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Accuracy Issue
I have recently acquired a Tikka T3 Lite SS in trade at a local gun show. Caliber is 7MM-08. Has a Sightron SII 3-9X42 mounted in the Tikka supplied rings. First thing I did was remove the action from the stock just to check things out. I didn't see any evidence of peening on the recoil lug. Rifle appears to have been fired very little and I ran some CR-10 down the bore and didn't remove anything with. Former owner appears to have cleaned it very well if he shot it very much. Scope seems attached securley & I haven't noticed any scope creep while shooting the rifle. I returned the action to the stock and tightened forward action bolt 1st & then the rear tang bolt. Rifle fits me well and feels great in my hands.
Next, I went to the range with a box of 140 gr. Rem. Core-Lokts and a box of 139 gr. SST Hornady Superformance. I fired four 3 round groups with the Remingtons and averaged about 3 MOA per group. I took other rifles with me and let the Tikka cool between groups. I switched to the Hornady's with just about the same results. I was very disappointed since I expected better performance out of this rifle.
I'm looking for suggestions from T3 owners. I noticed the recoil lug slid easily out of and into the recess for it in the stock. Should this have a tight fit where it stays put and must be removed by hand? I also noticed the barrel is not entirely free floating. It has about 4″ of contact on both sides of the barrel directly in front of the action. Beyond this point the barrel is free floating. Is this correct for this model? I have never owned a Tikka before and have read many great reviews pertaining to accuracy. I have many other rifles & do my own handloading. When I have a bad day shooting I go to my Custom .280 Rem. If my groups are large with it I accept it's me not the rifle. I took the .280 with me and it did as normal & printed nice 3/8″ clover leafs. This rifle is heavy and I was thouroughly enjoying the feel of the Tikka and looking forward to using it. However, 3 MOA is unacceptable. I wasn't expecting 1/2 MOA with fatory ammo but I was hoping an 1.5″. Please comment on any thoughts you have. Especially, if I should relieve the barrel channel all the way to the action. Also, if changing the aluminum recoil lug out for the stainless steel replacement that is on the market. Have many done this. What about bedding the factory lug into the stock so it cannot move? all comments are appreciated. Thank You!
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