Thread: Tikka T3 Bolt replacement - lost bolt

So I thought I'd update this in case anyone else ever has this issue.

After talking to a few gunsmiths, the probability on a Tikka bolt being interchangeable is very high.

The process of checking the head spacing is actually a relatively simple one.
Basically there are head spacing gauges you can rent or buy. (workshop innovation sells and rents them - $30 to rent)
There are 2-3 gauges, a "go" and a "no go" and a "field"
The "field" is not applicable in this situation.
He also said there was no need to remove the extractor although others recommend it.

A couple of links relating to the subject below:

Gunsmithing - How to Measure Headspace on a Bolt Action Rifle - YouTube

Brownells - Forster Headspace Gauges - YouTube

Anyway, I purchased another Tikka in 260, had the smith check the head spacing on my old rifle/new bolt and it was good to go.
Fired 50 rounds or so yesterday. All good.

Having seen it done, I'd be confident to do it myself if I ever had to again. Hopefully I never will.
However if I were to, I would probably have hire the gauges, go to the store and confirmed it was going to work prior to purchasing.

As a side note the new tikka shoots. Very happy.
sub .5moa easy.

Originally Posted by ning

So I thought I'd update this in case anyone else ever has this issue.

After talking to a few gunsmiths, the probability on a Tikka bolt being interchangeable is very high.

The process of checking the head spacing is actually a relatively simple one.
Basically there are head spacing gauges you can rent or buy. (workshop innovation sells and rents them - $30 to rent)
There are 2-3 gauges, a "go" and a "no go" and a "field"
The "field" is not applicable in this situation.
He also said there was no need to remove the extractor although others recommend it.

A couple of links relating to the subject below:

Gunsmithing - How to Measure Headspace on a Bolt Action Rifle - YouTube

Brownells - Forster Headspace Gauges - YouTube

Anyway, I purchased another Tikka in 260, had the smith check the head spacing on my old rifle/new bolt and it was good to go.
Fired 50 rounds or so yesterday. All good.

Having seen it done, I'd be confident to do it myself if I ever had to again. Hopefully I never will.
However if I were to, I would probably have hire the gauges, go to the store and confirmed it was going to work prior to purchasing.

As a side note the new tikka shoots. Very happy.
sub .5moa easy.

Watch out the tikka haters will get you!
If they mob ya i will come in on the flank for support.
As they wont have tikkas we will be fairly safe from their sniping unless they fuck up a shot