Opinions on a first bolt action

[u/Wooden_Week5385]

For my first high powered rifle, I’m currently between a Tikka T3X Ace Game and a Bergara B-14 Wilderness Carbon both in .308

I’m a left handed shot and plan on using it for BC hunting and range shooting, also plan on keeping this rifle for a long time.

Went to a local BC gun shop today looking at some rifles in person and to hopefully get my hands on. Bergara but they didn’t have one in stock so one of the workers suggested the left handed Tikka which was the first lefty I’ve actually held and it was nice but I did kinda like the classic Remington 700 look the B-14 has.

Opinions on either of these would be greatly appreciated

[u/GasMan1021]

Tikka over Bergara. Short bolt throw, smooth action, reliable, and accurate. But the Ace is heavier than the Bergara. I'd stick to a regular T3x or a T3x superlite over the Ace for hunting. Use the money saved for a quality optic.

[u/Grade_Soft]

Tikka is legendary, I used a Tikka in -50c conditions without any issues. Like others said the bolt can be locked and that’s a big plus when dealing with less than ideal conditions

[u/Dense-Perspective → u/Grade_Soft]

The arctic looks soooo good.

[u/Trick-Goat-3643]

I picked up a Tikka T3x Hunter .308 as my first hunting rifle this year and the first 3 rounds out of it made a single hole, worst group during break in was about 1 inch

[u/Baikal18FL]

If your crashing through bushes/moving your rifle alot keep in mind that bergaras bolt doesnt stay locked while on safety, ive lost a few bullets that way.

[u/adhq]

Tikka T3x is the best value proposition on the market, relative to its quality and performance. If you like the classic look, get a T3x Hunter instead of the Ace. It might not be easy to find in left-handed configuration but not impossible either.

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/adhq]

Sfrc and Dantes both have a left hand 308 Hunter for sale!

So does Calgary Shooting  center amd GunDealer

[u/BeerGunsMusicFood]

Hey fellow lefty! I would definitely look at a few options of Tikkas. The ace game sounds like it’s the ticket for you if you’re going to be doing range shooting at well. Other options to consider:

Roughtech - good balance for both hunting and range but a bit lighter

Hunter - great hunting rifle, wood stock so you’ll want to dry it out well when you get home.

Superlite - what I use. Awesome lightweight rifle but it heats up very quickly (3 shots and you’ll need to let it cool down). Great for hunting, not for the range.

Lite - cheapest option. Won’t heat up as quickly as the superlite.

Whatever you choose if you’re hunting with it I’d recommend a stainless option.

Good luck with your choice and I hope you love it!

[u/looloopklopm]

Lots of tikka fans in this thread.

I'll throw a bone to Bergara. I adore my b14 hmr

[u/Strong-Owl-55]

My brother in law has the tikka t3x stainless in 300 win mag and I have a bergara hmr carbon in 300 win and the bergara is definitely smoother and the muzzle brake is nice for the recoil. The t3 stock sucks but with the ace stock probably be nice either ones gonna be a winner. I also went with the b14 because I wanted the remington 700 action

[u/ssgfrmrswrp]

The ace rifles are kind of heavy, and most anywhere you're hunting in BC will have hills. I'd recommend a proper light weight hunting rifle. Its a lot of extra weight when you consider your ideally only taking one shot. 

You can get a dedicated target rifle with a heavy barrel and all that after, and you'll be happier that way

[u/BowFella]

Wouldnt really consider 308 a high powered cartridge, more intermediate. But still more than good enough for anything in BC. Light recoil, cheap, and very good ballistics.

I would go Tikka all the way. They guarantee submoa

[u/FD4L → u/BowFella]

308 is classified as a short action, full-powered cartridge.

[u/pyates1]

I have tried both and they are both awesome guns.

I like the action of the Bergara the most.

Firearms outlet canada is having a labour day sale with 10% off and free shipping. A sweet deal to be had!

[u/Content_Sky_2676]

T3 all day every day. Simpler, more accurate, better overall.

[u/22GageEnthusiast]

Just go with the Tikka in 308 brother. You'll pretty much never have to buy another big game hunting rifle ever again in your life.

[u/Iokua_CDN]

Perks of the Bergara is its a R700 action, easy to get mags for and upgrade. Personally I think they are a bit heavy and expensive for their quality

Tikka is also expensive, but has a very proven reliability among shooters. Less ability to upgrade, but I'd argue much better out of the box quality. Mags are more expensive unless you buy some 3d printed ones 

So do you want a less quality but the ability to tinker and customize?

Or do you  want a more ready to shoot better quality,  but much less customizing and aftermarket?

[u/Holiday_Equivalent15]

I got a T3x Lite in .308 as my first rifle and couldn't be happier with it! Compared to the bolt rifles I'd tried belonging to my family, friends, plus range rentals, the Tikka was comparatively very light, but not in a way I felt made the recoil any less managable. The bolt is so smooth and feels almost completely frictionless, like I never feel like I have to ram the bolt hard to chamber a round like a cheaper or similarly priced rifle. I don't do a whole lot of long-range shooting (300+ meters) so I couldn't attest to it but I've had nothing but excellent grouping at any distance below 300'ish meters. Highly recommend!

[u/Anyways_Im_Em]

I have an ace game in 308. Absolutely love it. Fantastic quality gun. Cant speak to the other rifle personally as I've never handled or shot the B-14.

[u/AsparagusUnhappy5395]

Tikka all day.

[u/Vast_Horizon47]

Love my tikka in 6.5 creed.

Buttery smooth no issues after thousands of rounds