Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

[jbjarko]

Hello Hide,

I'm new to the LR shooting gang. Generally shoot ARs and handguns. I have an older 700 in .243 currently. I'm looking to get something in .308, and learn to shoot it <span style="font-style: italic">well</span>. I hope to not have to make a lot of modifications after the fact. Eventually, I'd like to build a custom rig, but for now, I'd rather save my pennies and have a rifle that will grow with me as I become a more capable LR shooter. I know the cost difference is about 250 or so.

Is one going to be significantly better than the other?

Thanks for your time,

Jb

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

one option is to ask a gunsmith in the area to re barrel / chamber your old 700 action. the 700 action is very good foundation for a build. the tikka is nice, and the savage / stevens shoot really nice out of the box and has a pretty good amount of accessories and creature comforts to enhance your shooting enjoyment, and the remington has even more toys to add to it. your 700 action warmed over or the savage / stevens option is probably the most economical way to go if your on a budget.

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

Well first off your .243 is a better round for long range paper punching depending on the twist of the barrel (if a fast twist the high BC bullets work great).

As far as a Stevens or a Tikka...my vote would be for the Tikka. I own two of the Lite models...one in .223 and one in .243...and have owned the Tactical model in .308. My friend owns the Tactical model in .223. All of them will shoot sub 1/2" five shot groups at 100yrds all day long.

Here is my latest five, 5 shot groups from my .243 Tikka at 100yrds shot from the prone with bi-pod and rear bag using 87gr Hornady Vmax's.

Take care and good luck on your search,Stan

 

[desertHK]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

Nice shooting BgBmBoo. I would agree also with the Tikka T3. I have the 223 version. Very happy with it.

 

[chrisj]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

You Can't go wrong with a Tikka Varmint rifle for under $700. Al of my Tikka's (including thin barreled sporters) have shot 5 shot groups well under an inch. I had a 243 Rebarred that shot 1/4 moa ,% shot groups at 200 yards on a consistent basis. Action is buttery smooth, triggers are adjustable. You won't be sorry you bought a Tikka. It isn't an Accuracy International, but a bargain for the $$$ IMO.

 

[jbjarko]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

Thanks for the replies. I am, however, concerned with the length of the Tikka T3 barrel, at 22" in most calibers. Seems a bit short for my needs.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Josh

 

[desertHK]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbjarko</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replies. I am, however, concerned with the length of the Tikka T3 barrel, at 22" in most calibers. Seems a bit short for my needs.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Josh </div></div>

I think the subject of barrel length has been beaten to death and then some. If you are concerned that a 22" barrel doesn't have enough ooomph to reach 1K, then reassure, that is not the case. Most folks here at this site will tell you that 22" is sufficient for a 308 to reach 1K, if you pick the right bullet and powder. I wouldn't worry about that. Hope that helps.

 

[jbjarko]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

Much appreciated DesertHK.

As you all know, this is a learning process. I want to make changes along the way, but make a good decision the first go around.

Which is the best bet, a Lite or a Varmint edition?

Thanks again for your time, sir.

Josh

 

[desertHK]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

I have the Lite.

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbjarko</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Much appreciated DesertHK.

As you all know, this is a learning process. I want to make changes along the way, but make a good decision the first go around.

Which is the best bet, a Lite or a Varmint edition?

Thanks again for your time, sir.

Josh </div></div>

Hi Josh.
This is where YOU have to have a reality chat with yourself. What are you going to really be doing with the rifle? Shooting from a bench or from the prone then a heavy rifle is no issue. But...if you are going to pack it around for hunting with some occasional target shooting then a hunting profile rifle will better serve you.

My little T3 Lite in .243 you see above is a great packing rifle and even with the 16 1/2" barrel I would not be afraid to shoot it at 500-600yrds.

Take care,Stan

 

[wco24u]

Re: Tikka T3 or Stevens 200

I have owned and shot the Stevens 200, had one in .243 and .223. Great guns right out of the box. Both shot very well and are great platforms to build off of. The .243 I replaced the barrel with a 12FV 26" barrel and a Bell and Carlson stock, over time. The cost to rebarrel a Stevens is way less expensive that having a 700 rebarreled. You can rebarrel your 700 in .243 to .308, and pick barrel length, and twist rate. I see a project build...