Pillar job on MESA Altitude stock off, what should I do?

[Lawnboi]

This almost makes the 8-14 month Manners wait time worth it…

14 months…. Ooof.

I got my eh1tk in February that I ordered last June. Thinking of ordering another, really like the mini chassis and ergonomics of the eh1 when compared to both mcmillan Iv got.

 

[OutdoorAg]

14 months…. Ooof.

I got my eh1tk in February that I ordered last June. Thinking of ordering another, really like the mini chassis and ergonomics of the eh1 when compared to both mcmillan Iv got.

Yeah I don’t understand how the wait times still creep up. Is there no way to ramp up equipment and resources? I digress…

Yeah I love my EHT. Want another. But that wait…

 

[Lawnboi]

Yeah I don’t understand how the wait times still creep up. Is there no way to ramp up equipment and resources? I digress…

Yeah I love my EHT. Want another. But that wait…

I know it’s tough to find work, and is a specialized process. Atleast manners dosnt charge you up front, and notifies you when it’s time to pay.

I think I’m going for another eh1 mini chassis to replace the game warden. Maybe I’ll get it for Christmas if I order now.

 

[steffen707]

If the recoil lug still fits in the slot of the receiver I don’t see how recoil stress is on the pillar or action screw, right?

In theory I would agree. My aluminum pillar was so off-center that my screws were touching the aluminum before firing.

The lug should stop the action from traversing rearwards, but even if it flexes a little, that screw is guaranteed to touch the pillar, because at rest its already touching it.

You could probably hog out the pillar to make room between the pillar and screw, but then you're modifying a brand new item? That got me to thinking, "What other stuff did they cobble together? Did they actually R&D this stock, or is it just a POS dressed up in carbon fiber?"

 

[steffen707]

How did you make out with your replacement thinking of getting one

Were you asking me @Davies786 ?

I got a full refund from Mesa for like $700, and bought a Grayboe that is already in stock. https://www.grayboe.com/collections/tikka-t3

I found a 10% off coupon online and got a Grayboe Phoenix for like $550 shipped. Looks like the price went up about $50 since i bought mine.

It came with a limbsaver recoil pad, adjustable cheek piece. Its a bit heavier than the Mesa, but it should be a nice stock for the Tikka. The pillars line up and it has Mlok on the fore-end so I attached a Area419 arcalock rail to it.

I'll snap some pictures later tonight if you want.

I was able to use a few of the Mlok mounting locations with longer slim profile cap head screws to mount the arcalock rail through the Mlok. I know Mlok is designed to have things mounted to it, but i figured the embedded nuts in the stock would hold better.

I sent the barreled action and the proof CF barrel out to get chambered, but I got word it would be 4-6 months for the place I sent it to to get it done........UGH.

I could have done a Proof pre-fit and be done already, but they don't sell an 18" Tikka pre-fit.

 

[Davies786]

That would be awesome if you could post some pics that was the other stock I was thinking of

 

[SDHNTR]

On a tikka, the lug is secured in the stock and the action has a corresponding slot, seat it just like you would a Remington lug against the back of the slot, but it’s just not secured to the action.

I know. Well aware. What I’m asking is on this particular rifle, with the apparent pillar misalignment, does the lug in the stock actually engage in the receiver as it should?

 

[Lawnboi]

I know. Well aware. What I’m asking is on this particular rifle, with the apparent pillar misalignment, does the lug in the stock actually engage in the receiver as it should?

On the two I have personal experience with both contacted the lug but indented on the pillars. Both rifles shot okay.

 

[Lawnboi]

Lead times are good for these companies. Steady work forecasting is good for a small business (or any business).

BTW, manners has 2 ready to ship EH-1’s with mini chassis. One for T3 mags and one for CTR mags. Could have it in your hands in a few days.

If you’re looking to order, take a look at the LRH. I really like an EH-1, but think the LRH is more gooder. Just have em set back the bottom metal inletting 1/4” to 1/2”.

The wife would bury me in the woods if I bought one now! 8 months gives me time to plan! Plus I need a giant barrel channel and want some other add ons.

