Thread: Comparing the old with the new.

I have a Tikka M695 in 270 win and a T3 in 7mm rem mag. They are very close to each other with regards to production dates (roughly 10-15 years apart from first introductions). Most fundamental design principles are shared between the two excluding a few action specific features like magazines and action length. Although the M695 is a heavy cannon, the feel, fit, and smoothness of it in all areas is leaps and bounds beyond that of my T3. But then again, the T3 is stainless, is a few pounds lighter, and you don't have to upkeep a plastic stock like you do timber. There are trade offs in every regards but I think the quality of engineering has definitely changed to be geared to economy of scale somewhat. The M695 is far more beautiful and refined despite being manufactured only roughly a decade before the T3.