, runs more expensive than the Thompson at retail from what I've seen).

[hookset]

I Like my Tikka T3 better then any other gun I own(20+). The quality is amazing, and it is light as a feather(in comparison).

Joe

[TooTallTom]

I didn't chime in before, since I haven't owned either of these guns. But, since you're so desperate for replies, I'll bite.

I'm sure both are fine firearms, with adequate glass, and I'm sure they'll do their part if the shooter does his.

Does either rifle have a three-position safety? I know I'm a big fan of being able to work the bolt without the trigger being live. Maybe it's just an abundance of caution, the stakes are pretty high...

[picksbigwagon]

I have held a few of the tika 3's and they do feel awfully nice. I don't own one, I am stuck like glue to Savage and the accutrigger. I have never read or heard of a bad thing with Tika's, ever........I haven't picked up a thompson and I haven't heard a lot of first hand use either....The supposedly make outstanding muzzleloaders, so they know about making firearms....

I know, not a lot of help....

[SpecialK]

I have the Tikka T3 Hunter in 30.06 (wood and blued not stainless). Really great gun. Tikka's are the little brothers to Sako's. Every gun that Sako and Tikka make gets fired to check for accuracy. Sako's are guaranteed to shoot a 3 round group inside a dime, Tikka's are guaranteed to be withing a quarter. In other words they are very accurate. Super light (for rifles) so if he has to carry it for a while he is not going to get tired as fast.

I have never owned a TC so I cannot comment on those.

[LABS4ME]

Desperate? That is maybe a steep statement. I do hold the comments and reviews of FM members in high regard and would like feedback from them prior to a large purchase. WOuld rather do so and not have buyers remorse. On a tight timeline as the Tikka is not a new off the shelf gun and is only being held till Thursday. Seems like a good deal as a new blued model is 569.00 w/o scope. I'm thinking this is the gun he'll get under the Christmas tree. One more year w/ the single shot...

Thanks every one.

Good Luck!

Ken

[SpecialK]

Labs, I think both of you will be happy with the Tikka. I also forgot to mention that the Tikka's have an adjustible trigger pull an it is easy to do your self.

[LABS4ME]

I remember him telling me about that. He said he left it set at factory setting which he thought was 2 1/2 pounds, but was adjustable from 2-4.

Thanks again for everyones response. I am going with the Tika. I try to buy American when possible, but I did think the Tika was a little nicer gun. And the scope is better in my opinion also... Just was making sure there were no hidden problems with Tikkas as it is a 'used' gun and will not have a warranty... I'm sure he will be thrilled and it will give him years of use.

Good Luck!

Ken

[TooTallTom]

LABS4ME, I was just poking fun, no harm intended. I'm sorry if I offended you.

I'm sure the Tikka will light up your son's face at Christmas time, and for many hunting seasons to come.

[slimngrizzly]

Ive got 2 of the T3's. I bought one 30-06 stainless new and a blued 223 used. I couldn't be happier with either of them. I shoot a TC muzzleloader and Im sure they make a great product. I just cant say anything about their bolt actions first hand.

Either way it sounds like hell end up with a fine gun! Merry Christmas!

[bigbucks]

It will be a great Christmas present, but there's no way I'd be able to buy that now & not give it to him in time before deer hunting.