Feasible to rebarrel?

T

TNBuck2

Private
Minuteman
Jul 17, 2025
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TN
#1
So I’ve got an older Tikka T3 in 7mm08. I’d like to try some longer range shooting with it and think a heavier profile barrel would work better for extended range sessions. The barrel gets so hot after only a few 3-shot groups.

Would it be feasible to get a prefit barrel installed and drop the factory plastic stock for something more substantial?

Don’t think I’m up for trying this myself after reading many threads about how tight the factory barrels are torqued.

Any suggestions on who I might use to swap out the barrel?
 
#5
Uh. OP mentioned “pre-fit” and I don’t believe that Sako/Tikka are pre-fit suitable and the smith would need the action in hand. Correct me if I’m wrong, guys

But the three outfits mentioned above can do a great job spinning a barrel as can one of my favs, @AccuSol-ERN at Altus or his own shop.
 
#7
Baron23 said:
Uh. OP mentioned “pre-fit” and I don’t believe that Sako/Tikka are pre-fit suitable and the smith would need the action in hand. Correct me if I’m wrong, guys
Click to expand...

PVA lists both shouldered prefits and barrel nut prefits for the Tikka T3. I thought that was why people recommended them because you can use a prefit on them.
 
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#11
Rob01 said:
PVA lists both shouldered prefits and barrel nut prefits for the Tikka T3. I thought that was why people recommended them because you can use a prefit on them.
Click to expand...
I’ve measured every Tikka that has been through the shop for a remove/re-barrel and they hold a tighter tolerance than some custom actions it almost comical, Sako’s too just a smaller sample size
 
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#12
Baron23 said:
Uh. OP mentioned “pre-fit” and I don’t believe that Sako/Tikka are pre-fit suitable and the smith would need the action in hand. Correct me if I’m wrong, guys

But the three outfits mentioned above can do a great job spinning a barrel as can one of my favs, @AccuSol-ERN at Altus or his own shop.
Click to expand...

Maybe “prefit” wasn’t the right term. I’m interested in someone removing the factory barrel from my Tikka T3 and installing heavier contour barrel. Tikka guarantees 1moa accuracy with their factory barrels. I’d like something that could beat that with hand loads and would let me shoot at the long range matches at my local range.
 
#13
I spun my first tikka prefit on recently, a proof, and it was perfect. Piece of cake

IMG_7002.jpeg
 
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#15
Most anyone that would spin up a custom barrel or made to order pre-fit can also remove your factory barrel and spin on the new one. The thing is there's no reason to limit yourself to a "pre-fit" if you're going to send your barreled action in. So basically any gunsmith youd want to chamber a new barrel for you could take care of it.

"Pre-fits" are usually priced based on a gunsmith not having to fit the barrel to your action and most pre-fit places will charge an additional fee to remove the factory barrel and install new barrel. I've sent factory tikka barreled actions to 4 different gunsmiths to chamber/fit new barrels and not one of them charged me to remove factory barrel and install their newly chambered barrel. Thats to say, price savings for a pre-fit might not be significant once that is taken into account.

Manzella was the latest to do a tikka barrel for me and I'd recommend him without hesitation. He does want to measure tikka actions for the first barrel he chambers for one which is no skin off your back if you want the barrel removed anyway.
 
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#16
wind gypsy said:
Most anyone that would spin up a custom barrel or made to order pre-fit can also remove your factory barrel and spin on the new one. The thing is there's no reason to limit yourself to a "pre-fit" if you're going to send your barreled action in. So basically any gunsmith youd want to chamber a new barrel for you could take care of it.

"Pre-fits" are usually priced based on a gunsmith not having to fit the barrel to your action and most pre-fit places will charge an additional fee to remove the factory barrel and install new barrel. I've sent factory tikka barreled actions to 4 different gunsmiths to chamber/fit new barrels and not one of them charged me to remove factory barrel and install their newly chambered barrel. Thats to say, price savings for a pre-fit might not be significant once that is taken into account.

Manzella was the latest to do a tikka barrel for me and I'd recommend him without hesitation. He does want to measure tikka actions for the first barrel he chambers for one which is no skin off your back if you want the barrel removed anyway.
Click to expand...

