Broke a bolt handle. Yay...

[savages]

Going through the safe for inspection and cleaning and found this.
The only thing I can think of that might have caused it was an incident 4 years ago.
The rifle hit the ground from me tripping over a random string of snow covered barb wire in the middle of the woods.
Only thing I noticed was a scuff on the barrel. Maybe it started a fine crack then and opened up over time?
I used the rifle this past hunting season and didn't notice the crack then. I know it wasn't like this then because of post season cleaning.

Anyway, is this repairable or do I need to buy a completely new Tikka T3 handle?

 

[shabazz]

Just get a new one. As you probably already know their easily replaced and not too expensive.

 

[ShtrRdy]

You could get it welded up, but it's probably better to just get a replacement.

 

[cannoncrossfire]

If you liked to tinker you could maybe repaid/reweld and finish it, but i'd look around at what a replacement would cost - you're lucky it's the handle that you can replace (and not the bolt body itself getting damaged).
I'm using a similar knob made of Titanium on my Tikka hunting rifle

 

[savages]

Cannon, who makes that bolt handle?

I've seen the prices for new bolts. Its damn near half the cost of a new rifle!!!

 

[Metal Gear]

Glades Armory makes some for Tikka rifles and they are priced well.

 

[cannoncrossfire]

I'll PM you as to where I got it Savages

 

[cal50]

TIG weld it.....like it never happened.

 

[leadbullet]

Weld it up, stronger than a new one.

 

[cal50]

Actually if you cut it off, mill both surfaces flat and clean, drill a hole and insert a hardened steel pin THEN TIG weld it you will never break it again.

A nice TIG weld will also do the trick.

 

[Toast]

Actually if you cut it off, mill both surfaces flat and clean, drill a hole and insert a hardened steel pin THEN TIG weld it you will never break it again.

A nice TIG weld will also do the trick.

This.

 

[MoBoost]

Proper TIG weld will be stronger than original.

 

[savages]

I'm guessing the repair cost will be as much as buying a new one. Wish I had the know how and tools to repair it myself.

 

[LRI]

Saw your PM buddy. I think you'd be better off with a new handle.

Steel breaks like this for a number of reasons. Abuse, wrong heat treat, yada, yada. The issue with welding (be it TIG, Torch, MIG, Etc) is that while it'll make the fracture point quite strong, (assuming its prepared properly prior to welding of course) it would likely fail again right next to the weld. In the end you chase your tail and end up with a molten pile of mess. It could be annealed and heat treated again after welding, this would certainly help, but the costs involved don't make it really viable.

A couple photos makes my opinion here a bit speculative perhaps, but judging by the look of the handle it appears to me as though it wasn't one piece to start with. There's a seam that's been hand blended. If that is indeed the case then it supports what I said about joint failure. Cause it didn't break at the weld, it failed right next to it.

I'd ditch it and get a new one.

Hope this helps.

C.

 

[savages]

Thank you for your input!

And you are correct. I had the knob fitted to the stock handle. It looked perfect when I got it and you couldn't see a seam, but as time went on it discolored.

Looks like I'm in the market for a completely new handle.

 

[sniper_wing]

It seems that non-integral bolt handle has its advantages. If it is integral with bolt body, such as winchester 70 or surgeon, when the handle breaks, you have to replace the whole bolt.

BTW, what is the make of this broken bolt handle? I wonder if it is quality issue or just an accident in which case any handle will break.

 

[savages]

Its a KMW knob on a stock T3 handle. I was completely satisfied with the work he did.

Shit happens.

 

[cal50]

One way to swap it.....

 

[savages]

I watched a similar video when I was trying to figure out how to swap the bolt a few years ago.
It doesn't get much simpler than that. Thank God they are replaceable!

 

[savages]

A member here volunteered to try and fix the cracked handle. I am extremely pleased with the result and hope gun karma pays him back in spades!

 

[cal50]

......I have seen that handle before......

I hope it holds up for you!

~Jeff

 

[backcountryguide]

Thats a damn nice fix and looks to be quite strong. Glad it worked out for you Ive got one coming from crosscayon. All the way from Australia.

 

[Toast]

I love happy endings.

 

[Short-bus]

A little duct tape and some super glue.

Branden

 

[cal50]

Ah, the many uses for duct tape.......