Tikka T3 or Savage Trophy Hunter

[mhoang]

I need some recommendation. I'm looking for a bolt action rifle to hunt deer and pigs. It'll be mostly for hunting and I probably won't do any upgrade. I'm left handed. I can either get a right handed Tikka T3 with a Burris scope of a left handed Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter for about the same price ($550-$600). I really like the T3, but can't find the left handed version anywhere for the same price. Should I forgo the awkwardness and get the Tikka or get the left handed Savage?

Thanks.

[Calif Hunter]

I am not left-handed, but I would not enjoy a left-handed rifle since I am right-handed, and the reverse must also be true. Either order the Tikka in the left-handed version or get the Savage. Both are accurate and reliable. I have a couple of both brands and I am happy with them.

[Matel Onely]

As a brother southpaw I have, and continue to, put up with right handed firearms. From bolts, to semi-auto rifles, to pistols. I never thought much of it.

That was until I picked up a lefty Savage that was on consignment at the LGS. The ability to cycle the bolt without moving my head was a new concept. Much like putting an ambi-safety/mag release on an AR15 or 1911 so you don't have to do gymnastics with your thumbs/support hand.

My next and last rifle (lasty...yeah wink wink) will be a lefty bolt gun. I'll keep the rest as righties to keep up that proficiency. But, man...it sure is nice to have something built for you. I did a quick search on the T3 vs 111 and it's a common comparison with about 50/50 split between the two (as long at the 111 has the AccuTrigger). If that is indeed the case then maybe it's just easier and more financially responsible to get the 111. But Tikka's sure are purdy.

So I guess it comes down to how much the human factor is worth to you.

Best of luck in your decision.

[Krill]

you could also look into a Howa 1500, it is in the similar price range and usually available

[Krill]

I'm also a lefty. right left handed and shoot pistols left handed. It not that hard to shoot a bolt right handed and the importance of a dominant hand is diminished with a manually operated two handed long gun. If you get a little more practice it should be less awkward.

[hoozaru]

I own both, and use trophy hunter 30-06 for hunting. Trophy hunter is pretty light, barrel is kind of long and may become an issue if you need to get in/out of vehicle all the time. Tikka is a better looking gun, finish is better, barrel is like 2 inch shorter than Trophy hunter IIRC.

Trophy hunter gets more use because I don't feel so bad when it's completely covered in mud or got scratches. No matter which you get in the end, get rid of the factory rings. Both Tikka and Savage factory rings are POS. I use game reaper one piece rings/mount on both. You may also want to replace butt pad with limb saver pads.

Accuracy is almost the same, got 0.8ish to 0.9ish group with South Korean surplus 30-06.

[sksman777]

Tikka over savage any day!

[mhoang]

After trying out both rifles, the only thing I don't like about the Tikka is that it's right hand. I like the feel, the bolt action, the weight, the scope, all better than Savage TPXP. I wish I can find one at the same price range in left hand.

Matel, do you cycle the bolt with your right or left hand when shooting right hand rifle. I find it easier to do it with my right hand so I don't have to reach over the scope.

[elx144]

Tikka, but if you can't afford the extra $150 for a scope go with the left handed savage. I've hunted with a right handed rifle held left handed, and its worth it have the bolt on the other side. If you shoot an animal you're gonna want to be able to load another round in the most natural way. I've got a left handed Tikka t3 Lite and I'm picking up the second one on Wednesday. I paid an extra $100 for stainless but it would have been about $650 with rings and no scope.

[Bull Elk]

Savage isn't pretty, but they are accurate and reasonably priced. I like the Tikka, but have only held them, not shot them. That plastic stock seems to feel like the cheapest of all plastic stocks on the market in this price range. If I bought one I'd upgrade it to a B&C or walnut stock (just my preferences). I do believe that the Tikka has an outstanding action. That bolt slides smoother than my Browning's and Weatherby's. If I had to pick one..............SAVAGE by a nose!

[Bull Elk]

Tikka over savage any day!

May I ask "why"? Don't get me wrong, I like Tikka's, but the Savage is one heck of an accurate rifle.

[elx144]

The Tikka stock is fine. One of the best things about it is the free floated barrel. You can slide a doller bill under the barrel.

[tima]

If you've handled both rifles, which I have, I don't think there is even a close comparison between the Tikka and Savage. For the price range you're talking Tikka is by far the smoothest action.

I'm a lefty as well and ended up getting a Tikka T3 Stainless in 3006 left handed. Ordering the left handed model will set you back another $100 or so at least that's what I found when I shopped around for it.

I had the same dilemma and ended up waiting a extra month or two to get the rifle I knew I wanted. Save and get the left handed Tikka. You won't be disappointed.

[mhoang]

Thanks for all the responses so far. Dick's Sporting Goods has the right handed Tikka T3 with Burris scope for $599. Bud's has the left handed Savage THXP for ~$550. Decision decision...

[Divernhunter]

Get the left hand version of any rifle you choose.