howa 1500 tikka t3 sporter

[Dellboy]

Has anyone on here shot either of these in 308 223
variations through (at last) and ive 2 slots to fill

The Howa is tempting in a GRS stock then the Tika T3 caught my eye


advise please

[DW58]

I have a Tikka T3 Super Varmint in .308, my sone has a T3 Sporter in .223 (1:8) - what do you want to know?

[Chapuis]

Both good rifles but be careful in your choice of stock with the Howa as the Hogue stocks are not very stiff.

[Dellboy]

stock choice would be a GRS on the Howa

Really want to know which of the two makes are the better rifle

[Triffid]

I've got a Howa Varmint in 308 and a Tikka T3 in 223/1:8. Howa is in a Boyds laminate stock, Tikka's in the factory plastic.

IMO there's nothing wrong with either and it's hard to say which is the better: they've each got their quirks. To me the T3 makes a superb stalking rifle and if I had to get a dedicated rifle for deer it would probably be a T3 in 308. The Howa is much heavier built and I use it mostly on the range. They will both comfortably shoot into sub-MOA with the right ammo, but the T3's magazine limits much playing around with the COAL, so it's more fussy. The factory triggers are equally adjustable and build quality fine. Much has been said about the wobbly Howa/Houge stock, but I only noticed that when shooting off a bipod . . . the best group I've shot with the Howa was 0.3MOA with the original stock off a bag.

So I'd say go with what your heart says or which feels better to you. You'll be fine either way quality wise.

Triffid

[Chapuis]

stock choice would be a GRS on the Howa

Really want to know which of the two makes are the better rifle

Whichever one feels right for you. Don't try comparing apples with pairs though as each make has a number of different models suitable for differing types/styles of shooting. No real faults with either rifle other than the stocks on the Howa as previously mentioned and whether you would prefer a hinged floor plate magazine or a detachable magazine.

[tisme]

Some thoughts I have on both, I've got two Howas and three T3s. (Others might not agree with me.)

The Tikkas, I think, are better made than the newer Howas. My 7 year old Howa is better made than the one I bought a month ago.

The trigger is better on the Tikkas and all it needs to make it very good is a £5 spring. The Howa trigger needs replacing to make it better.

GRS make stocks for both.

Bottom metals can be bought for both but the Tikka ones are cheaper and easier to fit.

Bolts on the howa are easier to take apart but saying that the Tikkas aren't hard.

Both shoot well out the box.

If I was buying another one it would be a Tikka

[phaedra1106]

What he said :)

[DW58]

Tikka all the way.

[Mike95]

"The trigger is better on the Tikkas and all it needs to make it very good is a £5 spring. The Howa trigger needs replacing to make it better."

The latest Howa's have a superb trigger, straight out of the box, but plenty of adjustment if you want to tinker.

Mike95