Roughtech barrel does not fit in T3x lite stock

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Posting a quick PSA for guys swapping Tikka barrels. I picked up my 6.5 WSM from the smith yesterday, and the fluted Roughtec barrel does not fit in a standard T3x lite stock. Not a big deal to me as I always modify my factory Tikka stocks, but just wanted folks to know that may be less comfortable modifying their rifles. It won't take too much sanding, and the tight spot is the first few inches in front of the action.

 

[nettereo16]

Does anyone know the different barrel profile diameters between these two?

 

[ckt3]

Posting a quick PSA for guys swapping Tikka barrels. I picked up my 6.5 WSM from the smith yesterday, and the fluted Roughtec barrel does not fit in a standard T3x lite stock. Not a big deal to me as I always modify my factory Tikka stocks, but just wanted folks to know that may be less comfortable modifying their rifles. It won't take too much sanding, and the tight spot is the first few inches in front of the action.

What was required to make it fit? Just taking a Dremel to some of the plastic? Nothing big or possibly affecting accuracy?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Does anyone know the different barrel profile diameters between these two?

D16 versus D18. It’s 2mm larger diameter.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

What was required to make it fit? Just taking a Dremel to some of the plastic? Nothing big or possibly affecting accuracy?

A deep socket and sandpaper works great. Blow it clean with air compressor or canned compressed air after. Take out more material than you’d think you want it fully free floated.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

For those wondering…

D16-16mm: Lite. Superlite.

D18-18mm: Roughtech, Veil Wideland, Wideland Alpine. Both fluted and unfluted.

D20-20mm: Ace Game, CTR, UPR, TACT-A1.

D22-22mm: Ace Target, Varmint22mm, Super Varmint. Both fluted and unfluted.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

What was required to make it fit? Just taking a Dremel to some of the plastic? Nothing big or possibly affecting accuracy?

I used 60 grit sandpaper wrapped around a large deep well socket connected to a couple long extensions. Place the stock snugly in a bench vice padding the sides to prevent marring, and go to town. Use smaller sockets to remove the plastic "ribs" in the forward portion. If you care about the internal finish, go back over it with a 120 or 220 grit to smooth out the grooves a bit.

IMO this method is superior to the Dremmel as it provides more control and fine tuning and overall a more consistent result.