Tech Tip: Tikka T3x Bolt Maintenance 101

Here is a MUST KNOW tech tip for anyone with a Tikka T3 or T3X rifle.

[@tundraboy30]

My brother has a Tikka that misfired twice in the field on the same cold morning and subsequently missed an opportunity on a 50 yard deer. I live in Alaska and researched the net and found this video made by Corlane's, his very own nieghborhood sporting good store in Dawson Creek. He brought the gun in and they resolved the issue for him no charge. He headed out the very next cold weekend and nailed a nice Mule deer, no misfire what so ever. Thank you for helping my brother out Corlane's!

[@corlanesportinggoodsltd.2551]

No problem at all! That is what we are here for!

[@klauswelch]

Had no clue this was an issue for the Tikka T3. Have been hunting moose here in Alaska in Sept. on cold mornings an no issues. Still, I'm going to be doing this right now to ensure I don't miss the next one. Thanks for the great video.

[@merrickjagger1704]

I know it's quite off topic but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@FYMM69]

Awesome tutorial brother. You’re a great teacher. Has tikka improved on this since this video because I am sitting looking at my brand new T3X

[@laminak1173]

​​@@FYMM69 it's just the usual maintenance. I've never done this, my 6br tikka still shoots 1/4moa groups so don't worry about your deers 😉

[@DrDoobs420]

This is new to me, we use a lot of tikka rifles in northern climates here in Canada and I don't recall ever hearing of this issue. Great information none the less, I will do this to my rifles. Thanks!

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Had my Pre-64 Model 70 and Rem 700 both freeze up on exceptionally cold days before, so i made sure to learn to field strip and degrease every bolt gun i own. Never had a problem since.

[@odinnfhelgason3994]

Great Tip! I just bought a T3X yesterday - I found this video while looking up cleaning tips for Tikka

[@johnlupo9577]

Awesome gunsmiths, great service throughout the entire store.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

I’m picking up two T3x’s tomorrow. This was great to know. Thank you.

[@Army4Runner]

Great tip brother. Gotta do this on my Tikka. Here’s a tip for you: don’t let brake cleaner get on your skin. It’s nasty nasty carcinogenic stuff. Also, you can use it to kill cockroaches with a few squirts.

[@chrish5791]

Those cockroaches are definitely not dying from them getting in an accident with oily brakes!

[@samaustin9803]

Thanks for this video was out today with my 595 and had this exact problem in the cold weather.👍👍

[@mikehobbs7421]

Great video, I love in Ontario and have order a few firearms from Corlane’s over the years…great service and speedy shipping keep me comIng back to them! I’m picking up a tikka t3x lite today in .270win and this will be first thing I do! Cheers 🇨🇦🤘😎

[@aaronpudlicki7418]

Came across this problem last Fall before a trophy bull elk hunt and fortunately watched this video and remedied the problem before going on the hunt. Happy to say the hunt was a huge success with the critical help of your information and walkthrough. Thank you!!

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Nice job breaking it down into details like that ! Subscribed 👍 Just got a new T3X Hunter in 7mm-08 . I will do this for sure ! Great engineering work for Tikka , not needing any special takedown tools to field strip it all the way down like that .

[@kee7678]

Good stuff...never would have known to do this, Thanks!!

[@SigCross]

Thanks for the info, I just got a T3x Forest in .308 and I love it !

[@Mikes93-kv3rq]

Thank You Sir! Your site is in my favorites. I got 3 Tikkas since this was the second time. I had a stuck bolt last time and broken shroud this time. Now I will be cleaning the other two bolts.

[@fstarockaburns425]

Just picked up 2 t3xs, glad i found this before we started shooting- thanks

[@terryjones7550]

Just bought a new Tikka; thanks for the tip!

[@shanevonharten3100]

very informative video. this can happen to many firearms with oil or grease guming up due to cold or dust. good maintenance is necessary for all firearms and if not confident to do so yourself takethem to your local dealer for assistance. Happy hunting

[@christopherkingsland4604]

Great tip. Extreme cold weather in Canada will freeze oil into thick molasses and jamb everything. But don't substitute with any corrosive chemicals! In the military, we would sometimes go dry, but wear and icing condensation is a problem.

[@chrish5791]

You would think that those folks that make Tikka would know better than to use a lube that causes this problem in cold weather considering that they come from Finland. Their country’s not known for its tropical climate and the factory rep has said, in another video, that most of their employees are hunters whom one would think would’ve encountered this problem themselves. I just traded my Model 88 Winchester .308 for a Tikka T3x .270 left hand action, and some cash, with me never having heard of Tikka, or having fired the rifle so I appreciate your informing me of this potential problem and cure.

