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New to Tikka, have a few questions…
Hello folks. New to tikka and this forum. Its nice to have a place dedicated to Tikkas.
Ive spent quite some time reading as many threads on here as I could to avoid asking duplicate questions so please forgive me if I do 🙂
I recently purchased a T3 CTR .308 (semi heavy barrel)
Ive decided to have a custom build around this barrel and action. I know these tikkas are magical out of the box but Ive never owned any type of custom rifle so what better time then now? 🙂 Im mainly a hunter and may dabble in long range stuff down the road. Im going to have a local custom shop do the work and they have quite a bit of experience with builds around the tikka action.
A few questions:
1) I ordered a manners mcs-eht tikka stock in december, manner says it is specifically for the t3 action. Im having it inleted for the CDI bottom metal. My question – are the “t3” and the “t3 ctr” actions the same? I ask because Ive read some conflicting info in the vast interwebs and I cant seem to get a clear answer. The Manners reps I talked to didn't have a clear answer either and they seemed to have little info about the T3 CTR with the semi heavy barrel.
2) segway into my second question is Manners had me take measurements with a caliper every 4 inches to obtain a barrel profile for the “semi heavy” barrel. This makes me nervous because the lead time is 6 months on the stock and Im not excited about the possibility of a goofed up stock after waiting 6 months. Does anyone have the exact barrel profile specs for the semi heavy barrel?
3) Ive ordered several items from the store here (great stuff!) but the Manners stock comes with the KRG lug. Any issues with this particular lug I should be aware of?
4) Bolt handle and knob. Like many I despise the plastic knob so Im going to replace it. I cant quite determine if the handle is threaded and can the knob come off? Id like to know before I try to do anything. If not Ive found a handle and knob I like from Glades Armory but I cannot get any response from them. Anybody have any experience with Glades Armory?
Ill stop there for now. Thanks for any help in advance.
Also, I will be looking to sell the stock, OEM bottom metal and the TRG mag once I receive my new stock. I have not fired the gun yet or even loaded the mag once.
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4 Replies
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Welcome, you picked a good rifle.
Here's the best advice I can give to you on your questions…
#1 – Both actions are the same…Only different being a slight milling relief cut so the CTR mags seat and lock in…slightly differently then the regular T3 plastic mag. But it has no effect on cutting / milling the profile for the action. Only the inletting for the bottom metal needing special cut / profile. “See attached pic for reference comparing the 2 actions….T3 Stainless / CTR”.
#2 – Do not waste your time with Manners cutting a special profile for the CTR barrel, just have them cut the regular Tikka “Varmint” profile…there is only a slight difference between the two, the CTR is slightly smaller in diameter at the muzzle but right at the the action area, and to about 4-6 inches in front of the of the action they are the same.
#3 – The KRG lug is a hardened stainless lug, you will have no issues with this lug…good as any other steel lug offered by other suppliers.
#4 – The plastic end on the CTR bolt handle is a press / snap on extender…I have not personally taken any off but I'm sure its pretty easy. “See attached picture for reference”…
FYI – if you replace the bolt handle….from my personal experience a “straight” bolt handle versus a swept or curved handle works best for cycling the bolt. Thats just my personal opinion. I have 5 T3 rifles and have straight bolt handles on 2 of them and they do cycle better then the curved handles. -
Thanks dog down! Great info.
I have already given Manners the measurements and they said they are good to go. This was back in december. I have no idea where my stock stands in their production process at this point. Should I bother calling them back to say cut for the varmit profile or just let them proceed as it is now? The way I see it, if they cut the barrel profile too small I can always have my smith make the profile a little bigger, do you agree?
On the bolt handle, I was wondering about straight versus swept. I actually like the looks of the straight better. I think I want to try a straight handle. Can you recommend one?, just in your opinion of course 🙂 I would like the handle to match as close as possible the matte color of the barrel and bolt. Basically, nothing shiny!
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If cutting a varmint profile speeds up your production time then I would call them and tell them to change it…
Here are a couple bolt handle choices…these are only a few offered, all depends on your budget. And if you want to buy locally or order the part…
Lucky 13 tactical handle – https://www.cleaverfirearms.com/Products.aspx?Search=tikka
Lumley – http://www.lumleyarms.com/#!blank/cpzh
Atlas – http://www.coretacsolutions.com/products_AW_TIKKA_UPPER_AL.htm
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I ordered a MCS T2A stock for my Tikka 260 CTR on 5/18/15 and was told 2 weeks ago that the stock would ship in 2.5 weeks. Just FYI
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