SmallCaliberCentral

hey guys,
after using my encore for the last few years, I've decided to sell it and want to buy a bolt action gun.. Fumbling around with a single shot at night trying to reload is just a PIA.. Anyways, I can't decide between the Tikka t3, the T/C venture, or the CZ 527.. I keep going back and forth as the all seem like sweet rifles.. Any preferences? thanks

go with the CZ 527, best bang for your buck. They also have an excellent trigger for a factory gun.

Now that is a tough call. I think that I would go with the Tikka. I had some problems with my magazine on my 527. I do not care for the safety on the T/C. Tikka has a nice trigger, smooth action and comes with a 1 inch guaranty. Go with the one that fits you the best, they are all nice rifles.

What Sidewinder said! All could fit the bill but I'd pick the Tikka. Gary

Keep in mind the Venture comes with 10 twist 5R rifling.
A huge selling point IMO especially if you like the heavier pills.

I suspect like most here I only have had two rifles in 204 and can only comment on those. Of the ones you mention, I have a CZ 527 Varmint and it has excellent accuracy and weight, and the best factory trigger I have used. The downside for me is the bolt will bind if you just force it forward after opening up the action all the way. CZ says its not normal and for me to send it in but I did find several posts by other CZ owners having to deal with this. I still use the rifle and will send it after the season and I would still highly recommend it, but since I have no experience with the Tikka or T/C I can't comment on those. I just sold my 204 barreled AR and picked up a Remington 700 VTR (223) in the process. I wanted to hate this gun but it grew on me and the reviews online seem favorable so I'll get to try that one out in a week or two.

thanks fellas.... I took a ride to BassPro today and handled both the Tikka and the Venture.. I like the Tikka T3 MUCH better than the Venture. It was smoother and fit me better.. They didn't have the CZ but Im almost 100% sold on the Tikka. Man I loved that gun.. I think I'm going to really enjoy it compared to my Encore..