That’s because they just took their prefit and screwed it on. lol Prefits for actions that accept them are not a shortcut for anything except having to pay shipping both ways and wait for a smith to screw a barrel on for you. With the quality companies who do them you aren’t giving up accuracy at all.
 
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#17
Rob01 said:
That’s because they just took their prefit and screwed it on. lol
Click to expand...
I'm not sure what you're referring to? That they didn't charge me to remove factory barrel and install new barrel? Not sure if PVA charges for that but PBB and others do. It's extra work so no reason they shouldn't charge for it.
Rob01 said:
Prefits for actions that accept them are not a shortcut for anything except having to pay shipping both ways and wait for a smith to screw a barrel on for you. With the quality companies who do them you aren’t giving up accuracy at all.
Click to expand...
I never said they were a shortcut. I'm just trying to point out that if a guy is going to need the smith to remove factory barrel and install replacement, there is zero reason to limit their search to pre-fits because whoever is going to do the work will need his action in hand anyway. There is no benefit to a barrel being a "pre-fit" in this case.
 
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#18
wind gypsy said:
I'm not sure what you're referring to? That they didn't charge me to remove factory barrel and install new barrel? Not sure if PVA charges for that but PBB and others do. It's extra work so no reason they shouldn't charge for it.

I never said they were a shortcut. I'm just trying to point out that if a guy is going to need the smith to remove factory barrel and install replacement, there is zero reason to limit their search to pre-fits because whoever is going to do the work will need his action in hand anyway. There is no benefit to a barrel being a "pre-fit" in this case.
Click to expand...

I was referring to thinking that there was any special fitting done by sending the barreled action to the smith to get a barrel screwed on an action that can take a prefit. They will probably just run the barrel as they would a prefit in the CNC and then just screw it on themselves. Same thing he can do at home.

You did kind of infer the smith you send the action to is doing something more than screwing on the new one. If you send it to someone who isn’t doing prefits then you will be in line to have them install yours after others already in the shop. It’s not the 90s and smiths aren’t hand fitting barrels to actions that take prefits like back then to factory actions. If he did go that route then he better tell them to not touch the action or threads at all so he doesn’t take his option for a prefit away down the road.

He would be better off spending the money it would cost to send the barreled action to a smith on an action wrench and barrel vise and do it himself at home with a prefit. But if he wants first done by a smith to not have to worry about any issues arising from the factory barrel being on tight I get it but after that there is no reason.
 
#19
Rob01 said:
I was referring to thinking that there was any special fitting done by sending the barreled action to the smith to get a barrel screwed on an action that can take a prefit. They will probably just run the barrel as they would a prefit in the CNC and then just screw it on themselves. Same thing he can do at home.

You did kind of infer the smith you send the action to is doing something more than screwing on the new one.
Click to expand...
Most notably, the thing they are doing that is "more" is taking off a notoriously tight factory tikka barrel without dinging up the action or barrel as many newbs do their first try at doing it by themselves. 3 of the 4 Smiths i referenced before had the job done in less than 6 weeks so not really longer than a made to order pre-fit in most cases. I've got a local guy that'll have it done in 1 week now. Manzella CNCs barrels but he still wanted a tikka action to measure first to make sure it's perfect, probably not necessary to get in spec headspace. The other minor thing that doesn't matter to me but might to some - timing the engraving. Tikkas aren't timed the same.

Rob01 said:
He would be better off spending the money it would cost to send the barreled action to a smith on an action wrench and barrel vise and do it himself at home with a prefit. But if he wants first done by a smith to not have to worry about any issues arising from the factory barrel being on tight I get it but after that there is no reason.
Click to expand...

For lots of guys, they aren't going to be spinning many barrels on/off in the future to where the $200+ for barrel vice, action wrench, external action wrench (to break free factory barrel) doesn't really benefit them if they can let someone else who's not going to ding up their action handle it. I avoided needing that equipment for quite a while until it made sense. I can have a Benchmark or ACE blank "fitted" by a smith for $800 or less so most of the prefits i'd actually want aren't much of a savings.

