Browning X-Bolt vs Tikka T3X. Which one would I buy again.
If you want the safer pick for out-of-the-box accuracy and a bolt that feels like it is on ball bearings, I pick the Tikka T3X.
If you want a lighter mountain-style carry gun with more factory stock and finish options, and you care about a tang safety and detachable mag setup, I go Browning X-Bolt.
I have hunted whitetails for 23 years, and I still remember my first deer. It was an 8-point in November 1998 in Iron County Missouri with a borrowed rifle.
I am a bow guy most of the time, but I rifle hunt every gun season. I split my time between a 65-acre lease in Pike County, Illinois and public land in the Missouri Ozarks.
Decide what matters more. Bolt feel and accuracy, or carry and features.
Here is what I do before I argue brands. I pick the one thing I cannot fix cheap.
I can swap a trigger spring or change a stock later. I cannot buy my way out of a rifle that just does not like to shoot.
The Tikka T3X has been the most boring rifle I own in the best way. It tends to shoot tight groups with basic ammo, and the bolt feels slick even when it is dusty.
The X-Bolt feels more “finished” in the hands on a lot of models, and Browning gives you more factory configurations. But I have seen more X-Bolts that needed ammo testing to really shine.
Back in November 2019 in Pike County, Illinois, I killed my biggest buck. It was a 156-inch typical on a morning sit after a cold front.
That hunt reminded me a rifle does not need to be fancy. It needs to hit where I aim when my hands are cold and my heart is thumping.
Mistake to avoid. Buying a rifle before you decide your real shooting distance.
I hunt two different worlds. Pike County has long field edges, and the Missouri Ozarks is thick enough to lose a deer at 40 yards.
If you are hunting Missouri Ozarks style timber, forget about chasing tiny benchrest groups and focus on fast handling and a clear scope at 2x to 4x. If you are hunting Southern Iowa style ag edges, focus on a steadier rest, a dialed scope, and ammo your rifle loves.
I learned the hard way that “I might shoot 400 yards” turns into bad shots if you never practice. I have lost deer I should have found, and that still sits on my shoulders.
My worst mistake was a gut shot doe in 2007. I pushed her too early and never found her, and I still think about it.
This connects to shot choices, so I keep a simple rule from my own mistakes. When I am thinking about where to aim, I follow what I laid out in where to shoot a deer to drop it in its tracks first.
Trigger tradeoff. The Tikka is easy. The Browning varies by model.
Here is what I do at the gun counter. I dry fire the rifle three times, then I work the bolt, then I dry fire again.
The Tikka T3X trigger is usually clean from the factory. It feels consistent, and that matters more than a super light pull for deer hunting.
On the X-Bolt, some triggers feel great and some feel a bit heavier or “stacky” depending on the specific gun. I have handled X-Bolts that broke crisp, and others that felt like they needed a careful adjustment.
My buddy swears by his X-Bolt trigger and says he would not change a thing. I have found the Tikka triggers are more predictable across different rifles.
If you have kids or brand new hunters, predictable matters. I take two kids hunting now, and I want them pressing a trigger that does the same thing every time.
Action and bolt feel. This is where Tikka earns its reputation.
I am not a “cycle the bolt for fun” guy. I am a “cycle the bolt quietly at 17 degrees with gloves on” guy.
The Tikka bolt lift and travel is smooth. It stays smooth after a wet season, too, which matters on public land where I do not baby gear.
The X-Bolt bolt lift is not bad at all. But side-by-side, the Tikka tends to feel slicker, and I am less likely to short-stroke it in a hurry.
Back in 2016 in the Missouri Ozarks on Mark Twain National Forest, I had a buck step out for maybe 4 seconds. I learned the hard way that a bolt that feels “fine” on the bench can feel clunky when you are twisted around a tree.
If you want my best public land spot, it is still Mark Twain National Forest. It takes work, but the deer are there.
Safety and handling decision. Tang safety and “ready” feel vs simple muscle memory.
The X-Bolt’s tang safety is a big deal for some hunters. It is right where your thumb wants to live, and it is easy to check without looking.
The Tikka safety is simple and works, but it is not a tang safety. If you grew up on a shotgun tang safety, the Browning will feel natural.
Here is what I do in the stand. I keep the muzzle in a safe lane, safety on, and I practice moving the safety off without shifting my cheek weld.
