TIKKA 595 & T3 "PLASTIC" bolt shrouds

[CdnHotshot]

I replaced the "plastic" bolt shrouds on both of TIKKA 595's with custom anodized metal products.
Expect these to more durable then anything made of plastic.

Custom metal shrouds are available in matte black or anodized silver.
Ben in Calgary, Alberta
cgnflick@gmail.com

This is a warning to anyone using these rifle brands which are ALL fitted with factory plastic shrouds.
These are light duty and can blow-up into your face at any time and cause serious eye or facial damage.
In my case, the manufacturer has been contacted but remains none responsive.
These facts are based on my personal experience when I had a close-call.

Last 2 photos compare the custom anodized silver metal with the factory plastic

 

[roninfl.]

Must have been a pretty hot load to cause the shroud to come apart in your face,plastic or not,and yes I do own one.No offense meant.

 

[Tozguy]

Thanks for the tip. My plastic cap got broken from my putting the bolt in the receiver when it was uncocked....don't ask....long story.
Very happy to know that a better one is available.

 

[Nomo4me]

We know the AL is stronger than the plastic, but I'd like to see it demonstrated that the AL offers a *meaningful* safety advantage to the shooter's face vs plastic.

Have these AL shrouds been positively demonstrated to contain the gasses of a separated case or is it just supposed that AL offers sufficient strength.

Paul Mauser would never have trusted gas blocking to AL, and his action had a gas vent in the left rail at the thumb loading notch.

 

[Tozguy]

The OEM plastic bolt shroud on the TIkka does not offer any 'gas protection' to the shooter in my estimation. It is very flimsy, probably is there just for looks. Once I see the aluminum one mentionned above it will be easy to compare the two.
There are OEM aluminum shrouds on some other brands of bolt actions. Aluminum aftermarket shrouds are readily available. My Barnard action doesn't have a bolt shroud at all.
But good luck with your quest anyway Nomo.

 

[Nomo4me]

I have no quest, I am merely questioning whether the AL shrouds as machined have been demonstrated to stay together in the event of a case failure.

To hold each of them in the hand & compare doesn't answer the question.

 

[Tozguy]

I'd like to see it demonstrated that the AL offers a *meaningful* safety advantage to the shooter's face vs plastic.

Have these AL shrouds been positively demonstrated to contain the gasses of a separated case or is it just supposed that AL offers sufficient strength.

Not a quest, sorry I misunderstood your post.

 

[Tozguy]

To hold each of them in the hand & compare doesn't answer the question.

It might not answer your question but may I hold them and look at them anyway?

 

[Tozguy]

The aluminum bolt shroud from Ben has arrived and it is very well done.
There is no doubt in my mind that it is stronger and more durable than the original plastic one. Thanks for the tip hotshot.

 

[Nomo4me]

No doubt about strength and cosmetics, but will it contain a gas rush from a blown case? It's a question that the shroud maker should answer, even if only to ascertain his own liability.

If it will gas-block without structural failure it would be a selling point. If it won't he should warn folks as such so as to avoid liability for implied benefit. God knows lawyers make hay out of far less these days.

 

[Tozguy]

This is a warning to anyone using these rifle brands which are ALL fitted with factory plastic shrouds.
These are light duty and can blow-up into your face at any time and cause serious eye or facial damage.
In my case, the manufacturer has been contacted but remains none responsive.
These facts are based on my personal experience when I had a close-call.

What happened to make you think the bolt shroud can blow up in your face anytime?
Have you read page 23 of the Tikka manual?

 

[Tozguy]

A 50 BMG action that doesn't need a gas protecting bolt shroud.