Thread: X-Bolt, A-Bolt, Sako A7 or Tikka T3.

I own two Tikka T3's and have previously owned a Browning X-Bolt. Personally for that money, if you are looking at new, I would go the Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather. Bloody nice action (control round feed) and comes with a B&C stock which I have on one of my Tikka's and love it.

I sold my X-Bolt due to endless troubles and very poor accuracy. Not saying are all like mine but I wouldn't buy one again. Shame really, as they are very ergonomic, look the biz and area nice to shoot. Grunta is correct with the triggers on them, shite until you replace the springs, then they are mint. I invested lots of money trying to sort the issues, but alas, only so much you can do to polish up a turd.

A-bolts I have never had much to do with but those that have them love them, same could be said with all the other rifles though. I just don't like the hinged floor plate / detatchable mag combo.

As for the Tikka vs A7, there are differences in the action and ability to top load. One thing that is common is they both almost always shoot exceptionally well. Triggers are great and no need to do any custom work. Just be careful with the A7 if you are going to use a bipod. There is a reason so many people own Tikka's.

TBH I would go into a well stocked store and try them all out for fit and confort when shouldering as that should play a big part in what you end up purchasing. The H&F store in Ashburton is quite a good one and the times I have been there have had good service. Ashburton Firearms & Sports on Moore St are good at doing deals also.