Tikka T3 Hunter or CZ 550 American?

[Warthog]

I've got my heart set on a 6.5X55 and these two rifles appear to be of good quality and reasonable price.  I don't have any field experience with either brand, so I'm looking for advice.  What do y'all think?

[Zachary]

I recently bought a Tikka T3 in 6.5x55, but with the hurricane and everything, I haven't had a chance to pick it up from the FFL yet.

I own several Tikkas and highly recommend them!

Zachary

[muzzleblast525]

I've only had experience with the Tika and boy do I love it.  I've got a 22-250, and a buddy just bought a .243.  Good shooting gun, great bolt....

[Buckfever]

I have this exact gun and it is a dream.  It shoots MOA with Hornady 140gr Interlock.  I am old school and like Walnut and Blue, hence the T3 Hunter.  I think the lighter weight of the T3 especially the synthetic stock really suit them to the lower recoil calibers.  The bolt is silky smooth and the safety is easy to get at and not very loud.  This gun shot dead on right out of the box!  No break in required.  I know CZ makes a great weapon and for a rimfire or heavy caliber they would be my choice because the bigger calibers are heavier guns.  I don't think I would like to shoot a T3 on a 300 Mag. but thats just me.  I love looks and lines of the T3 and in a 6.6-55 it is a Lazer with very little recoil.  This is my favorite weapon for carry hunting for whitetail at this time.  I am going to try and have some 100 gr  or smaller varmint loads put together, I think that will be a big surprize for the coyotes.  I have marveled at how smooth the action loads and ejects the ammunition.  This T3 is an easy decision to make and a very accurate out of the box gun with a great trigger!  Good Luck Buckfever

[tripod]

Hi, I opted for the Tikka. Have T3 Hunter 22-250 and T3 lite stainless 22-250. Both shoot equally well and are very nice to handle. I don't know how they can make such a user friendly, quality gun for the price. This must be hurting other makers sales. The gun store owner said these are extremely popular and when I went back to get a bipod he had been unable to replace the 22-250 because of  backorders. A friend got one in a 338 win mag. He told me this was a mistake. Recoil is a bit on the harsh side. I have higher quality guns at 2-3 times the price, but the Tikkas have a permanent spot right next to them in the safe.

[Dolph26]

I have a CZ 550 American Prestige in .30-06 and it is a great rifle for me--I don't have any Tikas, but I've shot a few and like them as well.  Get whichever you are most comfortable with, and I feel that whichever you decide on is a fine rifle!  Choosing between two good products is always fun!

[dbuck]

Well, I guess I will have to jump into this topic, I have both the old style Tikka Hunter in 270 Winchester and a new CZ 550 American in 270 Winchester.  They are both great rifles, but I like my CZ 550 American allot better.  I like the set trigger you can use on the CZ and it came with real nice walnut stock and the the barrel is free floated.  The target that came with my CZ with a three shot group was .500 and for a factory rifle or even a custom rifle it doesn't get any better then that.  I haven't had a chance to go to the range with it.

I'm in Alabama on vacation, my son is graduating from Army flight school this coming week, but when  I get back I'll be going to the range and give a report.  I will be taking this rifle as a back up rifle on my Elk hunt this fall.

When Zachary says that he has a few Tikka's he is really not telling the truth.  If Tikka's factory goes down for any reason, Zachary will be able to supply the US with Tikka rifle's.  He could start his own distribution center for guns.  :grin:

dbuck

[Shamus99]

I like and own both CZ and Tikka rifles, but I would definately give the extra nod to the Tikka.  

I've got two of them (7mag and 270) and they are simply wonderful to shoot.  The engineering, fit, finish and accuracy of the T3 is hard (if not impossible) to beat for the up to twice the money.  Get the Tikka and never look back.

Just my 2cents worth.

[pc]

I like cz's and own a few of them. There is to much plastic on Tikka's now, I would like the old tikkas better, but I also like CRF rifles hwich means for me cz's are by far the better rifle.

[Redhawk1]

My vote goes to the Tikka. I own one and just love the gun.