I had the opportunity to compare the brand new Tikka T3x TAC A1 with the Ruger Precision Rifle (Gen 1). The Tikka is so new it’s hardly on the market yet.

First official deliveries to mortals like you and me are – to my knowledge – end of May.

Both rifles were chambered in .308 Winchester and we were shooting precision at 300 meters.

The rifles are very similar, I guess it’s up to personal preferences which one you would like most (or dislike for that matter).

The Ruger has some minor modifications, Magpul K2+ grip and a B&T Accu-pod. The scope is a Schmidt & Bender 3-12x in a Spuhr QD mount.

The suppressor is an Ase Utra SL7i with QD, from Finland, a very nice choice and highly recommended. Shooting with a suppressor is my preference, much smoother recoil.

The Tikka had a Steiner Military 5-25x on top.

Performance wise the rifles behaved very similar, with very nice 3 and 5 shot groups once the ammunition matched and married.

Below: The Ruger Precision Rifle with the new Spuhr QD mount (Quick-Detatch).

The wrong side of the The Tikka T3x TAC A1. You’re looking through the barrel and you can see the bolt.

The Ruger is now well set and established on the market, but the Tikka T3s have a very good reputation as well.

It will be interesting to see how well Tikka’s answer will be received in the market,  and especially what kind of volumes they can sell in the American market.

If you want to read (and see) a recent and funny review of the Tikka T3x TAC A1 check GunsAmerica.

Normally, I am a buy American kind of guy. I drive a Ford truck, I drink Coors, and go out of my way to buy work boots made in the USA. Sometimes, however, we want something a little bit exotic. Maybe not Thai ladyboy exotic, but exotic like English shotguns or high-end Scotch. A Finnish rifle is like that for me.

Which rifle, and caliber, in the similar price region would be your choice?

Personally, I couldn’t decide so I got a Ruger Precision Rifle in .308 Win and have a Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6,5 Creedmoore on order. Now I need to get some suitable optics for them.

All photos by undersigned.