If you are hunting a cramped ladder stand on a field edge in Pike County, Illinois, that little handling stuff matters. A deer can appear at 350 yards and then be at 120 yards in 20 seconds.
Magazine tradeoff. Detachable convenience vs cost and spares.
Both rifles often come with detachable magazines depending on the model. The issue is not “detachable or not.” The issue is cost and availability.
Tikka mags tend to be expensive, and I hate that. If you lose one in leaves during late season, you will feel it in your wallet.
X-Bolt mags are also not cheap. But I have had better luck finding them in-stock in small-town shops.
I learned the hard way that losing little parts is part of hunting. Back when I was hunting Buffalo County, Wisconsin hill country, I dropped a mag in crunchy snow and spent 25 minutes on my hands and knees.
If you plan to keep a spare in your pack, budget for it now. I would rather buy a second mag than another gimmick product that does nothing.
Weight and carry choice. How far are you really walking.
If you are hiking ridges all day, ounces matter. If you walk 200 yards to a box blind, they do not.
Many X-Bolt models shine here because Browning offers light, trim hunting rigs. Some Tikka models are also light, but a lot of T3X setups end up feeling a touch longer and “rifle-ish.”
Here is what I do on public land in the Missouri Ozarks. I carry a rifle that balances well one-handed because the other hand is holding sticks, a pack strap, or a drag rope.
If you are hunting big woods like the Upper Peninsula Michigan, forget about a heavy varmint barrel and focus on a rifle you will still like after 6 miles.
Accuracy decision. Pick the one that shoots with normal ammo, not just perfect ammo.
I care about honest deer accuracy. I want a rifle that holds tight groups with ammo I can actually find in October.
Tikka has a strong track record here. A lot of T3X rifles will shoot 1 inch or better at 100 yards with common loads once you find the one it likes.
X-Bolts can shoot lights out too. But I have seen more “this rifle is picky” stories with Browning than with Tikka.
Here is what I do to test any new rifle. I buy three boxes of different factory ammo, and I shoot 3-shot groups at 100 yards after letting the barrel cool for 5 minutes.
If a rifle cannot show me two good groups out of three ammo types, I do not blame myself. I either keep testing or I move on.
Stock and recoil tradeoff. Comfort matters more than brand.
Some X-Bolt stocks fit me great. Some feel a little too skinny in the wrist for how I shoot from a stand.
Tikka stocks are plain, but they tend to point naturally for me. The recoil pad on many T3X models also does a good job for the caliber.
My buddy swears his X-Bolt fits him like a custom gun. I have found fit is personal, and you need to shoulder both in a coat and in a thin shirt.
This is also where caliber choice matters. When I am thinking about recoil and realistic performance, I also think about deer size, like I laid out in how much does a deer weigh.
Reliability mistake to avoid. Over-cleaning and chasing magic lubes.
I used to over-clean guns. I thought more scrubbing meant more accuracy.
I learned the hard way that too much solvent and too much oil can cause problems. I have had cold-weather gunk slow a bolt, and it was my fault.
Here is what I do now. I clean the bore every 30 to 40 rounds, I wipe the bolt clean, and I use a tiny drop of a basic oil like CLP on contact points.
I do not buy “space lube.” I already wasted money on stuff that did not matter.
My most wasted money was $400 on ozone scent control that made zero difference. I would rather spend that on range ammo and practice.
My Quick Rule of Thumb
If you want the highest odds of an easy-shooting rifle with minimal tinkering, buy the Tikka T3X.
If you see yourself hiking ridges or sitting all day with the rifle in your hands, expect the lighter X-Bolt models to feel better by hour six.
If conditions change to heavy gloves, sleet, and 22-degree mornings, switch to the rifle that you can run the safety and bolt on without shifting your grip.
Gear I would actually pair with either rifle. Do not overthink it.
A rifle is only as useful as the stuff you bolt to it. But I keep it simple because I have burned money on gear that did not work.
Here is what I do for most whitetail hunting. I run a basic 3-9x scope, good rings, and I spend the rest on ammo and range time.
For rings, I have had good luck with Leupold BackCountry and Warne Maxima. I have stripped cheap screws before, and it is a sick feeling the night before season.
For a sling, I like a simple Uncle Mike’s or a padded Allen sling. Fancy slings catch on brush in the Missouri Ozarks.
