Browning X-Bolt vs Tikka T3x
by Chris Nelson on January 14, 2018
These are two outstanding firearms and a hard comparison to make but lets dig into the differences and see if we can make the decision easier for you.
Tikka T3x
The New Tikka T3x models are guaranteed to ship from the factory with 1 MOA accuracy. 14 different models of T3X and 7 different models of T3 (old version). All Tikka rifles are engineered and manufactured by Sako, in Finland. Tikka claims "Every Tikka rifle has to go through accuracy testing to prove the rifle can perform under 1 M.O.A accuracy prior to being sold anywhere." U.S. Importer/Distributor
Beretta USA Corp. T3x models come with a new recoil pad technology that reduces the impact of recoil on the shooter. The T3x models have extra screw placements on top of the receiver so that you can attach a picatinny rail. Tikka rifles provide you with a two-stage safety, blocking both the trigger and bolt handle. See the Tikka T3 vs T3x section at the bottom for a quick list of improvements made to the new T3x by Tikka.
Browning X-Bolt
Browning X-Bolt has a proprietary barrel manufacturing systems which produce barrels recognized for their custom-class accuracy. Short 60° bolt lift is fast cycling and allows you to work the bolt quickly without the scope getting in the way. The new detachable rotary magazine is incorporated into the X-Bolt and is constructed from a durable lightweight polymer, the magazine is designed to feed cartridges directly in-line with the bolt. I'm a major fan of the composite stock with textured gripping surface and Dura-Touch® Armor Coating that was designed to ensure slip-free handling in all weather conditions.
If you have a bit extra money to spend Browning offers all kinds of valuable custom options that normally your gunsmith would need to do for you. I'm a big fan of the Cerakote finishing and the spiral fluted bolt and matching bolt know, as well as the fluted heavy barrel for rapid cooling.
Browning X-Bolt:
Action: Short 60° bolt lift is fast cycling and allows you to work the bolt quickly without the scope getting in the way.
Barrel: X-Bolt is free-floated by bedding the front and rear of the action for stability and to help maintain barrel to stock spacing for consistent accuracy. 20", 22", 23", 24", 26", 28".
Capacity: 4 round detachable polymer rotary magazine.
Twist Rate: Wide variety of Right Hand Twist Options: 1:7.5", 1:8", 1:10"
Safety: Bolt unlock button works in conjunction with the top-tang safety.
Stock: Bolt unlock button works in conjunction with the top-tang safety.
Receiver: Receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a variety of scope-mounting options.
Trigger Pull: 4 lbs 8 oz
Tikka T3x:
Action: The action is designed for accuracy, reliability and easy servicing. Tikka rifles provide you with an extremely rigid action with a two-locking lug T3 bolt. The bolt features a spring-loaded plunger ejector and a removable bolt handle, with 70° opening angle leaving plenty of room for handling the bolt.
Barrel: Barrel length 20", 22.5", 23.5", 24.5".
Capacity: 3 - 5 round detachable box magazine.
Twist Rate: Wide variety of Right Hand Twist Options. 1:8", 1:9.5", 1:10", 1:11", 1:14".
Safety: Tang Safety
Stock: Black Synthetic or Wood. T3x synthetic stocks now have a foam insert within the interior of the rear stock – this lowers the stock-generated noise and can help you keep your target in sight
Receiver: T3x models have extra screw placements on top of the receiver so that you can attach a picatinny rail.
Trigger Pull: 4 lbs 8 oz
Most Popular Tikka T3x Models
Major Features: Stainless Steel, 10rd Mag, Adjustable rear peep sight (100m - 600m), Orange hard-laminated stock and a classic low-angled grip. *Used by Canadian Rangers special forces*
Major Features: Precision Bolt-Action Rifle includes a foldable rear stock, adjustable cheek-piece and adjustable length of pull . Aluminum chassis delivers excellent durability and reduced weight. Picatinny rails on the receiver and AR-style forend for optic and accessory mounting. Threaded muzzle for suppressor or muzzle brake and a 10-round detachable box magazine.
Major Features: Compact Tactical Rifle (CTR). Weatherproof matte-black synthetic stock available in .308 Win. and 6.5mm Creedmoor, each featuring a 10-round steel magazine.
Major Features: Ranges in weight from 5.9 lbs - 6 lbs. Synthetic Stock, Stainless Steel Finishing, Fluted Barrel.
Tikkakoski factory was established in 1893 in Jyväskylä, Finland. Tikkakoski Oy and Sako cooperated on a prototype rifle series in 1981 and later sold Tikka to Sako. In 2000, Sako sold to Beretta Group.
