rifle options for .243

[arveyboy 0]

my gun dealer has a tikka t3 lite in stock chambered in .243 winchester for £650. ive also noticed flicking through that the Howa 1500 laminated varmint with thumbhole stock tends to be around £550. given the choice, i am prepared to spend that extra £100 if it is worth it and still have the same for the rest of the set up. i really like the look of the Howa and ive read a few good reviews but if there is a noticeable difference in the Tikka i will be prepared to break the bank a bit more.

 

whats the verdict?

 

cheers, jack

[SNAP SHOT 194]

i'm hearing good things about the howa 1500, and the t3 is good also so its down to which one you like best.......

[arveyboy 0]

cheers snap. i have to say i love the look of the howa with thumbhole nutmeg stock. looks great and some good reviews as well. ill go to a few dealers and ask them for a few quotes for one.

[mattydski 560]

The only thing that puts me off the HOWA is the non-detatchable magazine. It has a floor plate, but if your foxing, in and out of the vehical, it would get on my nerves. I like to detach the mag and stick it in my pocket. Floor plate..in the dark...?

I am sure it would shoot straight though, its a good price.. So if you are prepared for the non detach..thats ok..

 

If I had the choice..T3

 

Matt

[SNAP SHOT 194]

As matty said about the floor plate system if you think you can live with that then get a price, no bells or whistles on the t3 but most tikkas are shooters,

And a detachable mag has always been my preference.

[oxo 496]

my gun dealer has a tikka t3 lite in stock chambered in .243 winchester for £650. ive also noticed flicking through that the Howa 1500 laminated varmint with thumbhole stock tends to be around £550. given the choice, i am prepared to spend that extra £100 if it is worth it and still have the same for the rest of the set up. i really like the look of the Howa and ive read a few good reviews but if there is a noticeable difference in the Tikka i will be prepared to break the bank a bit more.

 

whats the verdict?

 

cheers, jack

 

I have a laminate varmint s/s Howa bought it a month ago (not thumbhole) they have put there prices up now, i paid £750 screwcut for mine in this months Sporting Rifle the thumbhole has a RRP of £740 blued/ £840 s/s. Looked at a T3 lite and it was a bit toy like the stock is flimsy and the mag is plastic. The Howa is a lot more solidly built, but a lot heavier too. you pays your money....

[Deker 3,478]

These 2 rifles are totally different in almost every respect except calibre...the T3 Lite is exactly that, 6.2lbs, a cracking rifle for hunting and carrying around for hours, a DM as has been said, and shoots well!

 

The Howa is a tank 9.7lbs, far more solid but weights a ton, 3.5lbs MORE than a Tikka, you will not want to carry that around all day (or even for a few hours), but also shoots well!

[Mr_Logic 5]

These 2 rifles are totally different in almost every respect except calibre...the T3 Lite is exactly that, 6.2lbs, a cracking rifle for hunting and carrying around for hours, a DM as has been said, and shoots well!

 

The Howa is a tank 9.7lbs, far more solid but weights a ton, 3.5lbs MORE than a Tikka, you will not want to carry that around all day (or even for a few hours), but also shoots well!

Couldn't agree more! The Howa lightning is where you'd be when comparing to a T3 lite. They're still heavier than the Tikka but nowhere near as bad as the Varmint, and they're also better balanced than the Tikka when using a moderator.

 

As to which to choose of the two, hmmm, probably the Howa because it's cheaper, and the action is so smooth that for once the lack of a DM isn't a problem.

 

But I'd still buy a CZ. Finally some brand loyalty