Field use tradeoff. Fast follow-up shots vs staying on target.
Neither rifle turns you into a fast shooter. Practice does.
But the smoother bolt on the Tikka helps me stay in the scope and get back on target. That matters if a buck is with does and you need a quick second shot.
The Browning can still run fast. I just notice the Tikka is easier when my heart rate is up.
When I am trying to time deer movement, I check feeding times first, because that tells me when I might need to be ready for a quick follow-up.
Real-world hunting contexts. Pick the rifle that matches your ground.
Pike County, Illinois is about edges, hidden draws, and bucks that show up late. I want a rifle that I trust at 250 yards from a steady rest.
In the Missouri Ozarks, it is tight, steep, and loud underfoot. I want a rifle that carries easy and does not snag when I slide between cedars.
Buffalo County, Wisconsin hill country can feel like every other guy is hunting the same ridge. I want something reliable that I can move with, because pressure changes deer patterns fast.
This connects to deer behavior, so when the wind starts doing weird things in hill country, I lean on what I wrote about do deer move in the wind to decide if I am sitting or still-hunting.
Product notes. What I would spend money on, and what I would skip.
I am not a professional guide or outfitter. I am just a guy who has hunted 30-plus days a year for two decades and wants you to skip the dumb purchases.
If you buy either rifle, the most useful upgrade is usually the scope, the rings, and a bipod if you shoot prone. It is not a new camo pattern.
I wasted money on scent gadgets before switching to playing the wind and getting set up earlier. That has killed more deer for me than any bottle or machine.
When rain hits, I change where I sit more than what I spray. This ties to where do deer go when it rains, because the rifle does not matter if you are watching an empty hillside.
FAQ. The stuff guys ask me in camp.
Which rifle would you trust more on public land where you get one chance?
I trust the Tikka T3X more because it has been more consistent for me on the range and it runs smooth when dirty. Public land in the Missouri Ozarks does not forgive gear drama.
Is the Browning X-Bolt more accurate than the Tikka T3X?
Some X-Bolts are absolute hammers, but the average Tikka I have shot is easier to get shooting tight with normal ammo. If you love tinkering with ammo, the X-Bolt can hang.
Which one is better for a kid or new deer hunter?
I lean Tikka because the trigger and bolt feel are simple and predictable. If the kid likes tang safeties and the Browning fits their shoulders better, I would not argue against an X-Bolt.
Do I need a detachable magazine for whitetails?
No, but it is handy for unloading quietly at the truck in the dark. The downside is cost, so plan on buying a spare and marking it with tape.
What is the biggest mistake you see guys make after buying a new rifle?
They sight in once, then never shoot again until opening day. I sight in, then I shoot from kneeling, sitting, and over a pack, because that is how deer hunts really go.
What should I do after I kill a deer with either rifle?
I tag it, take a breath, and then get to work fast because meat care matters. If you need a step-by-step refresher, I point people to how to field dress a deer and then I process my own deer in the garage like my uncle taught me.
Next choice you need to make. What caliber are you actually going to feed.
This is where a lot of guys mess up. They buy a rifle in a caliber they cannot find, then they practice less, then they blame the rifle.
Here is what I do. I pick a caliber with two or three good factory loads I can find at Walmart in rural Illinois or a hardware store in the Missouri Ozarks.
If you are hunting Ohio straight-wall zones, your choice might be made for you. If you are hunting Kentucky small properties, I still like mild recoil because it helps new hunters shoot better.
This also ties to deer behavior and size during the rut, so I plan my sits using deer mating habits and I pick a rifle setup that lets me stay steady when a buck is dogging a doe at 140 yards.
Browning X-Bolt vs Tikka T3X. Which one would I buy again.
If you want the safer pick for out-of-the-box accuracy and a bolt that feels like it is on ball bearings, I pick the Tikka T3X.
If you want a lighter mountain-style carry gun with more factory stock and finish options, and you care about a tang safety and detachable mag setup, I go Browning X-Bolt.
I have hunted whitetails for 23 years, and I still remember my first deer. It was an 8-point in November 1998 in Iron County Missouri with a borrowed rifle.
I am a bow guy most of the time, but I rifle hunt every gun season. I split my time between a 65-acre lease in Pike County, Illinois and public land in the Missouri Ozarks.
