Tikka t3 bolt won’t close

[DLT]

I was rambling at my favorite lgs this morning when I noticed the had a used t3 varmint in 223 8twist. I own a couple tikkas already so I knew what it was. Anyways I asked for it cocked it and the trigger pull was heavy, way heavier than it should have been. Recocked it and noticed the bolt wouldn’t close down all the way. It wasn’t hitting the stock so I removed it and looked at the lugs but didn’t see anything obvious there like maybe some monkey had used too long of a action screw. I fumbled around with it for a min and give it back Any idea what might have been the issue ? The gun appears like it had been took care of. Only minor scratches and a scuff or two. All metal was in great condition and no trash on the bolt face or lugs. Looked like to me the handle would go maybe 80% down from where it’s supposed. Thanks men

 

[Dimner]

I'd remove the bolt internals and see if it has the same problems. If it does, I'd remove the trigger and try again. That's all assuming you had access to do this at the lgs.

I bet is one of those two systems. My money is on the trigger. Someone monkeyed with it. Possibly installed incorrectly or removed the plunger that is a part of the trigger pull adjustment assembly. if that plunger is reinstalled and oriented in the wrong direction it causes problems..Or if the plunger and the spring are not installed in the correct order, more problems. That latter part got me real confused for an hour one evening when I was trying to troubleshoot issues with one of mine.

 

[DLT]

I'd remove the bolt internals and see if it has the same problems. If it does, I'd remove the trigger and try again. That's all assuming you had access to do this at the lgs.

I bet is one of those two systems. My money is on the trigger. Someone monkeyed with it. Possibly installed incorrectly or removed the plunger that is a part of the trigger pull adjustment assembly. if that plunger is reinstalled and oriented in the wrong direction it causes problems..Or if the plunger and the spring are not installed in the correct order, more problems. That latter part got me real confused for an hour one evening when I was trying to troubleshoot issues with one of mine.

Don’t know how much playing with it I would be able to get done in there. Sure don’t want to pay full money for it with possible issues either. I have had my bolts apart but never taken a tikka trigger down other than adjust the pull weight

 

[Phys86]

If it's a good price and it's interesting to you I'd buy it if I were you. Tikka bolts and triggers are pretty simple, so I bet it'd be easy to fix.

 

[Dimner]

Don’t know how much playing with it I would be able to get done in there. Sure don’t want to pay full money for it with possible issues either. I have had my bolts apart but never taken a tikka trigger down other than adjust the pull weight

Might be worth a discussion with the store. Show them the issue and get a nice big discount. Like phys says... The bolt and trigger is super easy to fix. Other than the trigger pull, the only other thing one can do is remove the whole trigger assembly and put it back in. A regular joe wouldn't be able to open up the drop in trigger internals, so I think you would be safe there.

There are just not much to these Tikka rifles parts wise. Minimal parts and grouped in sub assemblies.

Some other things to look at is the bolt face and the screw holes on the top of the receiver. And maybe run a pinky in the lug recess and search for a half a patch or a tip head someone left behind.

 

[joshb]

I agree with a low ball and fix it yourself. My money is on the front action screw being over torqued and interfering with the bolt. When I make my stocks, I have been known to grind a screw down or add a bedded washer under the bottom metal. Easy fix. Look for scrape marks on the bottom bolt lug.

 

[Mike Montgomery]

My guess, for what it's worth, is a scope base mounting screw extending too far inside the receiver. I have seen this before. Simple fix though.

Mike

 

[Sniperhandle]

Nobody has mentioned bolt nose clearance, It's possible.

 

[JFrank]

I agree with a low ball and fix it yourself. My money is on the front action screw being over torqued and interfering with the bolt. When I make my stocks, I have been known to grind a screw down or add a bedded washer under the bottom metal. Easy fix. Look for scrape marks on the bottom bolt lug.

Is it possible to de cock a bolt as can be done with Savage ?