[@RandyMan388]

I did my paper work today on a T3X in 7mm-08 So, thanks for the tip.

[@jasonbubley9427]

Excellent choice sir

[@rickholloway1000]

Love my Tikka rifles! Good to know this. It even gets pretty cold down here in Alabama.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

It’s funny people don’t think it does but it can get downright cold there.

[@evanwiltse6127]

Van Guard how cold?

[@jhersey29]

Please make a note that is is for right handed bolts. The left handed bolt turns to the left not right.

[@relicarchery9405]

Thanks

[@uglymechanics6599]

One word of warning from a mechanic, brake clean is highly corrosive to rubber and plastics. Long term use will wreck the non-metal parts

[@alexpearson8481]

Solid point. Thanks. I was just about to use some on my chainsaw too. That won’t be happening now. What might be an alternative degreaser / cleaner?

[@d20297]

@@alexpearson8481 for a chainsaw I would recommend kerosene or diesel. If you want a pure solvent then acetone or turpentine.

[@laminak1173]

Aren't you confusing it with brake fluid ? Brake fluid is corrosive, not brake cleaner. Also no rubber nor plastic parts into the bolt

[@VampireTech-aka-Feds]

I live in Norway and have a T3X on my shopping list, I know what I need to do now :D

[@hans1982]

Good video! One question from me. In my shroud there is a little spring. Yours doesn’t seem to have one or you forgot and it went flying when you waved it around in the beginning. Question is: Why doesn’t your gun have it but mine do. I have the T3x Lite SS

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff mate thanks for the tip

[@alexbuss3377]

Perfect video, thanks!

[@shanevonharten3100]

This can happen to any brand or style of rifle. Good maintenance is paramount to hassle free shooting. Excess oil and grease is the #1 cause of firearm failure. It freezes and collects dust and grime, powder residue.

[@Charles-Windsor88]

Excellent and clear video Thank you very much sir

[@JamieMG]

I'll be putting this on my weekend to do list, Thanks eh!!

[@corlanesportinggoodsltd.2551]

No problem at all!

[@mrsir5866]

Life saver. Thank you.

[@swmprotect]

very nice and thorough sir.

[@locknnload]

Great info for Tikka owners!

[@troymeredith9936]

Thanks for sharing this info mate,good stuff.

[@14guitars67]

You, Sir, rock! Many thanks!

[@shilohmaher2064]

Awesome tip! I think you just saved my moose season 👍

[@alexpearson8481]

I just bought a tikka and stumbled across the vid. I see your comment from a year ago, and the video is 3 - 4 years ago maybe tikka fixed the problem by now. Did yours have grease on it?

[@coltcomphbar]

Can you make a video of installing the Tikka T3 extractor? please?

[@Bob1957taylor]

Please do a bolt rebuild on a Tikka T1x :)

[@seanculham4212]

Great info! Much appreciated! Just bought a Tikka T3X Superlite at Cabelas Easter wknd. Put 100 rounds thru it and had 9…. NINE FTF’s across 4 different types of ammo. Winchester, Sellier and Bellot, PMC and American Eagle ALL had issues. Couldn’t believe it with such an expensive firearm. Going to take this bolt apart when I get a chance and follow these steps. I’ll update with my next 100 rounds. Thanks again!

[@greencable2222]

you never updated jerk!

[@olegk455]

So what are the results after cleaning and which round in your opinion this rifle likes the most?

[@laminak1173]

First time I hear that. We shoot thousands of rounds per year at the range, never a single misfire. Was your rifle new or 2nd hand ???

[@johnfrederikson2002]

Thanks for doing this video. J.

[@SCQT]

thanks for the upload. dunno if its just me but the audio is incredibly faint, just fyi

[@user-wl6ew5eq1e]

This is an excellent video

[@dennisholle1005]

Thanks. Great information!!!

[@shishinn]

Just got a T3X. Used all my strength and failed to pull the firing pin assembly out. Lol!

[@sboy1955]

Good video to put in the ‘saved’ folder… thanks!

[@kingmike1580]

Thanks for the video

[@EverydayNormalGuy07]

Just wondering if once you’ve removed all of the oil using brake clean if it’s necessary to use G96 or any other product? Can you just leave it dry? Also what’s a substitute for brake clean? Great video. Thanks

[@sboy1955]

New T3X owner, did this and the bushing was pretty dry from the factory (zipper sound was there), so maybe Tikka is not lubing them so much now? Also, this takes some hand strength but it is not too bad - understand the rotation direction before proceding.

