Author Topic: Tikka T3 or Weatherby Vanguard (Read 909 times)

Sweet 6.5 · « **on:** September 15, 2006, 02:02:40 AM »

I want to buy a 338 Win Mag, but can't decide between
the Tikka and the Weatherby. Please help!

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2006, 03:31:01 AM »

Tough call.

Everyone knows that I love Tikkas. Then again, the Weatherby Vanguard is a great gun too.

Keep in mind that the Tikka T3 is a fairly light rifle, meaning that you will especially feel the sharp hard kick of a .338 Win Mag. While the Vanugard may not be that much heavier, every extra ounce of weight helps to reduce felt recoil.

Given that these guns are so close in terms of quality, fit and finish, and accuracy (although I think that Tikkas would edge the Vanguard slightly) you really have to hold both guns in your hands and see which one you like better. Bottom line is that you can't go wrong with either.

Zachary

BUSTER51 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2006, 06:58:56 AM »

Tikka

Casull · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2006, 09:14:04 AM »

Can't comment on the Tikka, but I have the Weatherby in .338. I've only had it to the range once, but with factory Federal loads (standard not premium), it shot about 1.5" at 100 yards with the wind blowing between 30 and 40 mph. The range master was certainly impressed, I know I was. This was the first time I had shot a .338, and as indicated, the conditions were less than ideal. I've since reloaded some test rounds, and when I have had a chance to check it out on a calm day, I'll let you know. All I can say is that the Weatherby is a real shooter.

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2006, 10:07:05 AM »

What in the world were you doing shooting with 30 to 40mph winds???

I'm surprised that your groups were under 2 FEET!

Zachary

Casull · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2006, 10:52:24 AM »

I shoot when I can get the chance. If not for the the tree line and the fact that the range sits in a bit of hollow, I'm sure my groups would have been two feet (it also helped that I tried to time them between gusts). However, enough of the wind was making it through, that I had a bit of a chore holding the targets down till I could staple the corners. Like I said, the range master was impressed.

Sigma · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2006, 04:52:35 PM »

Tikka T3. Just came back from the range again today. First shot: 3" high, center over bull - second shot practically in the same hole! I thought I missed the target and noticed that the hole was a bit oblong. Third shot almost touching the other two. All that with Federal 140's.
Wow!

Regards

myarmor · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2006, 06:13:18 PM »

Quote from: Zachary on September 15, 2006, 03:31:01 AM

Tough call.

Everyone knows that I love Tikkas. Then again, the Weatherby Vanguard is a great gun too.

Keep in mind that the Tikka T3 is a fairly light rifle, meaning that you will especially feel the sharp hard kick of a .338 Win Mag. While the Vanugard may not be that much heavier, every extra ounce of weight helps to reduce felt recoil.

Given that these guns are so close in terms of quality, fit and finish, and accuracy (although I think that Tikkas would edge the Vanguard slightly) you really have to hold both guns in your hands and see which one you like better. Bottom line is that you can't go wrong with either.

Zachary

My thoughts exactly..
-Aaron

lilabner · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2006, 04:27:11 PM »

As already mentioned, there is a considerable weight differential between the Tikka and the Vanguard. A mountain rifle for sheep and goat hunting in the .270-.280-30-06 class would be nice in the lightweight Tikka. I would choose the Vanguard for magnum calibers as they are between
8 1/2 and 9 pounds when scoped and that weight helps soak up recoil.

Sweet 6.5 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2006, 07:57:05 PM »

Thanks for all the help - I placed the order for the Weatherby -
My 6.5 Swede spoiled me with its recoil, so the heavier one
of the two would be the better choice.

Zachary · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2006, 07:36:03 AM »

I do have the preference for the Tikka, but that doesn't mean that you made a bad decision with the Vanguard. I'm sure that you're gonna like it just fine. Just let us know how she shoots.

Zachary