Rifle ice/snow freeze eval 2025

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Fluted bolts as most are done do allow for more debris to enter the action. They still work well- they’re still a Tikka, but they do allow more in than a standard bolt. As far as that goes, the original T3 with smaller ejection port is “better” than the T3x.
This is something I’ve seen on my rifles - to a point where I’m considering not fluting anymoree. The weight savings seems completely negligible, which only leaves aesthetics as a plus. Seems like leaving them unfluted is the best call in the pursuit of reliability?

What about the UM actions with the tops cut open? Seems like even more room for stuff to get in. I do like the looks though.
 
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Formidilosus

Formidilosus

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Shoot2HuntU
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This is something I’ve seen on my rifles - to a point where I’m considering not fluting anymoree. The weight savings seems completely negligible, which only leaves aesthetics as a plus. Seems like leaving them unfluted is the best call in the pursuit of reliability?

I have zero use for bolt fluting as currently done. It is 100% cosmetic.


What about the UM actions with the tops cut open? Seems like even more room for stuff to get in. I do like the looks though.

Takes a reliable action and makes it less reliable.
 

mxgsfmdpx

WKR
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This is something I’ve seen on my rifles - to a point where I’m considering not fluting anymoree. The weight savings seems completely negligible, which only leaves aesthetics as a plus. Seems like leaving them unfluted is the best call in the pursuit of reliability?

Take any rifle with a fluted bolt and an identical rifle without a fluted bolt. I hand each one to you, one at a time, and you're not allowed to look down at it. Walk 300 yards and then come back. Try to guess which rifle was the fluted versus non fluted. You won't be able to tell the difference.

Fluting a bolt is for looks.
 
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