Issue With New T3X Bolt Face?

[Texas270]

Hello all, my new Tikka T3X feeds well and seems OK. But unsure about what is up with the gouge on top of the bolt face.

Will this give me any issues later on?

 

[BBob]

Will this give me any issues later on?

No and it’s on the bolt nose not the bolt face.

 

[Texas270]

No and it’s on the bolt nose not the bolt face.

I never knew the difference… learning all of this on my own!

 

[Texas270]

Also, I should note that I do see scratches on the barrel around where the cartridge goes in.

 

[wind gypsy]

Also, I should note that I do see scratches on the barrel around where the cartridge goes in.

Are you talking about the portion of the barrel tennon that parallels the bolt nose? would make sense if something got between the bolt nose and the tennon and scratched up both.

I dont know the specs but my understanding is those surfaces should have a small amount of clearance, wouldn't take much to get pinched and make contact with both.

Also, what's with the little nipple on the ejector? Can you clean that off?

 

[Lawnboi]

Are you talking about the portion of the barrel tennon that parallels the bolt nose? would make sense if something got between the bolt nose and the tennon and scratched up both.

I dont know the specs but my understanding is those surfaces should have a small amount of clearance, wouldn't take much to get pinched and make contact with both.

Also, what's with the little nipple on the ejector? Can you clean that off?

My latest tikka bolts bought as bolts only have those nipples on all of them. Not sure if it’s purposeful or not.

 

[Texas270]

Are you talking about the portion of the barrel tennon that parallels the bolt nose? would make sense if something got between the bolt nose and the tennon and scratched up both.

I dont know the specs but my understanding is those surfaces should have a small amount of clearance, wouldn't take much to get pinched and make contact with both.

Also, what's with the little nipple on the ejector? Can you clean that off?

I’m unable to wipe it off and yes that spot is what I’m referring to.

This is a 2026 model in .270 Win

 

[BBob]

I’m unable to wipe it off and yes that spot is what I’m referring to.

He’s referring to this:

Poor finish machining IMO. Not that it’ll hurt anything. I aim for .010” clearance bolt nose to tenon. Some do .005” and I’d call that the minimum but clearance is clearance. Bad things accuracy wise happen if the nose and tenon are touching with zero clearance. As said above there’s not much room for something to get in there and cause scratches or binding. It is also normal for those two surfaces to touch when cycling an empty action. What matters is if there is clearance when the bolt is fully to the rear with the bolt lugs and action lug abutments in full contact.

 

[Texas270]

He’s referring to this:
View attachment 1058366
Poor finish machining IMO. Not that it’ll hurt anything. I aim for .010” clearance bolt nose to tenon. Some do .005” and I’d call that the minimum but clearance is clearance. Bad things accuracy wise happen if the nose and tenon are touching with zero clearance. As said above there’s not much room for something to get in there and cause scratches or binding. It is also normal for those two surfaces to touch when cycling an empty action. What matters is if there is clearance when the bolt is fully to the rear with the bolt lugs and action lug abutments in full contact.

As long as it’s functional and doesn’t impair anything, I’m ok