09-Oct-2026
Ask ten stalkers what they would buy if they were starting again, and you will probably hear the same four names. The Tikka T3x, the Howa 1500, the CZ 600 series, and the Bergara B-14 have become the default answers for anyone who wants a dependable bolt-action rifle without paying for a bespoke build. They are not identical, though, and the right choice depends on what you shoot, how far you shoot it, and how you like a rifle to feel in the shoulder.
This guide compares the four as a UK buyer would actually weigh them: handling, accuracy potential, the range of stock and calibre options you will meet in listings, and what to look for when buying second-hand. We have kept the claims general on purpose. Specifications change between generations and import batches, so always check the exact rifle in front of you.
Why these four keep coming up
Each of these rifles sits in the sensible middle of the market. They are priced well below the premium European names, yet they have a reputation for shooting better than their price suggests. That combination makes them popular for roe and fallow stalking, fox control and general-purpose centrefire work, and it keeps them in steady demand on the second-hand market.
All four are widely available in the popular UK stalking calibres, and all four accept a decent range of aftermarket scopes, mounts, moderators and stocks. If you are still deciding on a calibre, our guide to the best hunting rifles for UK stalkers is a good starting point before you narrow down a make.
Browse: Tikka T3x · Howa 1500 · CZ 600 · Bergara B-14 · All rifles
Tikka T3x: The benchmark
The T3x is the rifle the others are measured against, and it earns that status. Made in Finland, it has a long reputation for a smooth action, a crisp trigger and consistent accuracy straight from the box. It is available in a wide spread of calibres and in several stock styles, from lightweight synthetics to laminate and walnut versions, so there is usually a T3x configuration to suit a particular job.
The trade-off is that you pay for the name. T3x rifles hold their value well, which is great when you come to sell but means bargains are rare. They are also extremely common, so you will see plenty on the market and can be choosy about condition and set-up. If you want a rifle that is easy to resell and easy to find parts and accessories for, the T3x is hard to beat.
The point is simple: it is the safe choice, and safe choices are valuable.
Browse: Tikka T3x · Tikka T1X rimfire · Tikka M595 · Tikka rifles
Howa 1500: The value proposition
The Howa 1500 is built in Japan, which answers one of the questions we see most often in search: where are Howa rifles made? The action itself has a solid reputation, and the rifle has built a following among shooters who want strong accuracy potential at a lower outlay. In the UK, it is often sold in packages with a scope, a moderator or both, which can make the headline cost very appealing.
The stock and trigger are where the 1500 feels most like a budget-conscious rifle. Many owners are perfectly happy with the standard setup, while others fit a better stock or trigger over time. Neither approach is wrong, but it is worth factoring in if you are comparing total cost against a T3x.
Second-hand Howas can be good buys because they depreciate faster than a Tikka, but check the rifle’s history and the scope and mounts as carefully as the action. For a deeper look, see our Howa 1500 buyer’s guide and Howa 1500 review.
Browse: Howa 1500 · Howa rifles · Tikka T3x · Sako rifles
CZ 600 series: Traditional feel, Czech engineering
CZ is best known to many UK shooters for its rimfire range, but the 600 series is the company’s modern centrefire family, and it deserves more attention than it gets. The rifles have a reputation for sturdy, no-nonsense engineering and practical stocks, and owners often praise how solid they feel in the field.
The 600 series is a good fit for the buyer who values a conventional, robust rifle and does not need the biggest accessory ecosystem. Because it is less ubiquitous than the T3x, you may have to look a little harder for particular configurations, but that scarcity can also mean good second-hand value when the right rifle appears.
If you already know and like the CZ rimfires, the step up to a 600 series centrefire feels natural. Our CZ rifles buyer’s guide covers the wider range.
Browse: CZ 600 · CZ 527 · CZ 550 · CZ rifles · CZ 457 rimfire
Bergara B-14: The accuracy-first newcomer
Bergara comes from the Basque Country in Spain and has a strong barrel-making pedigree, which shows in how the B-14 range is marketed and how owners talk about it. The B-14 has built a reputation for good accuracy and a family of variants that includes lightweight hunting versions and more tactical or target-leaning builds.
For stalkers, the appeal is a rifle that tends to shoot well with a wide range of ammunition, and that often arrives with a decent trigger and stock. The downside is availability. You will see fewer B-14s on UK listings than T3x or Howa rifles, so you may have less choice over calibre and configuration, and fewer owners to ask about a specific model.
If you are happy to be a little different and you prioritise accuracy potential over resale liquidity, the B-14 is well worth shortlisting.
Browse: Bergara B-14 · Bergara rifles · Ruger rifles · Savage rifles
How to choose between them
Start with the job. If you stalk deer and want a rifle you will never regret and can sell easily, the T3x is the low-risk answer. If you want the most rifle for the least outlay and are happy to tweak, the Howa 1500 is the obvious value play. If you want a sturdy, conventional rifle from a maker you may already trust, look hard at the CZ 600. If accuracy is your priority and you are comfortable with a smaller pool of listings, put the Bergara B-14 on the list.
Then think about the whole package rather than the rifle alone. A scope, mounts and a moderator will often cost as much as the rifle itself, so a fully equipped second-hand outfit can be better value than a new bare rifle. Our guide to MOA in shooting explains the accuracy language you will meet in descriptions, and if you are weighing calibres, our comparison of .308 and 7.62 clears up a common confusion.
When buying second-hand, inspect the bore and crown, check the bolt for smooth travel, look at the stock for cracks around the action, and ask for the rifle’s history. Always make sure the paperwork and the seller’s ability to transfer the rifle correctly are in order before you commit.
Browse: Tikka T3x · Howa 1500 · CZ 600 · Bergara B-14 · Thermal and optics
FAQ
Where are Howa rifles made? The Howa 1500 is made in Japan by Howa Machinery. Some UK listings are sold as packages with scopes and moderators fitted by the retailer, so check exactly what is included.
Is the Tikka T3x worth the extra money? For many buyers, yes. It tends to hold its value, it is easy to sell, and it has a huge range of parts and accessories. Whether it is worth it for you depends on how long you plan to keep the rifle.
Which of these is best for a first stalking rifle? Any of the four can be a good first rifle. The T3x and Howa 1500 are the most common choices because they are easy to find in popular calibres, and a second-hand example can be a sensible way in.
Are these rifles good for fox as well as deer? Yes, in the right calibre. Many owners run one rifle for both jobs, though you should choose the calibre with your quarry and ground in mind and take advice if you are unsure.
Ready to find your next rifle?
Browse bolt-action rifles from all four makes on Rightgun.uk, compare new and second-hand listings from sellers across the UK, and shortlist the set-up that suits your stalking. If you have a rifle to sell, listing it takes minutes and reaches buyers who are already searching for exactly this kind of rifle.
Further reading: Best hunting rifles for UK stalkers, Howa 1500 UK buyer’s guide, CZ rifles UK buyer’s guide, and Are hunting rifles legal in the UK?.
