Weatherby, Browning, or Baretta?

[Tjurgensen]

Im looking for a new rifle and have narrowed my caliber down to a 270 WSM. Now im debating on the gun. My decision is between a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 sporter, a Browning X-Bolt Hunter, or a Tikka T3 Lite. The Weatherby and Browning have a wooden stock and the Tikka is synthetic. Both the Weatherby and Tikka have a 24" barrel but the Browning is 23". All three look to be quality rifles, unfortunately I have never owned a Browning, Barreta, or Weatherby rifle so I don't know which is better or the qualities each hold. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
-TJ

 

[Catfur]

Im looking for a new rifle and have narrowed my caliber down to a 270 WSM. Now im debating on the gun. My decision is between a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 sporter, a Browning X-Bolt Hunter, or a Tikka T3 Lite. The Weatherby and Browning have a wooden stock and the Tikka is synthetic. Both the Weatherby and Tikka have a 24" barrel but the Browning is 23". All three look to be quality rifles, unfortunately I have never owned a Browning, Barreta, or Weatherby rifle so I don't know which is better or the qualities each hold. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
-TJ

Why do you want a Weatherby, Browning or Tikka over, say, a Winchester, Savage or Remington? (the latter three have a lot more custom parts available) or a Ruger?

I'm not being facetious, but the answer to that question can help us answer your question. What qualities are you looking for?

 

[Tjurgensen]

I really like the looks and feel of these rifles and I already own a savage so I'd like to try some other makers.

 

[Catfur]

I really like the looks and feel of these rifles and I already own a savage so I'd like to try some other makers.

So it's a look and feel thing?

Have you been to a shop and held each one? What did you think?

 

[idaho elk hunter]

I own each of these. I can tell you that for reloading and for factory loaded ammo the Weatherby series 2 is more accurate, Way more accurate when you get past 400 yds. The Tikka is good but it will not get on pace with the Weatherby. I am a ffl holder and sell all of these. There are rare exceptions in these accuracy results but they are few and far between. If your going to re- barrel then I would definitely recommend the Savage, accutrigger, accustock with a Pac-Nor. You can instal this your self at home. Matching the length of bullet for the twist will get you shooting a quarter all day long! Good luck on your decision!

 

[Tjurgensen]

Thanks elk hunter and yes it is mostly a feel thing and iv heard a lot of good things about the weatherbys brownings and tikkas

 

[skyfish25]

Can't help on rifle choice. But great cartridge, I'm sure you'll enjoy what you get.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I don't own a Vanguard, X-Bolt, or Tikka.....However I do have Weatherby Mark-V and Browning A-Bolt rifles. And I think you would be hard-pressed to go wrong with either one of those 2 brands. If the Vanguard S2's are even 1/2 as good as the Mark-V's then you should be very happy. And I have seen some 900+ yard groups with a S2 .257 Wby Mag that a guy posted on here, and it was VERY impressive. I have also heard nothing but positive remarks regarding the X-Bolts, as well. The A-Bolts and X-Bolts are fairly similar, and the A-Bolts are tack-drivers straight out of the box, which leads me to believe the X-Bolts are, too. I wouldn't see why they wouldn't be. Brownings are legendary for their accuracy.

I don't have much experience with the Tikka rifles, other than I used to sell them years ago when I worked at the outdoors store. I never really heard much feedback good or bad from customers, so I have limited knowledge of them. Wish I could be of more help.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

There are a couple factors that jump out at me.

1- Do you intend to upgrade the rifle? i.e. stock, trigger, barrel etc
The Howa (Vangard) is probably going to take the lead in this catergory followed closely by the Tikka & FAR ahead of the Browning. You can upgrade all of them but the farther you stray from the "common" rifles, the harder it becomes to find a qualified individual to help you out.

2- Magnum cartridges deserve magnum length barrels... anything shorter than 26" makes me want to pound my face against the wall (personal preference of course ). Shorter than 24" is more than likely to increase muzzle blast & reduce velocity, especially if you handload with slow burning powder.


In the end, personal preference & comfort will seal the deal for you. If you don't really intend to tinker with the rifle, you really can't go wrong. I hear the Tikka has very smooth bolt manipulation.


t

 

[Tjurgensen]

Well I dont intend to upgrade it at all and i have looked but i cant find any rifles with a 26" barrel.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Well I dont intend to upgrade it at all and i have looked but i cant find any rifles with a 26" barrel.

Don't sweat the bbl lenth thing, it's a pet peeve of mine

If you don't intend to upgrade I'd say chose the rifle the same way you choose your woman, whichever one turn you on the most


t

 

[dakor]

I own each of these. I can tell you that for reloading and for factory loaded ammo the Weatherby series 2 is more accurate, Way more accurate when you get past 400 yds. The Tikka is good but it will not get on pace with the Weatherby. I am a ffl holder and sell all of these. There are rare exceptions in these accuracy results but they are few and far between. If your going to re- barrel then I would definitely recommend the Savage, accutrigger, accustock with a Pac-Nor. You can instal this your self at home. Matching the length of bullet for the twist will get you shooting a quarter all day long! Good luck on your decision!

I disagree with the statement on the accuracy of Tikka's. I to have a FFL and sell both brands along with others. I have yet to find a Tikka that will not shoot 1/2 MOA or less and I have played around with several. The Weatherby Vanguard 2's seem to not be as consistent Accuracy wise as the Tikka.​

The Tikka also has a much smoother action and as for parts and upgrading there are plenty out there and you really do not need to upgrade much on a Tikka to start with. The Tikka is my favorite out of the box do nothing to it rifle out of all of them. They also weigh less than the Vanguard 2 and are free floated.​

 

[Tjurgensen]

Ok thanks. Another question I have is what the best rate of twist would preform the best for a 270 WSM?

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Ok thanks. Another question I have is what the best rate of twist would preform the best for a 270 WSM?

That will depend solely on the weight range of the bullets you intend to shoot.


t