Model 700 SPS or Tikka T3 Forest?

[Whitetail83]

I have narrowed my rifle selection to a 7mm-08. For about the same price I can either buy the model 700 SPS or the Tikka T3 Forest. I have handled both but have not shot either one. The Tikka feels better but the model 700 has the appeal of so many customization options. Which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

[Whitetail83]

I guess I should have added... Any other recommendations for a 7mm-08 for under $600?

[Fajkus7]

I like the 700 for the exact reason you stated. Toss that crappy stock and get something that fits you and then you are set. You also have a million other customization options later on. That said, I have heard good things about the Tikka

[sharkhunter]

Just got a 700 sps and it shoots under an 1inch groups. Very happy with the gun.

[LWD]

Get the Tikka because you don't need to do anything to it except maybe a new stock.

LWD

[TKK]

would not trade my Tikka - used it all over the world and performs very well -

[TxAg]

I vote Tikka out of those two. like the Tikkas but wasn't crazy about the stock. In that price range you should also look at weatherby vanguards....their weatherguard version comes cerakoted. The weatherby has a much nicer synthetic stock but I do prefer adding a timney trigger.

[Cajun Blake]

Tikka if you plan to shoot it as-is with very minimal modifications

700 if you want to build a custom rifle down the road

I'd roll with a 260 with a 1:8" twist barrel

[Southernshiver]

Savage has really good rifles below your price range as well. Of the 2 you posted I would go with the 700 for the simple fact that I always change out parts. Especially triggers. Tikkas are a little harder and more expensive to do that with.

If you feel you may want to try a new caliber later I would go with the savage rifles. You don't need a gunsmith to do any work for you. Just buy a barrel of the same contour and a few tools and you're good to go.

[cbassham]

Sps

[Bill]

Lots of good information on my post with a similar question.

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=612779

I bought the T3 in 7mm Rem Mag, I need to pick it up at the FFL, idiot state I live in has a 10 day mandatory waiting period, which just clocked out.

[Whitetail83]

Thanks for the feedback

[hoythitman]

Rem 700 just in case you want to do more down the road

[Daniel75]

Tikka. You won't even need a trigger job, it's already perfect. Guaranteed 1 MOA. Change out the stock to a Bell and Carlson Medalist and you're GTG.

[Encore]

Tikka!!