Help needed

[u/One-Garage1260]

I've settled on a Tikka T3X as my first hunting rifle - shocking right?

I want one with either a stainless or cerakoted barrel, as well as a threaded barrel (ideally with muzzle brake included).
Two such variants exist within my budget, and I'm having a hard time choosing which one to go for.

Option 1: Tikka T3X Lite Roughtech - Reliable Gun - on special until Sunday for $1620.

Pros - nicer stock, fluted barrel, spiral bolt, local store to me. In stock. 6.8lbs.

Cons - slightly more expensive.

Option 2: Tikka T3x Lite Stainless with Muzzle Brake - Dante - $1550 (the sale price does not apply to pre/backorders unfortunately).

Pros - a bit cheaper, 4 inch shorter barrel (could be a con?). Would feel less annoyed if I swapped the action into a different chasis.

Cons - 7lbs. On backorder with no firm ETA.

I'm sure either rifle would be awesome, and last along time and drop deer no problem. I just love researching gear and feeling 100% in my purchase choice.

Do you have one of these? Another suggestion in this price range? A pro or con I missed? Let me know, I'd love to hear it.

Update: Bought the Roughtech. If you own it, did you replace the bolt next to the sling stud with another sling stud?

[u/iatekane]

Get the stainless Roughtech, the fluted barrel, fluted bolt and enlarged bolt handle are totally worth the little extra cost.

Good value for all of those features.