[@vacuitenonvide]

Merci beaucoup, c'est très aidant !

[@somerandomguy9028]

I would recommend a mass air flow sensor cleaner over brake clean

[@Dave31257]

Thank You! My Tikka T3x misfired on me during my elk hunt in Colorado. Luckily my second shot accomplished the mission.

[@laminak1173]

I have 2 Tikkas for shooting, never had a single misfire after 10000 shots fired. Don't blame the rifle if it's the ammo.

[@larss5303]

Thanks very much.. from France..😉

[@corlanesportinggoodsltd.2551]

No problem at all, glad we could help!

[@PencilProper]

Can't say I've ever had this problem hunting in Australia 😂

[@alexkmoz]

What are you allowed to hunt in Australia?

[@adamperre4852]

@@alexkmoz we can hunt when we want as long as we have permission by the land owner and yes we can have guns to it's not like everyone thinks us in Australia can't have guns or can't hunt we just can't protect ourselves with our guns like some countries

[@PencilProper]

@@alexkmoz To answer your question correctly, we are allowed to hunt many variety of animals. Generally most hunting is conducted for pest control reasons (Non native introduced species) such as mice, rabbits, foxes, certain types of birds, wild dogs and cats, donkeys, pigs, camels, buffalo (wild cattle) and in certain circumstances Wild Deer is also hunted but this generally is a more controlled situation with licenses ect. In some states you are allowed to hunt on public land with the right permits and some other states you are only allowed to hunt on private property.

[@alexkmoz]

@@PencilProper So, no kangaroo, wallaby, etc...? That seems a bit shit. Especially given how some species (red and grey in particular) are under no serious threat. Furthermore, few people hunt in Australia. Alas.

[@PencilProper]

@@alexkmoz By the law Kangaroos are technically a protected species and therefore not allowed to be hunted except under certain circumstances such as; 1) Being a traditional owner of the land (Aboriginal people have a right to hunt on crown land as they have for 1000s of years before white man settled Australia, Kangaroo is a staple part of their diet.) 2) For pest control under a damage licence (as you said Kangaroos are of abundance and can cause severe damage to crops so they can be culled by a land owner with government permission) 3) If you are a professional shooter/hunter and sell Kangaroo products, whether it be for skins or meat either for Animal or Human consumption. There are some strict rules which regulate this industry including passing a shooting competency test and specific vehicle fit outs for hygiene purposes (stainless steel ect) and each shooter is issued an amount of tags for each carcass based on a local assessment of Kangaroo numbers in the area. E.g they cannot shoot past their quota and cannot sell un-tagged meats. 4) Any other government Authority such as contract shooters/vets or police may destroy injured or dangerous kangaroos. Although these rules are in place Kangaroo shooting is a popular past time among many Australian shooters regardless. The meat is tasty and they make for decent target practice.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

It’s soooo much easier to just insert a tool into the gap on the firing pin assembly and use that as leverage to turn it. No pulling required.

[@iamsomebodynobody]

Found the firing pin is impossible to take off, only can follow the steps till 2:00 on a T3X Tac A1. And needs tool to pull and rotate the shroud.

[@wyattlakemper911]

Is it hard to bed the rod part of the pin by pressing it down?

[@samwilson3605]

Did you say brake cleaner? Do the Tikka T3x Lites have this same issue?

[@blaketamblyn1099]

Any chance you can bend the firing pin pressing on it like that? It took every bit of strength to do what you did on my firing pin.

[@laminak1173]

Don't push on the tip, pull the back instead!

[@Huntfishpickle]

What kind of brake cleaner- chlorinated or non chlorinated? Does it matter? Thanks

[@SniperDayak]

Very nice share my friend👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Watching from indonesia🙏🙏

[@bwilburn9039]

Just bought a Tikka T3x TAC A1 Rifle should I do this to it also?

[@doughackett695]

Can you demonstrate what the red dot on the end of the bolt indicates. Thanks

[@DoubleOMP]

Red dot at the end of the bolt Indicates that the bolt is cocked and ready to fire

[@legaspiaudio9830]

Can the firing pin be lubed if living in hot climates like California?

[@haroldmccannell8783]

Should you not also de-grease the bolt body before re-assembly ?

[@laminak1173]

Yep, cleaning brake inside then blow it with compressor. Leave it dry few minutes before assembly.

