Tikka's dovetail - couple of questions

[JCMCUBIC]

I was swapping a scope over recently and have the front ring (UM) as far forward as I can get it while avoiding the taper out of the front dovetail. This is one scope I'd like to have the front ring spaced more forward because of the tube length. I can switch it to a rail, but I like the UM rings. I was rushing and didn't take time to look at it, had to hit the road, but have been thinking on it a bit without having the rifle in front of me. A couple of questions:

Is there a reason Tikka stops the front dovetail at this point? There is a fair bit of action left. I wouldn't think the dovetail weakens it much but perhaps it does.

Why does Tikka taper the dovetail rather than stopping it square? If square, it assures no one will attempt to clamp on the taper. Perhaps it's just to make it easier to clean junk out of...but extending it to the front of the action makes that even easier.

Has anyone had a Tikka action machined to extend the forward dovetail?

 

[Wapiti1]

The taper at the front is just the shape of the tool used to cut it. It can't be squared off when it is cut with a round dovetail cutter in a mill.

There is no reason it couldn't be extended forward from a structural standpoint. Why it stops there is a mystery, but I wouldn't cut it any farther than needed to extend tool life. It's likely just cosmetic, and they don't see the need to extend it.

Anyone with the correct angle dovetail cutter and a mill could extend it. It will not match the finish on the rest of the action, though, if you don't bead blast it all after for stainless or do something to finish a carbon receiver.

Jeremy

 

[JCMCUBIC]

The taper at the front is just the shape of the tool used to cut it. It can't be squared off when it is cut with a round dovetail cutter in a mill.
...

"I see...said the blind man..."

I missed the obvious. Thanks!