Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Tikka failure to fire

I recently acquired via trade a Stnls all 25-06 tikka t3.

Took the gun to the range today and it failed to fire either fl sized reloads or factory loads.

All I heard was a click and the primer was very lightly dimpled. In shotgun parlance a " light hit".

Any ideas prior to returning the gun or sending it off to a gs.

Thanks,

Bob

Dismantle and clean the bolt.

That's on the list of things to do.

Bob

I'd also have the firing pin protrusion checked.

If that doesn't do it, (and even if it does), put in heavier (Wolff from Brownell's) striker spring. Springs left long term in cocked bolts tend to shorten/weaken over time. I never leave a firearm cocked when in storage. Dry fire before storing.

I just replaced what I think was the original spring in my Rem 725- it was getting pretty mushy.. and rusty. The new, heavier than factory Wolff spring is a half inch longer... and crisp!

But I'm guessing gunk... After cleaning, use Corrosion X, Eezox, dry graphite, or any other dry lubricant in the bolt. Wet ones get gummy, attract and hold dirt, and get thicker in cold weather.

I use Corrosion-X or Eezox almost exclusively as they not only clean and lub., but protect (some) from corrosion. Be sure to let parts dry thoroughly before reassembly.

Las:

Thanks for the tip.

Prob solved via a fluke, but the gun shoots very well and now functions perfectly.

I also became well informed with the workings of the bolt, the spring, and the pin assembly.

Best,

Bob

So what was the "fluke" and the cause of the problem?

Yep. Gotta tell us and not leave us hanging. I've got a Tikka, so I have a need to know.

I am hearing bolt parts going "sproing" across the room as I read this thread.

The "fluke" had nothing to do with the mechanics of the bolt or the firing pin.

The rifle came with a set of Talleys which had been ground to achieve x low status. They fit fine, and I was able to mount a Leupold w/ a 40mm objective lens.

Apparently the base mounting screws had not been ground sufficiently and were hanging up or placing drag somewhere in the firing mechanism. The hangup was not visible, I could not feel it with my finger, nor did it mar the bolt.

I read a piece in the classifieds about the Xl's and unaltered screws, removed mine, tried firing my gun with an empty, primed shell, and it worked.

I mounted a fresh set of Talley lw's, dropped in a scope, and haven't looked back.

Bob

Good man.

Thanks, but it mostly involved luck and the process of elimination.

I did learn the innermost workings of the bolt though, and surprised myself at not injuring myself or others in the process.

Bob