Thread: Browning X-bolt vs Tikka T3

Originally Posted by Sidney

Owned both Tikka and Brownings. I prefer the Browning X-Bolt. They make a nicer stock - and shooting is mostly about fit and feel. I currently have the Carbon Superlite in both 223 and 6.5x55. They have lighter shorter fluted barrels with M14 threading and are lighter than Tikkas - T3 lites are about 2.95kghs bare.
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They have flush mounted plastic mags which are nicer than Tikkas and nicer for rifle carry.

My Brownings have the Dura Touch which is simply an externally applied coating to the standard stock. Like all coatings it will wear. I like it - I prefer a rifle that doesn't slip around and through my hands and in combination with the stock shape, it would have to be one of the nicest firearms I have ever used. And I used to fill my safes with custom builds. When your coating gets so shagged you don't like it no more you can turn it into a tikka lookalike with a little solvent. It cleans off. Keep the solvent off it before you want to do that. I have not had a problem with my rifles.

I find the triggers predicable and consistent if slightly heavier than I would prefer. Predicable is key. I have 2 lighter springs for my two rifles that I have not installed. I guess I am not that worried about the trigger for a hunting rifle.

Yep maybe not as many accessories as a Remington or perhaps a Tikka. But built to a higher spec than both and I haven't needed any outside of rails and rings. First time ever.

Nothing wrong with a Tikka, but it is in my view the ultimate utilitarian rifle, functional reliable and predicable and boring as. If you want a wee bit more look at the X-bolt super light. But even the standard x-bolt is better in my opinion.

Now in saying all that, I have decided to sell my 223. I will replace it with a super light x-bolt 708. I have other small cal rifles which meet my needs and the Browning 223 doesn't get the use that it should get. Accordingly it is immaculate and has prob fired less than 50 rounds. I will put a listing up for it on the forum tonight.

Apart from the trigger the xbolt in my opinion is far more of a rifle, boring rifles are just that.