Tikka T3 barrel change

T

trg42wraglefragle

New member
I have a Tikka T3 lite in 223 and its a pretty good shooter, but have a bit of trouble with the barrel heating up pretty quickly. I Have just seen a second hand (but almost brand new), Tikka Varmint barrel in 223 come up for sale for what I think is a good price.

I know that a heavy barrel will generally improve accuracy, or just slow down effects of heat, but is there a possibility that putting on this barrel would reduce accuracy? Also I assume it is a job better left to a gunsmith, but is it a hard and likely to be an expensive ordeal?

I've just done a bit of research, and some people say its a difficult job, but others have said its easy?

Thanks Sam
 
Why was the barrel taken off the other Tikka would be my first question? Tikka usually shoot pretty well so the only reason I see to rebarrel is if the other barrel is shot out, or didn't shoot in the first place. Possibly to build a custom rifle, but Tikka rifles aren't very popular actions for customs especially with short action cartridges like a .223. There are just far better actions suited for custom builds than the Tikka.

If I'm going to rebarrel my rifle I doubt I'd buy a used take off barrel, I'd just spend the money on a brand new Shilen, Douglas, or other brand you wanted. However for the price of purchasing a new barrel and taking it to the GS to be installed you could probably just buy a new Tikka Varmint. I'd still rather go either of the above routes than sink $250-300 in getting a used barrel installed on my rifle.
 
Sorry, didn't pay attention to where you are from. My prices will be a bit off since I was quoting prices for stuff in the US. Don't forget as well you're going to have to open up the forend of your stock to properly fit the larger barrel in the channel, or pay the smith that installs your barrel to do it as well.
 
Hello,
I just called Beretta (they own the Tikka firm) Milan flag-shop (had to call them anyway so no worries in asking) and asked directly if the barrel switch is feasible.

After stating that the T3 is for hunting purposes and that it will not heat up when used within intended purpose etc.etc. at last they said that technically it is possible but:
1) they will not do it
2) they do not sell the varmint barrel

The answers above may be related to our situation here in Italy.
 
I've never done this on a Tikka before, but I know of someone who did it on a Sako (which I expect will be similar).

It is a relatively simple job to unscrew the barrel and fit the replacement. Simple if you have the right tools, that is!

It should be an easy job for a gunsmith, and shouldn't cost much for the labour. I would expect that the improvement afforded by the varmint barrel would justify the effort.

Hope that helps.
 
The current owner of the barrel said it was brought for a project but no longer needs it. Have no idea where he got it from but it looks to be in good condition.

I think I may not bother and just keep shooting my gun as it is, and if barrel heating up seems to be a problem in the future I'll either get a new barrel or just a new gun.
 
A barrel that takes longer to heat up will take longer to cool down, and could show the same signs of "walking" depending on whether it has been stress relieved or not. And yes, +1 what these guys said... about installing a used piece.

-SS-
 
It was just it was a very good price compared to buying a new barrel. From the only barrel maker that I know of in New Zealand would cost me around at least 600NZD whereas this barrel would be about 250NZD and if its had little use it could do me well.

Also is threaded for a suppressor which is a big plus.
 
At that sort of money, I'd be tempted to take a chance on it.

The worst that will happen is that it doesn't work out, in which case you can still go back to the original barrel and move the varmint barrel along again, all you stand to lose are the gunsmithing costs...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top