Tikka Barrel Removal and Install Tool Swap Thread

[Bluumoon]

All, I talked with Buffalo Creek Machine about his steel barrel vice and his custom action wrench.

He is getting me some samples to test and try to break. If they work, I will carry them. I will also do a one time pre-order discount. That is probably out in February 2026, but I hope it happens. Kyle with Buffalo Creek is a good dude based on my call.

And, eventually, I will donate a pair to set free in this tool swap thread for use and feedback.

I have an incredible ability to break stuff unintentionally. Always been that way, it’s why I don’t like borrowing stuff

 

[hereinaz]

I did good this year. Is the only sale I took advantage of.

Self control, tell me more, cause I have never met her.

I have an incredible ability to break stuff unintentionally. Always been that way, it’s why I don’t like borrowing stuff

sounds like you are the first stop to try to break it!

 

[hikeswithbow]

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 - $90
Bugholes Tikka Internal Action Wrench - $100
Torque Wrench (up to 80 ft-lb) w/ bit - $50
Creedmoor Go Gauge - $50
Volquartsen Pistol Case - $30

Full cost to replace = $400

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):
@TxAg

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.

Is this tool borrowing arrangement still available?

 

[hikeswithbow]

I currently have my tools available

I am in need of tools for a barrel swap. Do you have action wrenches, etc. available?

 

[hereinaz]

For some newbies, here is a quick video. The right tools and knowledge make it easy to remove factory barrels.

Drywall tape.
Strong barrel vice with custom insert. Tightened absurdly tight.
Outside action wrench. Tightened finger tight plus a smidge.

It all comes together with a good smack with a heavy hammer to impart a solid shock. One will break it, and the second will spin it.

Cheater bars only create problems.

 

[hereinaz]

I have the Buffalo Creek barrel vice and custom action wrench in hand. Testing and review will follow.

 

[gtriple]

Is this tool borrowing arrangement still available?

Yes it is

 

[Jimbee]

I talked with Hikeswithbow. He's on my list to send tools to unless someone else has tools available.

 

[Jimbee]

Does someone have my creedmoor go guage?

Up

 

[gtriple]

Up

I’ve got it

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I have the Buffalo Creek barrel vice and custom action wrench in hand. Testing and review will follow.

I got a wrench also, but waiting for an action to come back from the smith to try it out (don't feel like breaking apart an assembled rifle), looks nice.

 

[Hydra6]

Got a buddy with a lathe - he has been cutting relief cuts in the original Tikka barrels. Not much market for the old non threaded style Tikka barrels

 

[Nine Banger]

Not much market for the old non threaded style Tikka barrels

Yeah, maybe "free with free shipping" might make them move.

 

[Jimbee]

No reason to ruin those barrels. What about folks that would chop a 20" barrel down and have to get it threaded anyway? Probably not a big market but 8 twist .243 and .223 barrels seem to go fast.

 

[hereinaz]

Got a buddy with a lathe - he has been cutting relief cuts in the original Tikka barrels. Not much market for the old non threaded style Tikka barrels

Not true, Tikka does not offer short barrels that are popular. They get chopped and threaded. And, not everyone has converted to suppressors or can own them.

Used barrels might not sell, true. I just sold two barrels before they even got delivered to me from donor rifles.