Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sauer 100 Classic vs Tikka T3 Hunter

How do the two compare to each other? Very similar price range, same parent company.

Those are the only two models seemingly regularly available in the US in 6.5x55 Swede.

Not the same parent company. Both excellent rifles I prefer the stock on the Sauer over the Tikka

I have both....though my tikka is a T3 lite ss

Sauer has 3 position safety, bolt has 3 lugs......tikka only 2...

7m08 sauer mag holds 5 rounds, tikka 3

Both handle well, both accurate, mag cycling is reliable in each, both have excellent factory triggers. Both come in only one long action bolt/receiver length to accomodate both long and short action caliber.

Which Sauer model has the pinned/shrinkfit barrel?

Sauer has longer LOP and can be top loaded with the magazine inserted. It also has twin ejectors which need a firm hand when going into battery.

Both excellent rifles.
The sauer also has 5 Round mags vs tikka single stack 3. I say handle both and cycle both. My sauer action felt little tighter than the tikka. Still just as smooth, but less slop.

The Sauer 100 barrel is threaded.

Don't have the Sauer but it's got to be damn good to out-do the Tikka.

I had a sauer 100 in 7-08....

I thought it was pinned or something? Pressed in maybe. Either way it was darn accurate.

The Sauer 101 was press fit, the 100 is threaded.

I have a Sauer 100 in a 8x57 that will outshoot my other rifles (Bergara6.5 cm, win mod 70 7x57, and Wby Hunter 280AI) on any day in any condition. The accuracy has impressed me with any bullet / powder combo I've tried. The Sauer has the smoothest bolt of any 800$ ish gun on the market, zero slop, fantastic user external adjustable trigger, rigid stock that is not cheaply made. The stock is molded with a nice palm swell and Schnabel foreend, and it carries well. The magazines feed reliably, are flush with the stock so it won't catch on clothing and as mentioned hold 5. It's also worth noting that the Sauer 100 receiver is drilled / tapped for Rem 700 bases. I bought it solely because I could get the 8x57 in a modern action and I fell in love with it. Sauer is a classic example of German master gun making.

The Tikkas I've handled all were all nice rifles and would no doubt be worth owning but I prefer my Sauer over the looks, fit, finish, and mechanics of the Tikka

The only downside I can find to the Sauer when compared to the Tikka is a lack of Left Hand options. Sauer doesn't make one.

Another one for the Sauer. I also have a few Tikka but the Sauer fits and shoots better for me.

Keep in mind sauer 6.5x55 comes in 1:8.66" barrel twist vs. the tikka with 1:8"

The Tikka will handle the heavy for cal bullets better.

As far as twist rate is concerned the 1 in 8.66 will handle everything you'll likely need. The 1 in 8 vs the 1 in 8.66 is negligible. Unless your planning on shooting 160gr roundnose you'll be fine going with the Sauer.

Sauer as is has a lot of good options and are stellar as far as accuracy, I have owned two. I like their 3 position safety, flush mags and trigger, yes I know it is plastic. Their unique bedding system and good barrels, same as Blazers, give the great accuracy.
The factory stock lop is like 14.25 fyi,European thing.


The tikka shoot almost as well, on average seem to be a little slow velocity wise, I have owned about 10 and seems true for all of them.

Tikkas are much lighter on average and have a lot more aftermarket parts and stocks.

As far as I am concerned when asked for a good out of the box rifle recommendation I go with the Sauer, Tikka, or a Howa/vanguard. All are winners.

Good question!

Pleased to see this thread. I have 6 tikka and am really impressed. I’ve been sorely tempted BY the the 100 as ITS action and ergos are great. To date my hesitancy has been the lack of aftermarket options, particularly magazines which permit a longer COAL. That 700 bases work is yet another plus. I’ve been trying to surpass the “need” for a 6.5PRC….

I’m a righty so zero concern.
The aftermarket support is truly lacking for this rifle vs tikka.

Im left handed, my tikka is the only left hand rifle i hunt with.....the other 7 are all righties.

I really like the feel snd workmanship of the sauer, really smooth and tight. The stock profile however, is not one of my favorites while resting the gun at the bench.

That’s a strange looking projectile.