Tikka Barrel Removal and Install Tool Swap Thread

[mlevimadden]

@gtriple i have a new barrel that just showed up if I can get added to the list.

 

[Jimbee]

@gtriple i have a new barrel that just showed up if I can get added to the list.

My tools are in the mail headed back to me.

 

[mjspeers]

Can I get on this list. Do not need the internal wrench or barrel vise.

 

[Jimbee]

Can I get on this list. Do not need the internal wrench or barrel vise.

You just need external action wrench?

 

[mjspeers]

You just need external action wrench?

Disregard. For shipping costs I think I’ll just buy one. Gives me an excuse to do more in the future.

 

[dpalinsk]

I stumbled across this site googling info for swapping out the barrel on my .243 Tikka T3X Lite. I was gonna take it to a gunsmith, but I’m having problems finding one that replaces rifle barrels. Then I find this thread with people willing to rent out their tools. That’s pretty cool! Once I figure what barrel to buy and from where, I’ll need to get on the “list”. Kudos to the generous people here!

 

[dpalinsk]

I would like to have my name added to the list to borrow the necessary tools to swap out the barrel on my Tikka T3X Lite .243. Ordered a .243 SS take off barrel from eBay (J & A Outdoors) last night that will be here (Bakersfield) around 1/19. I’m a FNG and understand that a deposit will be necessary along with a donation to Rokslide. BTW, I appreciate all the folks willing to help others out!
@gtriple @Jimbee

 

[rharbaugh]

@Jimbee sent you a PM

 

[sndmn11]

@gtriple i have a new barrel that just showed up if I can get added to the list.

what part of CO?

 

[dpalinsk]

If you directed that to me, Jimbee and I have exchanged several messages and the tools are on there way. (I’m still blown away by this!)

 

[mlevimadden]

what part of CO?

I'm in north Denver. I was messaging with Jimbee as well but my PVA 6.5 prc arrived as a 6.5 creedmoor so I'm returning it now and will need to wait a few weeks for the right barrel.

 

[sndmn11]

I'm in north Denver. I was messaging with Jimbee as well but my PVA 6.5 prc arrived as a 6.5 creedmoor so I'm returning it now and will need to wait a few weeks for the right barrel.

Im in Morrison and have the tools if you want to swing by when ready. I've done a bunch.

I even have an extra bugholes wrench I have been meaning to list in the classifieds.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Im in Morrison and have the tools if you want to swing by when ready. I've done a bunch.

I even have an extra bugholes wrench I have been meaning to list in the classifieds.

Whatcha want for that? I still need to get an internal wrench, I was waiting for PVA to be instock again.

 

[sndmn11]

Whatcha want for that? I still need to get an internal wrench, I was waiting for PVA to be instock again.

Probably 60% new price (before shipping) or large rifle primers.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Probably 60% new price (before shipping) or large rifle primers.

I’ll shoot you a PM

 

[Bluumoon]

@gtriple @Jimbee

@slowelk had a 7prc barrel that fit my needs, how do I get on the list and how's the wait looking?

 

[Jimbee]

@gtriple @Jimbee

@slowelk had a 7prc barrel that fit my needs, how do I get on the list and how's the wait looking?

My tools are available

 

[HighUintas]

I'm looking to remove a factory lite barrel and install a factory 308win lite barrel.

Are anyone's tools available? Anyone have a 308 gauge set they'd be willing to let me borrow?

@gtriple @Jimbee @HandgunHTR

 

[Jimbee]

I'm looking to remove a factory lite barrel and install a factory 308win lite barrel.

Are anyone's tools available? Anyone have a 308 gauge set they'd be willing to let me borrow?

@gtriple @Jimbee @HandgunHTR

They are currently in use and then headed to another fella. You can hop in line. I don't have a 308 guage.

 

[skipper907]

Based on the discussion from the Semi-Custom Tikka thread, I want to offer up my tools that I'm no longer using to others to remove their factory barrels and install new ones.

Here's what I've got and the cost to replace:
Wheeler Action Wrench #1 - $80
PMA Gen II Barrel Vise - $87
Bugholes Tikka Internal Action Wrench - $97
Torque Wrench (up to 80 ft-lb) w/ bit - $50
Some leather from Hobby Lobby

Full cost to replace = $314

I think some others might be willing to include go/no-go gauges if needed. If there's other items that are needed, feel free to post below and we can include them all together.

All of the above tools fit into a medium flat rate USPS box and cost about $15 each way to ship to the lower 48. So about $30 roundtrip.

The deal will be that the "buyer" pays shipping from and back to me plus makes a $5 donation to Rokslide to keep the Classifieds free.

If you have good feedback here, I won't charge anything up-front. If you are newer, then you'll need to pay me the full cost to replace prior to shipping then I will refund you once I get the items back.

I'm local to Charlotte, NC and can loan them out locally too.

Added the below queue so I can keep things in order. I'll give people 3 days to follow through and then move onto the next person.

Current Queue of Renters (in order of posting here or pm'ing me):
@chukwithak
@bharv2221
@Big_Sky_Guy
@nrh6.7
@qotsa23


IF YOU BREAK IT, YOU REPLACE IT.

Tools you need for barrel install:

• A sturdy workbench
• A pair of vice clamps or 1/2" bolts and nuts

Tools you need for barrel removal:

• A very sturdy workbench
• A pair of metal or heavy-duty vice clamps or 1/2" bolts and nuts
• A rubber mallet
• You may need some Kroil or other penetrant

Instructions (for both):

1. Fasten the bottom of the vice to your bench and orient the top plate based on the profile of your barrel.
2. Insert your barrel into the vice as far as possible. It works best not on a tapered section.
   • It is up to you if you want to use the leather or other tape around the barrel. PMA states on their site that the vice won't mar your barrel, but that is up to you.
3. Tighten the vice bolts down to a maximum of 40ft-lbs (480in-lbs) per PMA.

For barrel removal:

1. (Optional if removing factory barrel) - spray and soak the barrel threads with Kroil or another penetrant.
2. Slide the black, external Wheeler wrench (with the flat parts on the inside) around the action to one of the two flat spots on the bottom of the action. I prefer the one closer to the barrel.
3. Snug the wrench bolts up. They do not have to be torqued down hard. Just enough to keep it from rotating.
4. Use a rubbermallet and whack the crap out of the wrench handle. I was shocked at how hard I had to hit the mallet to take the factory barrels off. Some are easier than others though.
   • If you are removing a non-factory barrel, you can probably just twist it off as long as it isn't Loctited on.
   • If you are having difficulty getting the factory barrel off, you can try using a breaker bar on the wrench handle.

For barrel install:

1. (Optional) - apply an anti-seize to the threads on the barrel.
2. Thread the action onto the barrel by hand.
3. Insert the internal action wrench all the way into the action.
4. Use the torque wrench to torque the barrel to your manufacturer's recommendation. 80ft-lbs (960in-lbs) is what my Proof recommended but check with your barrel manufacturer.

That's pretty much it. If you have any questions, let me know.

Disclaimer: You use these tools at your own risk. Any damage to your action, barrel, the tools, or any other components are not my liability. I am also not liable for any injuries or damages due to the use of these tools.

wish I saw this earlier. I just ordered a barrel vise