Gunsmithing Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

[Doug308]

Do you think bedding this stock would provide any improvements?

I'm thinking of just filling the voids on sides of the action screw holes, I don't think it would be a good idea with this stock to apply bedding compound where the receiver contacts the stock at the action screw area, just around it, there is not enough material around the action screws for pillars so that's out.

Also fill the area under the first 4" of the barrel because it's firmly contacting the stock at that area anyway.

Any ideas and opinions welcome.

 

[sapper12b]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

Pm 1shot2kills he did one not to long ago.

 

[jrob300]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

Read this and see if it answers your questions:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1396885

John

 

[Doug308]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

Thanks John, I must have not searched properly, that answers everything.

I'm really considering just getting a better stock, it's a well built solid barreled action, but the stock while fuctional, does not seem to compliment the potential of this rifle, it shoots okay with some ammo, but I feel like it would improve with a quality stock.

 

[jrob300]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

Are you shooting .308? Are there indentations on your recoil lug? Once I went to a better recoil lug and pillar bedded, there was very little discernable difference (accuracy wise) between it and my Manners T4.

If your mind is made up to buy the other stock, I totally understand, I just wanted you to know that the OEM stock is not the worthless POS everybody makes it out to be.

Some people can do a lot of "make do" for $5-600 that a new stock might cost.

John

 

[Doug308]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

It's a 223 and no indentations on the recoil lug.

I was feeling like this stock is a POS, but if you had good results from bedding, then I may stick with the original plan.

 

[jrob300]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

.223 huh? You may have other issues, but you'll need to bed to know for sure. The reason I say, I have a good friend that has a standard Tikka T3 Lite in .223 and he gets REALLY grumpy if it puts 5 shots outside of .5" @ 100 yds. That's with factory ammo. I've never heard of a T3 in .223 that wouldn't shoot.

You've probably already gone here, but I'd check *everything* in a parallel. My 300 opened up groups about 3 weeks ago to about 1.25 MOA from 1 loose screw on my rail. And it wasn't falling out loose, just not tight.

I bed everything, so no waste there. But don't be surprised if it still doesn't shoot. You will have at least removed one of the variables.

I'm at the far end of almost 2 years of trying to get my 300wm to shoot. There's something very gratifying being able to call a first round hit on a 6" plate at 800 yds.

John

ETA: I do think the OEM is a POS, but it IS serviceable and if you'd rather put your money elsewhere for now, you can make it work. The Manners is sweet though..

 

[Doug308]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

One thing I have discovered is with the recoil lug, it doesn't seem to be fully inserted into the action when assembled, the recoil lug sits low in the stock with only a small portion showing, and not being fully inserted into the lug groove in the receiver.

I was thinking of putting something compressable into the slot where the lug goes, allowing it to protrude higher into the goove in the reciever, but not preventing the stock from fully seating.

 

[jrob300]

Re: Tikka T3 Varmint Stock Bedding Question

The other thing you can do is have somebody mill you a steel lug and then you can have it made to fit the receiver a little tighter. This is what McMillian does with their Tikka stocks.

John