Tikka New Barrel

[edevans]

I currently have a Tikka T3x chambered in a 6.5CM.

Been getting an itch to build a 22CM, this is my first time ever doing anything "custom".

Was wondering what everyones thoughts were on getting a new barrel done? Would you recommend going with a gunsmith or getting a prefit?

I know gunsmith prices vary, but was curious if anyone had any ballpark estimates on what they think the cost would be to have a gunsmith do it.

Also, I would like to be able to switch back and forth from my 6.5CM barrel and 22CM barrel without having to pay a gunsmith. From the videos I have seen that doesn't seem to be that difficult but maybe I am missing something, never really played around with guns besides shoot them . Not sure if anyone can also give advice on that.

Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[Tanner]

Step 1. https://preferredbarrelblanks.com/product/sale-tikka-prefit-22-creedmoor-18-75-lite-hybrid-contour/

Step 2. Grab an action wrench and vice, and gauges from the tool swap thread or pay a gunsmith $50 to screw it on.

Step 3. ???

Step 4. Profit

 

[AZ Gator]

To change barrels yourself on a Tikka, you need a barrel vise, and internal action wrench, and an external action wrench. The external wrench is only needed to remove the factory tightened barrel. After that, the internal wrench is sufficient for installation and removal. Expect ~$200 for those parts, but then you can swap back and forth as much as you want. (Plus a torque wrench if you don’t have one already)

A prefit barrel is significantly less than a custom barrel. A custom barrel/chamber is typically $800+, while a prefit is $450+. Of course, the quality of a custom barrel chamber is typically higher, though the results of a prefit are often as good as a custom barrel chamber.

 

[mtnbound]

I currently have a Tikka T3x chambered in a 6.5CM.

Been getting an itch to build a 22CM, this is my first time ever doing anything "custom".

Was wondering what everyones thoughts were on getting a new barrel done? Would you recommend going with a gunsmith or getting a prefit?

I know gunsmith prices vary, but was curious if anyone had any ballpark estimates on what they think the cost would be to have a gunsmith do it.

Also, I would like to be able to switch back and forth from my 6.5CM barrel and 22CM barrel without having to pay a gunsmith. From the videos I have seen that doesn't seem to be that difficult but maybe I am missing something, never really played around with guns besides shoot them . Not sure if anyone can also give advice on that.

Thanks everyone for the help!

If you really want to move between cartridges, buy the tools and do it yourself. The factory barrel coming off the first time is the hardest step, but it's nothing to be afraid of.
Get a Wheeler #1 external action wrench to get the barrel off.
An OMR internal action wrench for installing barrels.
A Viper barrel vise.
Go-No-Go gauges.
A torque wrench capable of 80lbs.

 

[Kauaihunter]

I have the Preferred prefit on one of my actions. Hornady Precision 80gr ELD-X are running 3105fps average after 30 rounds. Shoots great so far, this is just the beginning as I haven’t even settled on the scope it’s gonna wear for hunting.

If you’re gonna swap back and forth, do it yourself. I second the Wheeler, OMR and Viper vise. I have these and a barrel bushing from Buffalo Creek. Torqued barrel to 80ft/lbs.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Typically for any kind of vehicle or boat owner home project if the tools equal the cost of paying somebody to do it I'll always buy the tools and do it myself and I'll have the tools forever. In this case a repeated trips to the gunsmith will equal the tools over time. I think realistically you're not likely to go back and forth as much as you think. If you subtract the cost of the barrel and tools you're probably better off just buying a second rifle and having two rifles instead of two barrels and you're not spending a whole lot more.

 

[Turkeytider]

To change barrels yourself on a Tikka, you need a barrel vise, and internal action wrench, and an external action wrench. The external wrench is only needed to remove the factory tightened barrel. After that, the internal wrench is sufficient for installation and removal. Expect ~$200 for those parts, but then you can swap back and forth as much as you want. (Plus a torque wrench if you don’t have one already)

A prefit barrel is significantly less than a custom barrel. A custom barrel/chamber is typically $800+, while a prefit is $450+. Of course, the quality of a custom barrel chamber is typically higher, though the results of a prefit are often as good as a custom barrel chamber.