[@ulrikerudel6859]

thank you

[@FAFO_24]

Just bought a T3x Lite in 25-06. Hope I made the right decision

[@gordboyko769]

You got a great rifle, and great caliber . I’ve owned 4 tikkas . Never had a problem with any of them . They all shoot well under 1 moa. And you won’t find a smoother action anywhere . Enjoy your new rifle . Find the ammo it likes and drive tacks all day long . 👍

[@gregorypalman7370]

@@gordboyko769 I agree. I have a 6.5x55 Swede and it shoots 3 Hornady 129gr SSTs into less than .600 at 100 yards consistently. Great rifles!

[@ncassonn]

I did what he did at 3:04 and sheared my bushing be careful. Also unable to to get the pin back into the original position after that.

[@mikewest712]

Anybody know what that long gun on the bench behind him was?

[@TheEnufzed]

Will the T3 stainless bolt interchange with the new Tx3 CTR black bolt and if so where could I purchase it.

[@itsjustme8135]

Yes they do interchange. You will just need to check the headspace with set if go-no-go gages afterward. I just saw them in stock at midwestgunworks.com.

[@findingfreedom55]

My friend has a Tikka M658, shoots great, however he has developed a problem ejecting the brass. In fact the whole bolt jams and will not open without some force. Can you offer any thoughts on this. I watched your video and throughly cleaned the bolt. 👍

[@shanevonharten3100]

Check chamber for rust Factory loads or handloads? Cases from other rifles may not be re sized properly or over length. Check shells for signs of grabbing, around base could indicate poor resize or overload, check primer for flattening. Hope it helps

[@yaddahooha]

I am new to rifles so was wondering if pushing down onto the firing pin like that would damage it in any way?

[@roonbooks3227]

The business end of the firing pin does get slimmer at that end.

[@donnstambaugh1506]

Thanks

[@wyattthealchemist]

I got a t3x Superlite yesterday and as far as I can tell, this disassembly method does not work on my bolt. Can't even get the shroud off, as (according to you) it needs to be turned, however it is stuck in a groove with the piece of metal on the edge of the firing pin. Could you please address this in a pinned comment?

[@MarkWyatt.]

I am having the same issue, have you figured it out?

[@krazynelson]

Do you turn the Bolt Components the same direction for a Left Handed bolt?

[@ILikeFlippyCarsAndSlugsInJars]

no. atleast for a tikka t3 it the opposite

[@willfromsc1168]

I have a question I would like your opinion on. I bought a new Remington 700 SPS Stainless a few years ago and the barrel still gets rust marks all over it! I've done everything I can think of to remove them, and I haven't had ANY luck as of yet. Is that supposed to happen to stainless steel barreled rifles or is mine just a piece of junk? If you have any suggestions on how to remove the rust from the barrel and bolt I'm all ears

[@imyanggers]

Clean salts off inside and outside. Clean off salts from the storage bag/box. Salts can be from unburned/burned gunpowder, hand sweat, dirty storage surfaces. Salts plus humidity plus steel plus time = rust. Even many kinds of stainless steel would rust with salt water. Store gun in low humidity, good ventilation. If you tied everything already, try a new, different oil. What you are using may be contaminated.

[@willfromsc1168]

@@imyanggers Thanks, I'll try it

[@JKW34]

Gun stainless steel is different from normal stainless steel found in kitchen knifes that are rust proof. All gun stainless steel will rust without maintenance. I use light steel wool and oil to remove rust . Use renaissance wax on the outside of barrel ,action ,lever or bolt wherever you touch it to prevent rust. Gun oil will rust your finish because it wipes off and evaporates. Where renaissance wax is petroleum based won't wipe off or evaporate even in the rain. That's why people use it on hand guns to prevent rust.

[@g00dGuY34]

I am pulling back on that firing pin assembly with all my might trying to set it on top of the fin and it's just not going...I don't understand.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

There shouldn’t be any pulling required. Insert a tool into the gap and rotate it. Unless I’m not understanding your problem.

[@cassieomalley8218]

Silicone lubricant not something like rem oil?

[@ruffoutdoors8987]

will rem oil work?

[@pangidoannasution554]

How about looking to buy a firearm locally?

[@amereminion]

Do you know if the Tikka T3x Arctic Stainless Bolt-Action is the same as the one that's displayed in your video?

[@corlanesportinggoodsltd.2551]

Yes it is.

[@amereminion]

Thanks!

[@paulgray7506]

What kind of break clean is that can

[@gnarsicle445]

work that collar boy, work it!