Decide what matters more. Bolt feel and accuracy, or carry and features.
Here is what I do before I argue brands. I pick the one thing I cannot fix cheap.
I can swap a trigger spring or change a stock later. I cannot buy my way out of a rifle that just does not like to shoot.
The Tikka T3X has been the most boring rifle I own in the best way. It tends to shoot tight groups with basic ammo, and the bolt feels slick even when it is dusty.
The X-Bolt feels more “finished” in the hands on a lot of models, and Browning gives you more factory configurations. But I have seen more X-Bolts that needed ammo testing to really shine.
Back in November 2019 in Pike County, Illinois, I killed my biggest buck. It was a 156-inch typical on a morning sit after a cold front.
That hunt reminded me a rifle does not need to be fancy. It needs to hit where I aim when my hands are cold and my heart is thumping.
Mistake to avoid. Buying a rifle before you decide your real shooting distance.
I hunt two different worlds. Pike County has long field edges, and the Missouri Ozarks is thick enough to lose a deer at 40 yards.
If you are hunting Missouri Ozarks style timber, forget about chasing tiny benchrest groups and focus on fast handling and a clear scope at 2x to 4x. If you are hunting Southern Iowa style ag edges, focus on a steadier rest, a dialed scope, and ammo your rifle loves.
I learned the hard way that “I might shoot 400 yards” turns into bad shots if you never practice. I have lost deer I should have found, and that still sits on my shoulders.
My worst mistake was a gut shot doe in 2007. I pushed her too early and never found her, and I still think about it.
This connects to shot choices, so I keep a simple rule from my own mistakes. When I am thinking about where to aim, I follow what I laid out in where to shoot a deer to drop it in its tracks first.
Trigger tradeoff. The Tikka is easy. The Browning varies by model.
Here is what I do at the gun counter. I dry fire the rifle three times, then I work the bolt, then I dry fire again.
The Tikka T3X trigger is usually clean from the factory. It feels consistent, and that matters more than a super light pull for deer hunting.
On the X-Bolt, some triggers feel great and some feel a bit heavier or “stacky” depending on the specific gun. I have handled X-Bolts that broke crisp, and others that felt like they needed a careful adjustment.
My buddy swears by his X-Bolt trigger and says he would not change a thing. I have found the Tikka triggers are more predictable across different rifles.
If you have kids or brand new hunters, predictable matters. I take two kids hunting now, and I want them pressing a trigger that does the same thing every time.
Action and bolt feel. This is where Tikka earns its reputation.
I am not a “cycle the bolt for fun” guy. I am a “cycle the bolt quietly at 17 degrees with gloves on” guy.
The Tikka bolt lift and travel is smooth. It stays smooth after a wet season, too, which matters on public land where I do not baby gear.
The X-Bolt bolt lift is not bad at all. But side-by-side, the Tikka tends to feel slicker, and I am less likely to short-stroke it in a hurry.
Back in 2016 in the Missouri Ozarks on Mark Twain National Forest, I had a buck step out for maybe 4 seconds. I learned the hard way that a bolt that feels “fine” on the bench can feel clunky when you are twisted around a tree.
If you want my best public land spot, it is still Mark Twain National Forest. It takes work, but the deer are there.
Safety and handling decision. Tang safety and “ready” feel vs simple muscle memory.
The X-Bolt’s tang safety is a big deal for some hunters. It is right where your thumb wants to live, and it is easy to check without looking.
The Tikka safety is simple and works, but it is not a tang safety. If you grew up on a shotgun tang safety, the Browning will feel natural.
Here is what I do in the stand. I keep the muzzle in a safe lane, safety on, and I practice moving the safety off without shifting my cheek weld.
If you are hunting a cramped ladder stand on a field edge in Pike County, Illinois, that little handling stuff matters. A deer can appear at 350 yards and then be at 120 yards in 20 seconds.
Magazine tradeoff. Detachable convenience vs cost and spares.
Both rifles often come with detachable magazines depending on the model. The issue is not “detachable or not.” The issue is cost and availability.
Tikka mags tend to be expensive, and I hate that. If you lose one in leaves during late season, you will feel it in your wallet.
X-Bolt mags are also not cheap. But I have had better luck finding them in-stock in small-town shops.
I learned the hard way that losing little parts is part of hunting. Back when I was hunting Buffalo County, Wisconsin hill country, I dropped a mag in crunchy snow and spent 25 minutes on my hands and knees.