Don’t have those tools , or the experience. If I get to the point of changing out the barrel in my Tikka SV, I’m going straight to a gunsmith. My travels through life have taught me that one generally comes out ahead in things like this by finding someone who knows what the hell they’re doing. Also, to protect the receiver and action, I’ll have him relief cut the barrel. I won’t want it anymore anyway.

 

[flyfisher117]

Don’t have those tools , or the experience. If I get to the point of changing out the barrel in my Tikka SV, I’m going straight to a gunsmith. My travels through life have taught me that one generally comes out ahead in things like this by finding someone who knows what the hell they’re doing. Also, to protect the receiver and action, I’ll have him relief cut the barrel. I won’t want it anymore anyway.

My travels in life have taught me that someone with the tools and self proficiency to do basics tasks come out ahead.

 

[Kauaihunter]

I’ll add that if you can’t change out a flat tire, you need to pay someone to do it. If you already have basic tools and you work on cars and do some construction work etc, you should be capable of swapping out a Tikka barrel. As with anything else, get the right tools for the job. If you’re gonna try to Macgyer it, you’ll probably wind up with some trouble.

 

[Ajsomp]

Get the preferred prefit on sale if you want 22 CM. I’d recommend two different actions if you want a 6.5 as well. It isn’t like some actions where you can quickly spin a barrel off and on.

At the very least get the preferred barrel on sale and get the rest later.

 

[Turkeytider]

My travels in life have taught me that someone with the tools and self proficiency to do basics tasks come out ahead.

No argument. Only shot rifles for about three years, at 78 don’t know how much time I have, and I can’t see investing in tools that I may or may not use. Also, have heard of folks ruining receivers when it comes to changing Tikka barrels.

 

[Judd]

Everyone has addressed the “you can do it” portion and I agree with them.

As for costs…$350-475 for steel barrel or $600-800 for carbon and most don’t care if you bring them the parts. Their threading both ends, chambering, engraving and crowning $400-500.

 

[hereinaz]

I have 22 creed barrels in stock, and I will break loose the factory barrel. That’s the hard part.

A viper vice and inside action wrench make barrel swaps easy. Get the “sporter” vice and then you can clamp the skinny end and don’t even have to take it out of the stock if you get a wide barrel channel. I use this set up anywhere. I even have a track/bracket on my tailgate to bolt on the vice.

If you want to break loose factory barrels, you need a heavier duty custom bushing barrel vice and an outside action wrench. And, a super solid place to mount it and a massive hammer . I use this set up at home.

The only easier way is to machine wrench flats on the barrel and skip the vice.

Practically speaking, 99% of the guys I know just end up buying a second rifle, lol.

I do it at the range to test barrels and actions. I don’t do it on my personal rifles anymore.

 

[hereinaz]

Meant to add that my 14” SBR Tikka in 22 creed has almost same ballistics as a typical 6.5 creed. It is fun to tote and shoot.

 

[Abacist]

I think realistically you're not likely to go back and forth as much as you think. If you subtract the cost of the barrel and tools you're probably better off just buying a second rifle and having two rifles instead of two barrels and you're not spending a whole lot more.

This is a great point. In your situation, there's a time cost in changing barrels, and perhaps in re-zeroing optics after each swap. It may ultimately be easier (and not too much more expensive) to get a second rifle and set it up once. And I say this as someone who has an affinity for gun modularity.

 

[freezer003]

I was thinking about this very thing this morning, but I don't intend to swap back and forth. So a pre-fit makes total sense. Has anyone had spectacularly negative experiences with a pre-fit that should be avoided?

 

[Raiderfry]

I use the eBay external action wrench and barrel vise with different size collets. Removes factory barrels with two whacks from the sledge hammer no big deal. The kit he sells is less than $200.

BARREL VISE AND ACTION WRENCH TIKA gunsmith | eBay

BARREL VISE for TIKANON-MAR BUSHING TYPE. BARREL VISE WITH FIVE BUSHINGS. AND ACTION WRENCH.

ebay.us

 

[Shortschaf]

Switch barrels are not that sexy especially in two cartriges so close

It takes no time to shoot out the 22 creed. Just have the gunsmith spin that on, and after you shoot it out you still have your factory 6.5 or (more likely) you will get the itch for another custom at that point.

Otherwise, yeah just go with a whole 2nd rifle.
I have two actions with two barrels each, and it aint worth it.

All those options and 90% of my trigger time is still just my junk factory ruger american 223