New Bolt cleaning

[mattmayhem]

I recently purchased my first tikka, a t3x lite stainless. This is my first bolt action rifle.

I read several comments and watched youtube videos about degreasng the firing pin.

I suspected the force required to set the back end of the firing pin that the bolt shroud covers onto the cocking piece was more than made clear by the videos.

I was right and somewhat shocked.

I cleaned everything with brake cleaner, the effort to move the cocking piece back and forth to clean it, and to re assemble and get the rear of the pin back onto the cocking piece required so much force that the tip of the firing pin penetrated the wood it was on. I had to use an adjustable wrench on the cocking piece in the bolt handle slot to get enough leverage to push the cocking piece down far enough to get the end of the firing pin back on the lip for reassembly.

Dumb/newbie question, but should I worry I've dulled or harmed the tip by that? I purposely did this on wood to avoid that.

Everything seems fine and went back together easily after that (dry firing seems fine), I guess I am just looking for reassurance.

 

[The Harbor Master]

Highly doubt the wood could damage the tip. I've done the same before and had no issues, though I now use a couple layers of canvas on top of a wood bench top.

Theoretically the pin assembly can be bent but probably not by doing what you did. If you have good protrusion of the pin through the hole in the bolt face and there's no visible damage I'm sure you're fine. You could post a few pics and the guys on here with way more experience can weigh in too.

 

[mattmayhem]

Highly doubt the wood could damage the tip. I've done the same before and had no issues, though I now use a couple layers of canvas on top of a wood bench top.

Theoretically the pin assembly can be bent but probably not by doing what you did. If you have good protrusion of the pin through the hole in the bolt face and there's no visible damage I'm sure you're fine. You could post a few pics and the guys on here with way more experience can weigh in too.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I was mostly unsettled by putting that much force on the pin but I dont think it was at an angle that would cause the pin to bend or anything.

Your answer satisfying to know that this is "normal". I'm sure it'll fire fine at the range and if it doesn't then I guess I'll know haha.
Thanks again

 

[TNKnoxville]

Get a bolt tool from Mountain Tactical, makes disassembly of the bolt easy! Best $14.99 I've spent. I had the same issue as you with the bolt and thought I would never get it back together!!!!!!

 

[mattmayhem]

Get a bolt tool from Mountain Tactical, makes disassembly of the bolt easy! Best $14.99 I've spent. I had the same issue as you with the bolt and thought I would never get it back together!!!!!!

The fear is real! My main issue was taking the end of the firing pin off the cocking block lip after I removed the pin and therefore lost all my leverage on the end of the pin.

I may get this tool! But i also think i can avoid the problem next time.

 

[coast range]

Yeah you’re good. I just take a shop towel and fold it like 4 times on the work bench. Just enough to soften the press and absorb the fluid