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

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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.
 

finner

Lil-Rokslider
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No. From a reliability (not safety standpoint) Timneys are about the same as a well adjusted factory trigger- they are better at not firing when the safety is taken off.

The only R700 compatible triggers that are any improvement in reliability and safety are the Geissele Super 700 and the XSTP Mod 22 trigger- both incidentally are two stage triggers. The R700 trigger design is compromised from the start- it is an inherent problem that cannot be completely fixed regardless of trigger.
Does the Mod22 trigger fare better in snow and ice, or is it just capable of passing the 1.5m drop test?
 
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Shoot2HuntU
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Does the Mod22 trigger fare better in snow and ice, or is it just capable of passing the 1.5m drop test?

They were more reliable from what I have seen overall, however I have not done the ice/snow eval as in this thread on them.
 
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@Formidilosus between the mod 22 and the geissele, is one better than the other for general shooting and hunting? Looking at safety (drop/ slam fires) and reliability first and foremost.
 
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@Formidilosus between the mod 22 and the geissele, is one better than the other for general shooting and hunting? Looking at safety (drop/ slam fires) and reliability first and foremost.

I have not specifically seen them tested side by side to see which is better. Having said that, I would choose the Geissele if it were an option, as it is the just tested and proven R700 trigger.
 

Axlrod

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Why don't closed-top actions like tikka have dust covers like an AR15?
Probably because manufacturers don't want to ad cost and complexity to them.

I have covered my entire bolt/trigger for many years with a piece of Gore-Tex fabric. This was after a push feed M70 wouldn't fire because of dust inside the bolt.

First i used part of the leg of some waterproof hunting pants, that got tore up on barb wire. Then I bought a piece of the fabric and sewed some Velcro on it, and wrap it around my gun.
I never really thought about ice, until these tests. But a couple years ago I was out 2 days and nights with freezing rain. My gun function correctly, so the homemade cover might have helped.
 
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