Tikka T3x Caliber / Rate of Twist / Number of Grooves / Mag Capacity
223REM / 8” / 6 / 4 RDS
22-250 / 14” / 6 / 3 RDS
243WIN / 10” / 6 / 3 RDS
7MM-08 / 9.5" / 4 / 3 RDS
308WIN / 11” / 4 / 3 RDS
270WSM / 10" / 4 / 3 RDS
300WSM / 11" / 4 / 3 RDS
25-06 / 14” / 6 / 3 RDS
270WIN / 10" / 4 / 3 RDS
30-06 / 11" / 4 / 3 RDS
7MMRM / 9.5" / 4 / 3 RDS
300WIN / 11" / 4 / 3 RDS
6.5CM / 8" / 6 / 3 RDS
Most Popular Browning X-Bolt Models
Major Features: 2017 SHOT Show Firearm - Full 360° carbon fiber stock, compressed foam core. Burnt bronze Cerakote finish barrel, action, and stock. Spiral fluted bolt & enlarged bolt knob with proprietary barrel lapping process.
Major Features: Cerakote™ burnt bronze finish, Composite Stock with Dura-Touch® Armor Coating in A-TACS AU camo pattern.
Major Features: Gloss Walnut Stock
Major Features: Gray laminate thumbhole stock, fluted bull barrel, and a muzzle break.
Major Features: Satin Walnut Stock
Major Features: Black Composite Stock with 26" Barrel
204 Ruger, 22-250 REM, 223 REM, 243 WIN, 25-06 REM, 26 Nosler, 270 WSM, 270 WIN, 28 Nosler, 280 REM, 30-06 Spfld, 300 HH Mag, 300 WSM, 300 WIN Mag, 308 WIN, 325 WSM, 338 WIN Mag, 375 HH Mag, 6.5 CM, 6mm CM, 7mm REM Mag, 7mm WSM, 7mm-08 REM
Accuracy Comparison:
Tikka guarantees all rifles ship from the factory with 1 MOA accuracy.
Browning guarantees all rifles ship with 1 MOA accuracy as well.
Magazine Comparison:
The Browning X-Bolt features a 4 round detachable polymer rotary magazine. The Tikka T3 features a standard box 3 round magazine but certain models come with a 4 round magazine.
The Tikka T3x has a single-column detachable clip magazine made from a strong fiberglass-reinforced composition. The magazine holds 3, 5 or 6 rounds depending on the model and caliber. A flush serrated release is installed at the front of the magazine to prevent accidental releases.
Stock Comparison:
In my opinion the Tikka T3x synthetic stock doesn't compare to the Browning X-Bolt Composite Stock with their proprietary Dura-Touch® Armor. It feels perfect in bare hands in any climate and has an unmatched quality feel to it. Browning wins hands down here.
Although the Tikka T3x does have a few stock options but the 2 most common are the Synthetic Stock with adjustable height cheek piece and adjustable length of pull butt stock. The Tikka T3X wood stock features a roll-over cheek piece that offers extra rest.
Trigger Comparison:
Both have triggers that are kind of heavy but there are replacements for that.
Browning X-Bolt Trigger Upgrade - Nearly a 50% X-Bolt Trigger Pull Reduction.
Tikka T3x Trigger Upgrade - Over a 50% Tikka T3x Trigger Pull Reduction.
Bolt and Barrel Comparison:
Tikka T3x has Fluted Barrel options from the factory. Most lengths are 20", 22.5", 23.5", 24.5". Remember these are made in Finland. Most of the specs are usually metric. 70° opening angle leaving plenty of room for handling the bolt
Browning X-Bolt has multiple length barrel options from 20", 22", 23", 24", 26", 28". Made in America! Short 60° bolt lift is fast cycling and allows you to work the bolt quickly without the scope getting in the way.
Weight Comparison:
Tikka T3x weight is 6.9 lbs vs Browning X-Bolt weight of 6.8 lbs
Safety Comparison:
Tikka T3x is equipped two-stage tang safety on rear of receiver, locking both the trigger and bolt handle.
Browning X-Bolt is equipped with a bolt unlock button works in conjunction with the top-tang safety to provide an added measure of safety during checking and unloading of the chamber.
Tikka T3 vs T3x
The old T3 weighs about 3/4lb less than the new T3x. I guess you could say the new T3x has about 3/4lb worth of improvements! Lets review them quickly: The Tikka T3x has a widened angular ejection port that makes it easier to feed one cartridge at a time; also eject brass properly and reduce overall Failure-To-Eject (FTE) malfunctions. The T3x has a new modular synthetic stock that has interchangeable pistol grips, making it possible to modify the angle of the grip. The new T3x stocks also have a foam insert to lower noise when bumped in the field while stalking game. The new T3x asymmetrical grip pattern and shape that has been specifically designed to give a solid grip in all conditions. The New T3x has a larger recoil pad then the older Tikka T3 to help reduce felt recoil. The T3x has extra tapped holes for attaching a picatinny rail. The T3x has a improved metallic bolt shroud covers and shields the rear of the bolt body and the firing pin. Compared to the aluminium T3 recoil lug in the stock, the new T3x steel lug doesn't have strong imprinting qualities that would cause deformation when larger calibers are used. This is where a lot of the new weight comes from in the new T3x when compared to the T3. Tikka guarantees all T3x rifles ship from the factory with 1 MOA accuracy. As you can tell the major difference between the Tikka T3 vs T3x is a 3/4lb weight difference due to the steel lug improvement in the T3x and the different T3x stocks.