I planned this to be a Photo of the Day post, but elaborated around the different rifles and the subject so there’s a lot of more detail.

This is about Modern Hunting Rifles with Long Range shooting capabilities. Some chose the one or the other for their particular rifle, some chose both. The rifles are certainly up to both assignments.

In some areas of the World (mainly Europe I think) there is a debate if the look and design of a rifle should prevent hunters (or target shooters) to get a firearms permit, i.e. they look too similar to Police or Military rifles. There are also local legislation that may prevent hunters from using more than 3, 5 or X rounds in a hunting rifle. This goes for bolt-action rifles as well as semi-auto ones.

You can call this a tribute to some of these rifles. These rifles got together for a few hours on a shooting range and TFB had the opportunity to examine, test fire and take some photos.

Modern Hunting Rifles:

Sako TRG M10 in .308 Winchester (.338 Lapua Magnum barrel on the side) with a Kahles 624i sight in a Spuhr mount.

Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6,5 Creedmoor with a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP EBR-2C (MRAD) and a Spuhr SP-3002 mount. This T3x is one of the first in private ownership in Europe.

Ruger Precision Rifle (Gen 2) in 6,5 Creedmoor with a Vortex Viper PST 5-25 MRAD (Gen I) in a Vortex mount.

I know that many people wonder, so I’ll make a try to compare the Tikka and the Ruger in a few short words. It’s a metaphor, so everyone might not get it, or even agree. You can tell me I’m wrong, or right, in the comments section below.

I would say that it is a little like comparing an Audi to a Ford Mustang. And I love both brands, so not saying that to downgrade anything. Both cars will take you from A to B, just like both rifles will put very nice groups far, far away. In fact, these rifles probably have more in common than Audi vs. Mustang, but the Tikka is a little bit better built, just like Audi makes Bentley-like interiors, but also heavier. The Ruger is a bit more Rock ‘n roll, just like you can’t run a V8 around without getting noticed and when you step on it the bonnet moves.

Below: Two similar yet different rifles, from the same supplier, but with different names. The Sako TRG M10 and the Tikka T3x TAC A1.

With 6,5 Creedmoor it’s not unlikely that the Tikka will out-range the M10 in 308 Win. That’s until the M10 gears up and change its barrel to .338 Lapua Magnum.

Below: The Tikka bottom and the Ruger Precision Rifle (Gen 2) top. Vortex scopes on both. Notice the compensators.

These rifles are very, very similar yet different. One is Made in the US, the other is Made in Finland. Both shoot really, really well. The 6,5 Creedmoor caliber is the one to get if you’re more into long range (target) shooting as well.

Notice the difference between the Spuhr mount and the Vortex mount.

Tikka T3x with Vortex and Atlas bipod. Note the MLOK and Magpul furniture.

Sending .308s downrange with the TRG M10.

The Kahles is a 6-24×56. It’s about twice the price of the Vortex 5-25x scopes.

Is it twice as good? No. But it’s definitely a better glass, but the eyebox felt a little less forgiving.

On the other hand, the TRG M10 is about 3 times (!) more expensive than the Tikka. And the Tikka is about 1.5- 2 more expensive than the Ruger. (Comparing local list prices, may differ depending on location and country)

Below: These are 5 (five, not three) shots GGG 147 gr FMJ (factory load) from 100 meters with the Sako TRG M10 in .308 Win.

This is just after zeroing the M10, that’s the one and only 5 shot group done by the shooter, so it’s not a result of endless trying.

This is about the cheapest .308 Win ammo you can buy from GGG = Giratés Ginkluodtés Gamlykla, which translates to Passion, Performance, Precision.

I have confirmed hits out to both 800 and 900 meters with some of GGG’s Sierra Match King bullets, in a Ruger Precision Rifle (Gen I) with a Schmidt & Bender 3-12x. I never shot the FMJ long distance.

Please feel free to discuss and post your own groups, preferably further out than 100 meters.