If you plan to keep a spare in your pack, budget for it now. I would rather buy a second mag than another gimmick product that does nothing.
Weight and carry choice. How far are you really walking.
If you are hiking ridges all day, ounces matter. If you walk 200 yards to a box blind, they do not.
Many X-Bolt models shine here because Browning offers light, trim hunting rigs. Some Tikka models are also light, but a lot of T3X setups end up feeling a touch longer and “rifle-ish.”
Here is what I do on public land in the Missouri Ozarks. I carry a rifle that balances well one-handed because the other hand is holding sticks, a pack strap, or a drag rope.
If you are hunting big woods like the Upper Peninsula Michigan, forget about a heavy varmint barrel and focus on a rifle you will still like after 6 miles.
Accuracy decision. Pick the one that shoots with normal ammo, not just perfect ammo.
I care about honest deer accuracy. I want a rifle that holds tight groups with ammo I can actually find in October.
Tikka has a strong track record here. A lot of T3X rifles will shoot 1 inch or better at 100 yards with common loads once you find the one it likes.
X-Bolts can shoot lights out too. But I have seen more “this rifle is picky” stories with Browning than with Tikka.
Here is what I do to test any new rifle. I buy three boxes of different factory ammo, and I shoot 3-shot groups at 100 yards after letting the barrel cool for 5 minutes.
If a rifle cannot show me two good groups out of three ammo types, I do not blame myself. I either keep testing or I move on.
Stock and recoil tradeoff. Comfort matters more than brand.
Some X-Bolt stocks fit me great. Some feel a little too skinny in the wrist for how I shoot from a stand.
Tikka stocks are plain, but they tend to point naturally for me. The recoil pad on many T3X models also does a good job for the caliber.
My buddy swears his X-Bolt fits him like a custom gun. I have found fit is personal, and you need to shoulder both in a coat and in a thin shirt.
This is also where caliber choice matters. When I am thinking about recoil and realistic performance, I also think about deer size, like I laid out in how much does a deer weigh.
Reliability mistake to avoid. Over-cleaning and chasing magic lubes.
I used to over-clean guns. I thought more scrubbing meant more accuracy.
I learned the hard way that too much solvent and too much oil can cause problems. I have had cold-weather gunk slow a bolt, and it was my fault.
Here is what I do now. I clean the bore every 30 to 40 rounds, I wipe the bolt clean, and I use a tiny drop of a basic oil like CLP on contact points.
I do not buy “space lube.” I already wasted money on stuff that did not matter.
My most wasted money was $400 on ozone scent control that made zero difference. I would rather spend that on range ammo and practice.
My Quick Rule of Thumb
If you want the highest odds of an easy-shooting rifle with minimal tinkering, buy the Tikka T3X.
If you see yourself hiking ridges or sitting all day with the rifle in your hands, expect the lighter X-Bolt models to feel better by hour six.
If conditions change to heavy gloves, sleet, and 22-degree mornings, switch to the rifle that you can run the safety and bolt on without shifting your grip.
Gear I would actually pair with either rifle. Do not overthink it.
A rifle is only as useful as the stuff you bolt to it. But I keep it simple because I have burned money on gear that did not work.
Here is what I do for most whitetail hunting. I run a basic 3-9x scope, good rings, and I spend the rest on ammo and range time.
For rings, I have had good luck with Leupold BackCountry and Warne Maxima. I have stripped cheap screws before, and it is a sick feeling the night before season.
For a sling, I like a simple Uncle Mike’s or a padded Allen sling. Fancy slings catch on brush in the Missouri Ozarks.
Field use tradeoff. Fast follow-up shots vs staying on target.
Neither rifle turns you into a fast shooter. Practice does.
But the smoother bolt on the Tikka helps me stay in the scope and get back on target. That matters if a buck is with does and you need a quick second shot.
The Browning can still run fast. I just notice the Tikka is easier when my heart rate is up.
When I am trying to time deer movement, I check feeding times first, because that tells me when I might need to be ready for a quick follow-up.
Real-world hunting contexts. Pick the rifle that matches your ground.
Pike County, Illinois is about edges, hidden draws, and bucks that show up late. I want a rifle that I trust at 250 yards from a steady rest.
