Should I free float my Tikka T3 Barrel?

[16Bore]

I'd shoot it as is to see where the problems are before trying to fix what might not be there.

 

[Formidilosus]

I'd shoot it as is to see where the problems are before trying to fix what might not be there.

The problems I have seen with about half the T3’s that had the barrel pads still in them is not with precision, but with slight POI shifts depending on the rest and how it’s held.

 

[FURMAN]

The problems I have seen with about half the T3’s that had the barrel pads still in them is not with precision, but with slight POI shifts depending on the rest and how it’s held.

I will second this. Another post mentioned the issue with the 700. I have an Alaskan TI that was very accurate with the pressure pad but POI would shift greatly with a bipod which does not work for me. The Tikkas will most likely be the same. I had fliers with my last one until I got rid of the pad.

 

[16Bore]

The problems I have seen with about half the T3’s that had the barrel pads still in them is not with precision, but with slight POI shifts depending on the rest and how it’s held.

Considering you might have shot one, once or twice, I'll take that as the gospel....

 

[thesloppy1]

We'll have to see how it works when I get around to going to the range. There are very many people that have done this exact mod with this exact rifle with great results. Then there are those that say never touch anything, the manufacturer knows what they were doing.

When I bought the T3 over the T3X, I had full intention on replacing the plastic stock. However, at this time, I'm trying to save as much money as possible as I am not receiving a paycheck but still forced to work. So, once the furlough is over, I will more than likely replace the stock anyway. But, that doesn't keep me from modifying my stuff when I'm bored.

The stock is stiff enough to where it will not touch the barrel when I'm using a bipod. The part that is still touching is behind the cartridge. I could be wrong but I highly doubt this modification will have any adverse effect on accuracy. I think it will actually improve accuracy as the part I shaved down was not evenly supporting the barrel.

We did just get a bunch of snow but I will try to hit the range this weekend and report back.

 

[16Bore]

The targets will tell you what's going on. Tikka stocks are better than they should be.

 

[thesloppy1]

The targets will tell you what's going on. Tikka stocks are better than they should be.

I agree. They are pretty stout. Overall, I love this rifle. It seems much better made, for the price, than it should be.

 

[TheHardWay]

FWIW, I have an older synthetic stocked Ruger M77 in 243. It shot well with some hand loads I came up with, but wanted to make it "better". Free floated the barrel and glass bedded the action. It ended up shooting worse with the same loads. Granted, a M77 isn't as quality as a Tikka per se, but it taught me the old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it quite well.

 

[thesloppy1]

FWIW, I have an older synthetic stocked Ruger M77 in 243. It shot well with some hand loads I came up with, but wanted to make it "better". Free floated the barrel and glass bedded the action. It ended up shooting worse with the same loads. Granted, a M77 isn't as quality as a Tikka per se, but it taught me the old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it quite well.

I never liked that saying. Haha.

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

STOCK PINCH POINTS - Setting the record straight, why are they there...?

This might help reinforce your decision. I was researching similar info not long ago due to some erratic shots I was getting with my tikka 270.

 

[Quicksilver]

I did the same to my tikka 300wm stock. Full freefloat everywhere. I didn’t see much improvement in accuracy, it hung around moa. What would do is free float it all then bed the action and fill the webbing in the stock for more rigidity. Yes it will add some weight but I bet the accuracy improvement will be worth it. There are a few YouTube videos showing the accuracy gain from bedding a factory tikka stock.

 

[Sled]

sloppy1,

i had similar issues with my t3 lite. i removed the forearm pad and saw a minor increase in consistency. i also bought a couple new stocks to try with varying results. in the end, i went back to the factory stock w/ limbsaver pad and have been happy with it. just verify your form. i found any rear side loaded pressure on the stock would change poi more than my other firearms.

 

[thesloppy1]

Didn't get a chance to shoot it this weekend. We got a snow storm and I checked out a bunch of houses for possible purchase. Results still unclear...

 

[Newtosavage]

I shoot all my plastic stocks with textured paint. After spraying my tikka stock I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d have to pay $400 for a “better” stock and it wouldn’t be any lighter and probably not more accurate.

 

[CamoHD]

I shoot all my plastic stocks with textured paint. After spraying my tikka stock I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d have to pay $400 for a “better” stock and it wouldn’t be any lighter and probably not more accurate.

What paint did you use?

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

 

[Newtosavage]

What paint did you use?

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What I've been using for some time now is Rust-Oleum Multi-Colored Textured paint. I use the Aged Iron for stainless rifles

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-223525-Multi-Color-Textured-12-Ounce/dp/B000N3C6EM

And the Destert Bisque or Deep Forest for blued or matte black rifles. I've had a lot of people at the range ask me about my stocks. They have just enough texture in the paint to give you a secure grip, which is what most plastic stocks lack. It also gives you a nice matte non-glare finish.

 

[thesloppy1]

Sorry for the late reply and test of the rifle. Right after doing this mod I bought a house and moved. Tons of home project keeping me from the range.

Anyway, just shot the rifle after free floating the barrel and couldn't be happier. The rifle was just about 1 MOA before the mod and now definitely under 1 MOA. Shooting off a bipod, I can get all of my rounds to touch. 3 round tests. Quick and easy mod and I definitely see an increase in accuracy.

If you are contemplating this mod, I'd say it is effective and worth the time.

Can't wait for elk season.

 

[16Bore]

That’s great, especially off a bipod.

 

[Kevin87]

I floated my 7mag Tikka, and it shot well .5 inch or better, but when I replaced the stock and bedded the action, it turned into a hammer. I did have to tweak my load workup with the stock change.

 

[16Bore]

There was a time when under 1/2” WAS a hammer.