Got off topic a bit here but generally i agree that pre-fit is an easy route to go. Just wanted to make sure a guy that wants to send his rifle in to have a barrel removed is aware that there isn't a real reason to limit himself to "pre-fits" for that application.
 
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#20
If you're going to send it off, then you don't need to limit yourself to prefits. Get any barrel blank in any contour and work with a smith to chamber it.

But, I will say that Tikka's take prefits very well. I had 2 and had installed a couple of shouldered prefits and they shot great.

Since you want a heavier contour, then I'd also suggest an after market chassis or stock, because opening up the channel on the factory stock isn't hard, but there is really not advantage to keeping it. Get something adjustable. I really like my XLR Envy Pro.
 
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#21
wind gypsy said:
Most notably, the thing they are doing that is "more" is taking off a notoriously tight factory tikka barrel without dinging up the action or barrel as many newbs do their first try at doing it by themselves. 3 of the 4 Smiths i referenced before had the job done in less than 6 weeks so not really longer than a made to order pre-fit in most cases. I've got a local guy that'll have it done in 1 week now. Manzella CNCs barrels but he still wanted a tikka action to measure first to make sure it's perfect, probably not necessary to get in spec headspace. The other minor thing that doesn't matter to me but might to some - timing the engraving. Tikkas aren't timed the same.



For lots of guys, they aren't going to be spinning many barrels on/off in the future to where the $200+ for barrel vice, action wrench, external action wrench (to break free factory barrel) doesn't really benefit them if they can let someone else who's not going to ding up their action handle it. I avoided needing that equipment for quite a while until it made sense. I can have a Benchmark or ACE blank "fitted" by a smith for $800 or less so most of the prefits i'd actually want aren't much of a savings.

Got off topic a bit here but generally i agree that pre-fit is an easy route to go. Just wanted to make sure a guy that wants to send his rifle in to have a barrel removed is aware that there isn't a real reason to limit himself to "pre-fits" for that application.
Click to expand...

If his biggest issue is taking off the factory barrel then send it in. I just don’t want him thinking he is getting something more performance wise doing that than buying a prefit. They will take the blank and pop it in the CNC and make a prefit and screw it on.

For the next one or a caliber change or two then he can do it at home.
 
#22
Baron23 said:
Uh. OP mentioned “pre-fit” and I don’t believe that Sako/Tikka are pre-fit suitable and the smith would need the action in hand. Correct me if I’m wrong, guys

But the three outfits mentioned above can do a great job spinning a barrel as can one of my favs, @AccuSol-ERN at Altus or his own shop.
Click to expand...
There are pre fit barrels available for Tikkas so pretty sure they are suitable for them.

OP I have removed and installed Tikka barrels and if I can do it anyone can. If you don't have a barrel vise and Wheeler external action wrench this is your excuse to get one. The barrels are on tight but with a wrench extension it just takes a firm pull. I didn't use heat or freeze spray or anything. Also don't over tighten the Wheeler external wrench. One guy squished his action doing that.
 
#23
TNBuck2 said:
Maybe “prefit” wasn’t the right term. I’m interested in someone removing the factory barrel from my Tikka T3 and installing heavier contour barrel. Tikka guarantees 1moa accuracy with their factory barrels. I’d like something that could beat that with hand loads and would let me shoot at the long range matches at my local range.
Click to expand...
What part of TN are you from? There is likely someone close to you that can do this type of work.
 
#24
Thanks for all the info, I think I have a better understanding now. I live in West Tennessee and have a lead on a guy who might do what I need with regard to rebareling, prefit or not.

I’ll admit to very little knowledge about rebarreling. If I rebarrel, can I change caliber? Is it only the bolt that needs to work with a different caliber? For instance, could I get a 6.5cm barrel swapped in for my 7mm08?

Appreciate your patience…
 
#25
TNBuck2 said:
Thanks for all the info, I think I have a better understanding now. I live in West Tennessee and have a lead on a guy who might do what I need with regard to rebareling, prefit or not.

