supporter fiction v facts: Ruger v Tikka

[jski]

Ruger Precision Gen 3 Bolt-Action Rifle
vs
Tikka T3x TAC A1 Bolt-Action Rifle​

I've been reading a lot about these 2 and really approach neither with bias. The online forums definitely favor the Tikka. But I'm really getting nothing more than opinions:

"I had a RPR in 6.5. It was accurate, but just felt cheap. Sold it after a few hundred rounds. I now have 2 Tikkas. You know where my vote goes."

"Kudos to Ruger for helping chassis rifles gain acceptance...but folks like Tikka/Sako are leaving them in the dust. Save up the couch change and go with a Tikka...you won't regret it."

"I was in the same boat. After holding the RPR, I bought the Tikka. Would still do the same today. The fit and finish on the Tikka is outstanding. The Ruger felt cheap and the one I held had the barrel/rail out of alignment. Just like every other nice gun, or thing, I've bought, I've long forgot the price and love the quality every time I pick it up."

But as always the truth is more complex than supporters would have you believe. So, with some measure of trepidation, I ask:
Does one far outstrip the other? I've never actual seen any data to back up these opinions. But they are asserted with absolute certainty. Is there actual data that gives one the advantage over the other?

 

[jski]

This is interesting:
Ruger v Accuracy International AX

 

[HARPERC]

We've had multiple good shooters in both, have not used the 2 rifles mentioned by you, but the post you linked to mentioned Sako. I recently bought an A7, and overall it shoots great, and fit and finish are better than the off the rack Ruger I've had.

The early Tikka magazines just sucked. The newer ones have improved.

I've had 2 CTR versions of the Tikka, the .223 was excellent out the box. The .260 needed minor help. It shoots very good, but not the equal of the .223. Point being not all rifles of the same brand and model are equal, much less trying to compare different brands. Which is the point you're trying to make I think.

 

[aushunter1]

Imo comes down to who is the better reloader & shooter over which is a more accurate rifle!

 

[FEENIX]

Ruger Precision Gen 3 Bolt-Action Rifle
vs
Tikka T3x TAC A1 Bolt-Action Rifle​

I've been reading a lot about these 2 and really approach neither with bias. The online forums definitely favor the Tikka. But I'm really getting nothing more than opinions:

But as always the truth is more complex than supporters would have you believe. So, with some measure of trepidation, I ask:
Does one far outstrip the other? I've never actual seen any data to back up these opinions. But they are asserted with absolute certainty. Is there actual data that gives one the advantage over the other?

Don't complicate it unnecessarily (esp. when you only have two to choose from), this is not going to be your last. Only you can make it as complex or simple as possible. Personal preference and intended purpose play a major role in decision-making and no one knows it better than you. You must synthesize the information being presented to you in order to make a sound decision. This is why "I" never ask for what rifle to build or buy. Good luck!

 

[ButterBean]

 

[cohunt]

Buy them both and then give us your opinion

 

[sierracharlie338]

It seems to me that you have a desire for specific factual information that no one else on the internet can provide you, other than their opinions. While it seems like a preposterous suggestion, buying both and weighing the differences will probably be the only way you could get a true side by side comparison. Then sell the one that doesn't provide you with the warm and fuzzies.

 

[venatic]

I have both Ruger and Tikka and both are very accurate.
While I like the magazines that come with Tikka more they are more expensive.
Like the Tikka Trigger better as well.
Like the Tikka Chassis and folding stock better
Ruger does cost less...
Liked the muzzle brakes slight advantage to looks on the Ruger but Tikka easier to time up.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

Check out the Sako S20. Not a true chassis setup but very easy to customize. And all Sako, accurate, great trigger and slick action.

 

[jski]

Here's an interesting series of videos on the Ruger by "gavintoobe":

RPR: Setup
RPR: 1,000 yard day with the 6.5
RPR: Conclusion

 

[DJ Fergus]

I think FEENIX pretty much summed it up. I don't want to muddy the waters but I will go ahead and give my opinions, and it's nothing more than opinions. This is based on the pre Hawkeye days. In the early 90s on up to mid 2000s my neck of the woods was Ruger country as far as bolt action rifles. Ruger was king here. 95% of the people I know who hunted, owned a m77. Some of them shot great some just average. I knew two fellows who bought identical 25-06 26" heavy barrel laminate Ruger target/ varmint rifles at the same time. These guys were buddies. One rifle shot lights out and the other was nothing special. Same ammo and swapping shooters to verify it wasn't the shooter. Different ammo was tried with same results. I have owned both an m77 & Tika t3. Accuracy was better on the T3. I didn't like the fact that the safety had to be turned to fire to eject a loaded round from the T3. The Ruger action is heavy and makes a Sporter weight rifle feel heavier in closer to the shooter. In a heavy barreled Ruger, it's fine and balances much better that a Sporter barreled Ruger. Im not bashing either Tikka or Ruger as I like them both. Just my observations. After owning many factory bolt actions, my opinion is that chances are better with a Tikka being a good shooting rifle. I have not owned a Ruger or Tikka in 15 years, things may have changed. You just really never know how it's going to turn out. Some factory rifles I've owned shot good. Some, I had to make them shoot good. Some of them, I just didn't want to invest the time and effort into because experience told me it was going to be long and drawn out, along with a balancing act in loading for it. The only guarantee is that there really is no guarantee. You've just got to pick one based on the subjective information & feedback you have to go on.

 

[Longshotjames]

The better Trigger heavily favors Tikka (Unless Ruger has done something I'm unaware of)

 

[FEENIX]

I have both Ruger and Tikka and both are very accurate.
While I like the magazines that come with Tikka more they are more expensive.
Like the Tikka Trigger better as well.
Like the Tikka Chassis and folding stock better
Ruger does cost less...
Liked the muzzle brakes slight advantage to looks on the Ruger but Tikka easier to time up.

@jski, this short and sweet comparative summary by @venatic should help you in your decision-making. But like I said, you need to be able to synthesize the information to what "exactly" you are looking for, which is not clearly defined. @venatic comment as an owner of both rifles in question is both an opinion and "actual" data. What you do with this information is entirely up to you.

I've been reading a lot about these 2 and really approach neither with bias. The online forums definitely favor the Tikka. But I'm really getting nothing more than opinions:

But as always the truth is more complex than supporters would have you believe. So, with some measure of trepidation, I ask:
Does one far outstrip the other? I've never actual seen any data to back up these opinions. But they are asserted with absolute certainty. Is there actual data that gives one the advantage over the other?

The only other option is go custom build and pick your own components.