Tikka T3x vs. Bergara B-14 (Left-Handed): Which Should You Buy?

Short answer: buy the Tikka T3x if you want the smoothest action and lightest all-around hunter; buy the Bergara B-14 if you want a walnut option or a value precision rifle. Both are true left-hand bolt actions, both shoot superbly out of the box, and both sit in the same mid-tier price band. The right pick comes down to action feel, stock choice, and intended use.

The two best mid-priced left-handed bolt actions

For years, left-handed shooters had to choose between cheap-and-rough or expensive-and-custom. The Tikka T3x and Bergara B-14 changed that — two genuinely accurate true left-hand actions at a working hunter's price. If you're shopping a left-handed bolt rifle between roughly $700 and $1,300, these are almost always the two finalists.

Action and bolt feel

The Tikka T3x wins on action smoothness — full stop. Its bolt glides with very little slop, the 70-degree throw is fast, and the single-stage trigger is excellent and adjustable. It's one of the slickest factory actions at any price, left- or right-handed.

The Bergara B-14 uses a Remington 700-pattern footprint, which means a huge aftermarket of stocks, triggers, and bases fits it. The action is good — not Tikka-slick, but solid — and that 700 compatibility is a real advantage if you ever want to customize.

Accuracy

It's close to a wash; both routinely shoot sub-MOA with good ammo. Bergara's barrels have a stellar reputation and the B-14 HMR is a legitimate value precision rifle. Tikka's hammer-forged barrels are equally proven in the field. Neither will be your accuracy bottleneck.

Stock and configuration options

This is where they diverge most:

• Tikka T3x leans modern and synthetic — the Lite Stainless, Superlite, and Roughtech builds are light, weatherproof, and trail-ready. Tikka does not offer a left-hand walnut T3x.
• Bergara B-14 offers what Tikka doesn't: a true walnut option in the B-14 Timber, plus the precision-oriented B-14 HMR and lightweight Wilderness series.

Price

Both live in the same band. Tikka's synthetic Lite models and Bergara's B-14 Timber typically land within a hundred dollars or two of each other; the Bergara HMR costs more because it's a heavier precision build. Neither is a "budget" rifle — for that, see our budget guide.

Tikka T3x vs. Bergara B-14, side by side

Which should a left-handed shooter buy?

• Buy the Tikka T3x if you want the smoothest action, a light all-around or mountain hunter, and don't care about wood. Start with the T3x Lite Stainless or T3x Hunter.
• Buy the Bergara B-14 if you want a walnut hunting rifle, a value precision rig, or Remington 700 aftermarket compatibility. Start with the B-14 Timber or B-14 HMR.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tikka T3x or Bergara B-14 better for left-handed shooters? Both are excellent true left-hand actions. The Tikka T3x has the smoother action and lighter builds; the Bergara B-14 offers a walnut option and a value precision model, plus Remington 700 aftermarket support.

Are the Tikka T3x and Bergara B-14 both available left-handed? Yes — both are offered as true left-hand bolt actions (bolt and ejection on the left) in common calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win.

Which is more accurate, Tikka or Bergara? It's effectively a tie; both routinely shoot sub-MOA with quality ammo. Choose based on action feel, stock options, and price rather than accuracy.

Put them head-to-head yourself with the compare tool, or browse both lineups in the full catalog.