Tikka T-3 Varmint or Remington 788 .223

[righttoown]

Have a chance to buy a nice Remington 788 .223 but could get a new Tikka T-3 varmint for about the same price. I have heard the triggers are pretty decent from the factory on the Tikka's. I would have to buy a Timney trigger for the Remington to have a decent trigger. I'm wanting to use it for varmint hunting. I don't really know much about the Tikka. Does anybody hear own one or could speak for them?

 

[Ackman]

Over the years I've had several 788's. The one I still shoot I've had since '82. If they're priced about the same it means the 788 is priced too high. The Tikka is a really nice rifle. For about the same price I'd get a Tikka every time, no question about it.

 

[MrMajestic]

What he said! Love my 788's but I would take a boat load of the Tikka's for what I paid for them! ;D

 

[MK 19]

I would buy the Tikka over the 788 any day of the week and twice on Sunday

 

[bozo699]

Huge Tikka fan here, would be no question in my mind which one I would buy.
Wayne.

 

[drover]

This is a "no-brainer" - get the Tikka and never look back. They have a nice trigger, all the ones I have owned have been excellent shooters right out of the box.

The only thing I would question is if you really want the Varmint model, it will be heavy if you are planning on using it for a walking varminter. If the majority of your shooting will be from a fixed position then go with the varmint model, if not then consider the sporter model. You would be giving up very little, if any, in accuracy and gain a lot in portability.

drover

 

[jsthntn247]

I think the tikka is an 8 twist also which is a huge bonus.

 

[mr45man]

"Get the Tikka and never look back."
John H

 

[jonbearman]

The tikka is a much wiser move and smooth as can be.

 

[DMC]

+1 on above, I have a Tikka T3 Varmint, for a factory rifle. its very very good

DMC

 

[DogBuster]

Tikka.......no question.....

But then I'm a Tikkanut............

 

[stacy]

GIVE THE OLD 788 A BREAK LOVE MINE TRIPLE DUSE.

 

[Sray53TXTN]

Just placed 2nd in a club Bench rest match with a Factory Class Tikka 223 Varmint 1x8 twist, there was only one Remi action that had been trued, sleeved, accurized, & it was in CU group. I was the only 223, others were 30BR, 243AI, 6 Dasher, 6PPC, & 308.
Out of the box - hard to beat the Tikka. Had Remington, Savage, Winchester, & Ruger - nothing was this good.
My $.02

 

[DMC]

rinoray
Good result in the factory class, i'd be interested in what load your shooting in the Tikka, I've had pretty good success withe the Nosler 77 Custom Comp

Regards

DMC

 

[dtucker]

Tikka hands down any day.

 

[222 rem]

I have multiple 788.
They all shoot exceptionally, the only problem is it has been almost 30 years since they were in production. Parts could be a issue in the future.
I have a tikka 585 in 30/06 which shoots .5 to .6

I agree the 788 you referenced could be over priced.

 

[13red56]

In my opinion a 788 action can't even compare to a Tikka and finding one with an 8 twist is even better. As others have said I would get the Tikka and never look back.

 

[Barlow]

10-4 on the Tikka. I wish I would have bought 10 of the a few years ago when they were $350.00. Barlow

 

[bward6mm]

I use a 223 cal. Tikka for Coyotes and love the accuracy with Nosler 55gr. ballistic tips. I used the load out of the Nosler reloading manuel.
My longest Shot was a chuck at 350yds. Flipped him over like a chesseburger.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I've never shot a TIKkA, May have to try one because the love here is so great.. ;D