I wish they made a lrh for tikka. I’d be all over them. That stock alone has me wanting to build a 223 on an arc nucleus.

 

[SDHNTR]

On the two I have personal experience with both contacted the lug but indented on the pillars. Both rifles shot okay.

I really don’t understand the benefit of that floating lug. A fixed lug would never have these issues.

 

[sndmn11]

I really don’t understand the benefit of that floating lug. A fixed lug would never have these issues.

I think that pillars pressing against bolts doesn't have anything to do with the lug being a part of the action or floating in the stock. The lug slot and bolt holes all need the appropriate spacing regardless.

 

[steffen707]

I know. Well aware. What I’m asking is on this particular rifle, with the apparent pillar misalignment, does the lug in the stock actually engage in the receiver as it should?

The recoil lug was in the correct spot, just the aluminum pillars were mis-aligned

 

[steffen707]

The wife would bury me in the woods if I bought one now! 8 months gives me time to plan! Plus I need a giant barrel channel and want some other add ons.

I wish they made a lrh for tikka. I’d be all over them. That stock alone has me wanting to build a 223 on an arc nucleus.

I asked if they were making an LRH for Tikka, they said, NO.

 

[steffen707]

That would be awesome if you could post some pics that was the other stock I was thinking of

Cool. I'll try to snap some tonight, but might not post until tomorrow.

 

[Lawnboi]

I really don’t understand the benefit of that floating lug. A fixed lug would never have these issues.

You can surely have the same problems with a fixed lug. Once the lug is in place on a tikka, and the front side is seated metal on metal, it is essentially a fixed lug. The problem is the inlet is messed up on these stocks. If you something was off on a rem 700, it could as well push the screws into the pillars

This is a problem with the AG inlet and how they are securing the lug. My mcmillan tikka stocks, with fixed lugs and pillars from the factory do not exhibit these problems.

 

[Lawnboi]

I asked if they were making an LRH for Tikka, they said, NO.

If we keep asking we can only hope.

They said the same about an eh1 tikka 3 years ago

 

[SDHNTR]

The recoil lug was in the correct spot, just the aluminum pillars were mis-aligned

This is what I was getting at. Makes sense now. Sloppy machining! I’d be pissed too.

 

[SDHNTR]

Well I wa

You can surely have the same problems with a fixed lug. Once the lug is in place on a tikka, and the front side is seated metal on metal, it is essentially a fixed lug. The problem is the inlet is messed up on these stocks. If you something was off on a rem 700, it could as well push the screws into the pillars

This is a problem with the AG inlet and how they are securing the lug. My mcmillan tikka stocks, with fixed lugs and pillars from the factory do not exhibit these problems.

Well, I was thinking this would not happen with a fixed lug because its all one system so would be impossible to get the screw holes and recoil lug recess out of whack. But with the screw holes/pillars at the wrong spacing (which is exclusively the problem) independent of recoil lug, I can see it now.

 

[steffen707]

Notice how the 10" arcalok rail slightly contacts the stock. There is a little gap between the rail and stock now, but for a bipod or tripod, im assuming it wont affect anything. No I don't shoot PRS, but I got a baricade stop for their rail for shits and giggles.

You can see the two screws I was able to get into the factory embedded "screw nut", "t-nut".

You can see the two screw locations here. I don't know if they did this on purpose, but the mlok rails sit slightly "proud" of the stock. This actually helps a bit, as the arcalok rail then sits flat with these too.I probably need to install one Mlok nut for 3 screw mounts. I'll also install the two Grayboe pan head screws into the middle two mlok screw holes.


I bought 3 sizes of 10-32 slim cap head screws from Fastenal I verified with Grayboe that they were 10/32, The 3/8" long ones were the right length https://www.fastenal.com/product/details/24627


Its possible a full head cap screw would still fit into the arcalok rail without protruding above the rail, or below if the gun is rightside up. =)

The bottom metal screw holes line up. Don't know if there is aluminum in there or not.


That little black dot is the spot that the bolt stop pin hits. I had to hog it out a bit to get the pin to not interfere with the stock then i just used a black sharpie to color it in.

 

[Davies786]

Looks good I like your set up I think I’m going to go with the same stock