Zachary...
Thanks for the welcome to BG and your reply about Tikka T3.
A little background may be appropriate. I'm no spring chicken and have been hunting since early 60s (got a late start). For years I had to make do, because cash was scarce. Somehow I managed to pick up a Browning Sweet 16 (Belgium...made in 1939) for $85 and bought a Remington .270 BDL for $125 (both in the early 60s). I took those two hunting every year for more than 20 years before I was able to expand my collection. With my experience and research, I believe I have acquired some knowledge about hunting and firearms. As I mentioned, I have more firearms than I really "need", but I guess I have become addicted.
One of my best shooters is an cheapo Winchester Model 70 I picked up at Walmart because they had it marked down to $300. Couldn't pass it up because price was right and it fit me. The .270 is also one of my favorite calibers. The first season I used it I took four deer (in three states) and all one-shot kills. Don't let anyone tell you Walmart sells seconds. I have now bought three rifles from Walmart (Weatherby Vanguard in 30.06, the Winchester and now the Tikka T3). All three shoot as good, if not better, than my Sako Finnbear, Remington 700 BDL or Browning BLR.
The point is, handling a rifle and using a rifle are two different animals. If a rifle doesn't come to my shoulder just right, I don't buy it. All my rifles fit me and shoot extremely well, or I don't buy them in the first place. The most important thing about hunting and rifles is "confidence." I have confidence with each of my rifles.
I am looking forward to taking my Tikka to Texas, Pennsylvania and Michigan this year to give it a real test. I know what the others will do. I have no regrets buying the Tikka for $408. I have "handled" the Whitetail over the past several years and it just didn't fit me well, so I passed. I will keep an open mind, however, and if I should happen to find a Whitetail in 7mm-08 I just may break down and add it to the list.
Again, thanks for the welcome to Graybeard. It is a very interesting site and I look forward to participating, and hopefully contributing in future discussions.
Bill R.