I’ll admit to very little knowledge about rebarreling. If I rebarrel, can I change caliber? Is it only the bolt that needs to work with a different caliber? For instance, could I get a 6.5cm barrel swapped in for my 7mm08?

Appreciate your patience…
Click to expand...

Yeah if you have a bolt face that works with a 6.5 Creedmoor then you can have a 6 Creedmoor, 7-08, .308 etc. Those will use the same mags too. You can have all those barrels on one set up so you don’t need multiple scopes and stocks and actions. Build one good one and swap barrels. Not sure how Tikka bolts work so not sure if you can just swap out one with a .223 or Grendel bolt face and use those cartridges too.
 
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#26
Rob01 said:
Yeah if you have a bolt face that works with a 6.5 Creedmoor then you can have a 6 Creedmoor, 7-08, .308 etc. Those will use the same mags too. You can have all those barrels on one set up so you don’t need multiple scopes and stocks and actions. Build one good one and swap barrels. Not sure how Tikka bolts work so not sure if you can just swap out one with a .223 or Grendel bolt face and use those cartridges too.
Click to expand...

Owned a few custom tikkas. You can buy spare bolts from Midwest gun parts but they aren't cheap.

I'd stick to just doing cases that fit the existing bolt head. But then I have ARC and Zermatt actions and bolt heads are 125 to 150, so I just don't want to pay 350 or more for a bolt....
 
#27
Baron23 said:
Uh. OP mentioned “pre-fit” and I don’t believe that Sako/Tikka are pre-fit suitable and the smith would need the action in hand. Correct me if I’m wrong, guys

But the three outfits mentioned above can do a great job spinning a barrel as can one of my favs, @AccuSol-ERN at Altus or his own shop.
Click to expand...
There aren't many shops making Sako/Tikka pre-fits but PVA (my shop) has been doing them for a number of years now with great success.

@TNBuck2 I'm happy to assist. We aren't open on the weekends but here's my email and shop line if you want to discuss on Monday.

484-696-7874
josh (at) patriotvalleyarms.com
 
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#28
4g64loser said:
Owned a few custom tikkas. You can buy spare bolts from Midwest gun parts but they aren't cheap.

I'd stick to just doing cases that fit the existing bolt head. But then I have ARC and Zermatt actions and bolt heads are 125 to 150, so I just don't want to pay 350 or more for a bolt....
Click to expand...

Damn $350?! Yeah that’s too much. I have Zermatt actions too with .223, ARC and .308 bolt heads and easy to swap around with barrels. Just did it the other day from 6Creed to 6ARC.

That said even with the standard .308 sized bolt he has he can have a longer heavier barrel for matches in 6 or 6.5 of choice and then a shorter lighter for hunting in say 7-08. Still has plenty of options.
 
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#29
bohem said:
There aren't many shops making Sako/Tikka pre-fits but PVA (my shop) has been doing them for a number of years now with great success.

@TNBuck2 I'm happy to assist. We aren't open on the weekends but here's my email and shop line if you want to discuss on Monday.

484-696-7874
josh (at) patriotvalleyarms.com
Click to expand...

A repeat vote for Josh at PVA. He's a class act and makes great products. *disclaimer: I've bought all the stuff I got from PVA, haha*

Rob01 said:
Damn $350?! Yeah that’s too much. I have Zermatt actions too with .223, ARC and .308 bolt heads and easy to swap around with barrels. Just did it the other day from 6Creed to 6ARC.

That said even with the standard .308 sized bolt he has he can have a longer heavier barrel for matches in 6 or 6.5 of choice and then a shorter lighter for hunting in say 7-08. Still has plenty of options.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's crazy that OEM bolts cost that much. I spoke to lri about aftermarket .378 bolts for the t3 and they said nope.

The T3 inhave currently is wearing a Krieger 24in .308 barrel and shoots great. I was thinking about buying a .378 bolt so I could swap it to .223 when I wanted to. Yeah. Nope. The bolt cost puts me a good way towards a barrel. I'll do it in a TL3 or Nuke and it will be easier.

You are absolutely correct that OP can have anything he wants on the .473 case head and that is a ton of options.
 
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