[Keyser-sozae]

I'm currently in the process of getting my gun license and looking at possibilities for my first rifle. I'm 19 and was in the Australian Army as a grunt so i was thinking .223 would be my best bet as a starter rifle. Wont be shotting anything more than rabbits and foxes and targets out to 250 - 300 Max. I've been tossing up between the Tikka T3 Lite and the R700 SPS, so price range around $600 - $700 US. Any suggestions?

[CA357]

Have you had an opportunity to shoot either of them? That would be ideal.

I had a Tikka T3 lite in .30-06 and it was too light to shoot many rounds at a time. However, it was handy to lug around. In .223, I imagine it would be pretty sweet all the way around.

As far as the Remington, I've only ever owned the 740/7400 type semi-autos in .30-06, so no help there.

Good luck.

[TexasPatriot.308]

I have Tikka T3 in 6.5 x 55 Swede, it has become my go to gun due to he light recoil, great performance etc. it is SS with synthetic stock, the bolt is like silk and the accuracy is great, less than 1" 3 shot groups at 100 yds. I shoot mainly hogs with it right now and have put lots down since I got it, I also love my .308, 7mm-08 and .22-250 for the same job, I have been hearing about problems with the 700s lately since they have been bought out, dont know if there are hard facts or not. I got the Tikka brand new for $600 here in Texas, I would vote for the T3.