Tikka SS Varmint vs Savage Predator

TNdeerhunter

TNdeerhunter

Member
I am looking at these three for my next rifle in .223 but can't decide on which one.
The Tikka SS Varmint is 8lbs with a 1-8 twist and 23-3/4" Bbl. and I can get it for $600.
The 2010 Predator Hunter Max 1 is 8.5lbs with a 1-9 twist and 22" Bbl. The new Predator has the Accustock and both guns have a detachable mag. I do like the fact that I could switch barrels on the Savage though. MSRP-$864.00 most likely around $700.

Either one I get will get punched to a .223AI, with that being said any experiences or opinions on both are welcome!

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I also have this Kimber Longmaster as a option. I wonder if you could lighten it up any?

Kimber Longmaster VT
 
Probably about 50/50 walking and stand hunting. I plan on letting my daughter use it on deer next fall. I know that doesn't really help you much.
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I can't help you with the Savage, but I have two Tikka varmint rifles (blue), in .223 and 22-250. Both are VERY accurate, but in my opinion, too heavy for a walk around gun. Course I'm probably older than you, and switched to a lighter gun for walking. I did kill a number of coyotes with the 22-250, but with a call, decoy, and all the other gear, the weight of the gun kept my walking to a minimum. The Tikka's were originally bought for prairie dog guns, and are great for that use. I would (for me) look at the lighter weight bbl in either gun.
 
Actually helps alot. I was just curious as to why you are thinking a heavy barrel. The only thing you're gonna gain (other than over a pound of un-necessary weight) is a tad bit over an inch of barrel length. As far as accuracy; the heavy barrel is no more accurate than a good "sporter" weight barrel. The only time a heavy barrel will help is when you do alot of shooting and heat the barrel up. Then the heavy barrel will just keep your groups a little tighter for a little longer. I'd much rather carry a light (6 3/4 pound) rifle anyday (The price is alot better as well; closer to $500.00). Out of the 3 you mentioned I'd take the Tikka but in the T3 lite. Savage makes a good accurate gun as well; i just much prefer the action, trigger, weight, and over-all looks of the Tikka better. I know there are gonna be differences in opinion here, but what the heck; that's why we're all here... lol
I have a bunch of Tikkas and have had some Savages (still have 3 or 4) and just can"t find a better gun for my liking than a Tikka. This Savage/Tikka debate is all over on here, so my opinion is just another, but i am real satisfied with mine.
I'd imagine recoil is probably gonna be an issue for your daughter (assuming she's probably a "young-un")and the .223 A1 will be very mild in any of them.
Just throwing it out there for thought.
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I am 6'3" and 225lbs so the weight should not be too big of a problem. Also here in SE TN walking only means a mile or so, you can pretty much drive to within 1000-1500yds of where you want to call.
 
I thought the weight would bet better for her, she will be 9 this summer but small for her age. I wonder has anyone ever had a Tikka fluted?
 
I've seen them fluted before. (Gonna try to find the link) It will shave some weight that's for sure. I'm assuming that velocity is what you're after here by going to the AI. So barrel length is an issue. That being a factor the 100-140 fps (for mid-weight bullets) you're gonna gain with the AI will still be very achievable. The critters on the other hand will never notice the differance. Now if long range shooting was common; the AI is definately a bit more noticable.
Either way you go the recoil will be very mild at best. My little girl was shooting my Tikka in .243 when she was 7 and she was just a wee little fart at that age. The gun was loud and jumped a little but she had no problems at all and shot it real well. Good ear protection for them young ones will go alot farther in getting them to not be gun-shy than the recoil itself. The noise is mainly what scares them and gets them jumpy. The push on the shoulder from recoil is usually second in line when it comes to shooting timidness.
 
It's hard to screw up between those choices.....impossible actually. Both are great guns that will serve you well.

I'd also recommend you take a look at the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine. It weighs a pound and a half less, but still has the Accustock. I have one in .223 and it drives tacks out to 400 yards (the furthest I've shot it at the range).
 
I would pick the Tikka over the Savage just for the trigger alone. I just can't get used to the Accutrigger no matter how much I use it.
 
All great responses! A few bring up an issue of personal taste as opposed to the accuracy or funtioning of the rifle. Might I suggest you check around and see if any stores somewhere in you area might have one of each on their shelf so you can walk in and hold both weapons and feel the stock design, trigger and action on them. Unless you have you heart set on one already, "that feel" may help you decide. Good luck whichever one you decide on. Both are nice weapons.
 
Originally Posted By: Ursus21 I just can't get used to the Accutrigger no matter how much I use it.

Wow, that's wierd. I can't get use to anything else!

I have the Savage #10 PH in .223. I'm very happy with it and would buy it again.
Three shots touching at 100yds. with Hornady V-Max 55gr.
I don't have to walk over 1000 yards, the weight has never been an issue.
 
like stated before, either one you pick, it will still be a very very good rifle!
personally i lean toward the savage because i have owned and own quite a few of them, and NEVER got a bad one! i havent shot the predator but have read good things on them.

the tikka, i have never handled or shot, but have read some really good things on them!
so either way you just cant go wrong!
 
I have the Tikka T3 Lite in 22-250. It is my first predator rifle. What I can tell you is that all my hunting buddies always want to shoot it for some reason. Its a real tack driver and lightweight to carry. The only experience with Savage is a .17HMR with accutrigger and it is a nice shooter too. I would look at the Tikka and put the rest of your money on a good scope.
 
Both are great rifles but I prefer Tikka's over Savage. I also agree with predator caller... for a walking gun I'd get a sporter barreled gun.

My favorite long range walking gun is a Tikka T3 243 with a stainless sporter barrel & synthetic stock in 243. It shoots 70 grain Nosler ballistic Tips 3450 fps and groups at or under 1/2".
 
Decisions...decisions...decisions? The only thing is that I can get the Tikka Varmint for $600 with the 1-8 twist and the gentleman has a group that was shot with the 75gr AMAX that goes about 1/2" @ 100yds. The Tikka has been shot 70 times and looks brand new. The Savage has not even been released yet as far as I know. Dang I hate decisions like this!
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Texas solo, I have no idea what your background with rifles and triggers is, but how many rifles have you owned with a quality Timney, Sharp Shooters Supply, or Jewell trigger? I just can't like the Accutrigger after a lifetime of using the triggers listed above.
 
I have grown quite fond of the .257 Roy. Shoots 100gr TSX @ 3,627ft/s with RL22. 2" high at 100yds and 3" high at 250yds...its truly unbelievable.

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