[@diapedesis1093]

Just an fyi, as a woman it’s not really possible to “use a bit of strength” and pull the pin out, but an Allen key put inside that little gap gives a good grip that I was able to handle easily to finish the job. I’m sure there’s plenty of guys who didn’t have an issue with this, but if it makes it easier why not do it?

[@Monscent]

So why arent resellers doing this to all T3/X rifles before selling em?

[@adamelam6385]

As an owner of 3 Tikkas I find this interesting.

[@mattd8411]

Wow I've never heard of this. Has anyone out there had a problem like that with any other bolt action?

[@ralphfox5354]

Yes Ruger 6mm

[@wahyubagus7770]

greetings one barrel from indonesia

[@careneckrich9170]

New owner - two big guys tried and couldn't pull the assembly back far enough to rest on the fin...any suggestions?

[@corlanesportinggoodsltd.2551]

We recommend if you cannot pull it back by hand try using some non-serrated parallel pliers.

[@Greentangle]

Why the cocking handle will not slip out ？

[@jcarry5214]

looks like because when reassembly is final there's pressure from the firing spring pinching it, on top of a really fine fit all around. I wondered the same thing first video I saw of these things, I thought someone forgot a part.

[@michaelthompson7570]

Good to know…..

[@stevewalker4638]

Always clean all oil off trigger and bolt .

[@311hitwall]

Do all the Tikka have polymer trigger guard/bottom?

[@andysinn8655]

All that I've seen do but an after market one is available if you think you need it.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Are there any Tikka models that are not plastic magazine, plastic trigger guard? Thanks.

[@straycat62]

Prob have your answer but the CTR and A1 are metal and metal

[@straycat62]

Or you can buy detachable bottom metal (DBM) for them or AICS magazines

[@naturalstatepoolandspallc338]

my metal bolt shroud cover spring just launched. be careful!!

[@user-ob7mt5ht2u]

Take it outside and douche it down good with “carb cleaner”. That’ll remove any and all grease or oil residue from the factory!

[@stroogss]

Just did this to a Tikka t3x Hunter. Not sure if there is something wrong with my bolt, but this procedure is not possible without a vise. Please don't take your bolt apart unless you're sure you have what you need. My bolt did not push around like his it required massive amounts of force

[@BC-su3wq]

Yip. Same here on my tikka t3x bought yesterday. Think Arnie would struggle tot mine to turn

[@jp1419]

Would cleaning the bolt and lightly lubing it with ballistol work?

[@Nick-wn1xw]

Yes. Ballistol is great stuff.

[@theend___.]

@@Nick-wn1xw Great stuff for dog paws or a wood stock... but not for any metal part on a gun. It will resinify over time and do the exact opposit of what you used it for.

[@willdabeast8188]

How cold are we talking? I would rarely go hunting below 20° F. Is this a negative degree situation most times?

[@corlanesportinggoodsltd.2551]

we recommend doing this for every Tikka.

[@jerrysullivan113]

That lube is there for a reason... extreme cold conditions maybe require this procedure but 90% will never see those conditions. Keep the gun in a non heated space, out of the snow or rain tho.. warm spaces cause condensation which WILL cause trouble when it becomes ice..

[@NytronX]

​@@jerrysullivan113 It's shipping grease. And the reason it is there is transportation and sitting in various spaces with various temperatures and humidities before the customer purchases the weapon. You don't want that in your gun when you hunt with it regardless of temperature. Makes it harder to clean and poor cold weather performance. For most states in this area, it's illegal to hunt anytime it's NOT cold, snowy, and/or rainy. The ideal conditions you describe are impossible for most hunters in this area.

[@jerrysullivan113]

Understand,,, always a thorough cleaning of the NEW weapon, especially the barrel and fire control mechanism.

[@dlinn246]

@@jerrysullivan113 I found this video because I just had 2 seperate t3s light strike in the same season. I bought them within 2 months of each other 3 years ago. Was hunting in 40F. No where near extreme cold. This fixed the problem.

[@P.E.J.]

very good video, but very low volume for the sound. Use a external microphone next time. ;-)

[@kg7946]

Yeah..work that collar girl..3:36

[@zedlips]

Yes use breakKleen to get the old oil completely off, then re-oil with fully synthetic oil. Running dry is so so so wrong. If you use synthetic oil there will be no cold weather issues.

[@wes3029]

zedlips exactly !

[@latorgator23]

Are you saying to oil the outside of the bolt? I thought you want the firing pin to be dry or more dry.