A friend of mine has got his head set on getting a new 9.3x62 rifle. He asked my advice on which to get, Tikka or CZ. I have no experience with either so I thought some of you guys might have a preference and why.
BTW, he said both rifles feel the same and the price difference doesn't matter.
Thanks
-Rooster

CZ.

I have the 550FS in 9.3x62, and it's the catsazz.

GREAT trigger (fully adjustable, and set-capable). PLENTY accurate. CRF (always a plus).

Talley QRs fit beautifully.

Gonna swap the rear sight on this one for a Whitworth three-leaf express post season; mate with a NECG bead out front (ivory-ish). And, eventually gonna swap the safety for a three-position M70-style rig.

Other than that, I can't think of anything that I'd change.

For me, the CZ. No contest. I'll qualify that by saying there is nothing wrong with the Tikka for accuracy or dependability. I don't know anyone who owns a Tikka who does not like it, or has sold it because of some issue. My choice is purely based on aesthetic preference, nothing more or less.

I like the CZ's more traditional look and feel better. I like the action better. Your friend may feel entirely different. He should go with the one that feels more comfortable to him, because neither one will disappoint. If he truly believes they both feel the same, then I'd ask if they had scopes mounted when he handled them, because I suspect not. If he can't get that, or they still feel the same, then go with the CZ for the CRF, just for something to tip the balance.

Both good rifles but the CZ is much more likely to require some gunsmithing - like bedding, trigger work. If he wants a rifle that he can just mount a scope on & shoot, the T3 is very hard to beat.

If he is at all recoil sensitive, the T3 is the lighter of the two and recoil will be a bit more noticeable - but thats reducable by fitting a factory fit Limbsaver pad.

FLNative gave some good advice - its personal preference - he should go with the one that fits and feels the best.

The CZ! May need some refining, but you would have something the Tikka could never be.

Tikka ,most likely to be more accurate

I have a few CZ'a and they are really nice rifles. Very solid and well built. Mine are all Walnut and steel, no plastic magazines or such.

Though those Tikka owners sure do seem to like them too.

CZ is a WAY better rifle. As Diogee said no plastic, no tool marks, by far the sleeper deal in guns today.

The only problem I have with the CZ is weight.They go almost 8lbs. before Scope and Rings.The Tikka T3 Lite is 6lbs,6oz. out of the box and shoots great.Its hard to find a smoother action.Their single stack magazine beats the snot out of others for reliability.I can take it in the woods and not feel bad if it gets dinged up.The CZ`s are great looking rifles and shoot well but is just to heavy for me to carry around on all day hunts that you are walking for most of the day.

Anybody seen a T3 9.3x62 in the US? I know you can get them in Molson country or across the pond but I've never seen or heard of one in Texas...or I'd prolly have bought it.
Ron

Here's another vote for the CZ, either the CZ 550 American and the full stock model. I have shot my brother's CZ 550 American in that caliber and it does thump you some. If you got a rifle that weights 6.2 pounds it might go from thumping you to kicking the crap out of you. Tom Purdom

CZ 550 FS on order as of today. Thanks for the info.

You raise an excellent point here. If Beretta ever decided to make them available here, I'd cast my vote for the Sako 85 in 9.3x62. However, as things stand now, CZ gets the nod.

Another vote for CZ. Tikkas are good shooting rifles but to my eye are just plain butt ugly. CZs seem to shoot just as well and have classic lines and features that offer a lot for the money.

I like the T3 and how it handles the best so most likely I would go this way if I could find one.

But, the other day out at the range I handled and shot a CZ/Mannlicher in 9.3 and it was really a sweety.

For me to date it is the only CZ that I really liked how it felt.

Dober

No contest..... The CZ is by far a better rifle. The FS version is THE one to get.

I don't like the CZ's having owned two. I really liked my Tikka White tail hunter deluxe in 7mag. As far as the plastic discussion, 2-4K Steyrs have been using "plastic" detachable magazines for 50 years. To me, the CZ was crude compared to the Tikka........compared to the Garcia and pre-Garcia Sakos.....they are both crude. I would look for an older Sako in 99% rather than purchase either the CZ or the Tikka. That's why I'm sakorick!!!! Good luck whatever you deceide. Regards, Rick.

Well sakorick,

That's pretty interesting. What exactly was crude about the CZ and Tikka?