In the Missouri Ozarks, it is tight, steep, and loud underfoot. I want a rifle that carries easy and does not snag when I slide between cedars.
Buffalo County, Wisconsin hill country can feel like every other guy is hunting the same ridge. I want something reliable that I can move with, because pressure changes deer patterns fast.
This connects to deer behavior, so when the wind starts doing weird things in hill country, I lean on what I wrote about do deer move in the wind to decide if I am sitting or still-hunting.
Product notes. What I would spend money on, and what I would skip.
I am not a professional guide or outfitter. I am just a guy who has hunted 30-plus days a year for two decades and wants you to skip the dumb purchases.
If you buy either rifle, the most useful upgrade is usually the scope, the rings, and a bipod if you shoot prone. It is not a new camo pattern.
I wasted money on scent gadgets before switching to playing the wind and getting set up earlier. That has killed more deer for me than any bottle or machine.
When rain hits, I change where I sit more than what I spray. This ties to where do deer go when it rains, because the rifle does not matter if you are watching an empty hillside.
FAQ. The stuff guys ask me in camp.
Which rifle would you trust more on public land where you get one chance?
I trust the Tikka T3X more because it has been more consistent for me on the range and it runs smooth when dirty. Public land in the Missouri Ozarks does not forgive gear drama.
Is the Browning X-Bolt more accurate than the Tikka T3X?
Some X-Bolts are absolute hammers, but the average Tikka I have shot is easier to get shooting tight with normal ammo. If you love tinkering with ammo, the X-Bolt can hang.
Which one is better for a kid or new deer hunter?
I lean Tikka because the trigger and bolt feel are simple and predictable. If the kid likes tang safeties and the Browning fits their shoulders better, I would not argue against an X-Bolt.
Do I need a detachable magazine for whitetails?
No, but it is handy for unloading quietly at the truck in the dark. The downside is cost, so plan on buying a spare and marking it with tape.
What is the biggest mistake you see guys make after buying a new rifle?
They sight in once, then never shoot again until opening day. I sight in, then I shoot from kneeling, sitting, and over a pack, because that is how deer hunts really go.
What should I do after I kill a deer with either rifle?
I tag it, take a breath, and then get to work fast because meat care matters. If you need a step-by-step refresher, I point people to how to field dress a deer and then I process my own deer in the garage like my uncle taught me.
Next choice you need to make. What caliber are you actually going to feed.
This is where a lot of guys mess up. They buy a rifle in a caliber they cannot find, then they practice less, then they blame the rifle.
Here is what I do. I pick a caliber with two or three good factory loads I can find at Walmart in rural Illinois or a hardware store in the Missouri Ozarks.
If you are hunting Ohio straight-wall zones, your choice might be made for you. If you are hunting Kentucky small properties, I still like mild recoil because it helps new hunters shoot better.
This also ties to deer behavior and size during the rut, so I plan my sits using deer mating habits and I pick a rifle setup that lets me stay steady when a buck is dogging a doe at 140 yards.
My final buy. I would spend my own money on the rifle that gets shot more.
If I could only keep one for whitetails and I wanted the fewest headaches, I would buy the Tikka T3X again.
If I knew I was going to carry it a lot and I wanted that tang safety feel, I would buy the Browning X-Bolt again.
Here is what I do to decide fast in a store. I shoulder it with my coat on, then I work the bolt 10 times, then I click the safety on and off 10 times.
If anything feels awkward in that little test, it will feel worse at 6.45 a.m. on a cold stand.
I learned the hard way that “good enough” at the counter becomes “why is this annoying” after three seasons. Back in 2014 in the Missouri Ozarks, I carried a rifle with a sling setup that pinched my shoulder, and I hated it by day two.
Now I buy the gun that I will actually practice with. Practice beats brand.
If you are the guy that will shoot 60 rounds in August and another 40 in October, the Tikka will keep rewarding you. If you are the guy that will hike hard and hunt light in steep stuff, the right X-Bolt model makes a lot of sense.
Deer are not easy, and that is the point. If you want a reminder of how sharp they can be, this connects to what I wrote about are deer smart and why little mistakes stack up fast.
And if you are buying this rifle for your kid’s first season, remember this. A baby deer can make you forget to breathe, and a big male deer can make grown men shake.
I still get buck fever, and I like it that way. I just want your rifle to be the last thing you are worried about.
