Sterk Bolt Handle for Tikka T1x

[Kisssofdeath]

Ok guys, finally got the Sterk handle today and mounted. Attached are some photos compared to the factory bolt handle. Just doing a lot of dry runs the handle feels just like I imagined. There is very little hand movement to cycle the bolt now. Depending on how good you are I would say it's possible to cycle the bolt twice as fast. The photos show the position and it's right below your pointer finger and thumb.

Got me a Sterk baby, and you won't forget it with my Sterk Sticker.

A little bling, a little bling, chika ching, a little bling my sweet thing....ohhh ....... yaeaahhh

No reaching required. Basically bring your hand up, grab the bolt knob and cycle that baby like you were 13 again. ?

That's where the ohhh ....... yaeaahhh comes in.

On a more serious note, fantastic work John. I was a doubter in the beginning but, I saw the liight, I saw the liiigghht..no more slowness no more fight...show me that bling and I'll sing, I saw the liight, I saw the liiigghht.. and when I seee you I want to hug you so tight...I saw the liight, I saw the liiigghht..

And we all lived happily ever after.

The End.

 

[Tra08]

That looks good brotha. Just got confirmation mine has made it to the mailbox as well, might have to take sick day from work now. Lmao

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Thanks, I hope to try it out today.

Funny what listening to a Hank Williams song will make a person do.

 

[cannoncrossfire]

Looking good and nice little review of it!

 

[CarbonMTN]

is it hard to install?

 

[Just Chuck]

I was a little so-so on this too, but your side-by-side photos show a good bit of difference. I'll put this on the must do list.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

is it hard to install?

No, it's very very easy to install. The hard part is getting the factory handle off. I would recommend an Allen wrench long enough to reach the bolt and using a "breaker bar" or some type of extension on the Allen wrench to get more leverage and take it slow.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I was a little so-so on this too, but your side-by-side photos show a good bit of difference. I'll put this on the must do list.

Yeah, I was skeptical in the beginning. It wasn't until one day I was shooting the Tikka and then right after that I shot my Anschutz with its factory swept bolt handle and that's when I notice a significant decrease in hand movement needed to cycle the bolt.

 

[CarbonMTN]

No, it's very very easy to install. The hard part is getting the factory handle off. I would recommend an Allen wrench long enough to reach the bolt and using a "breaker bar" or some type of extension on the Allen wrench to get more leverage and take it slow.

if you have done it, could you do a photo guide?

 

[Kisssofdeath]

if you have done it, could you do a photo guide?

Well, I could, if people think it would be helpful. Honestly it's pretty straightforward. Just take a normal L shape Allen wrench, insert the long end into the handle and put something over the short end of the Allen wrench for more leverage. I used the handle end of a small adjustable wrench. I put the Allen wrench through the hole on the end of the adjustable wrench and turned it with increasingly more force until it broke loose.

If someone thinks theirs is on too tight and they might break something I would recommend using Kroil on the handle bolt and letting it sit for an hour or whatever. I know Kroil works great for helping get things loose.

 

[j741]

The bolt on my factory lever was a pain to get off. Tikka had that sucker on their tight! But once it was off the process was really easy to get the Sterk knob on there. Just shot with it today and I agree it really is so much better. Could pretty much run action with just my thumb if I wanted to.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Was able to get some range time with mine yesterday. It's a winner for sure.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

My factory bolt handle came off using the short side inserted of the included Allen wrench. It was tight but broke free with some persuasion. Just make sure you install the bridge w/ the bolt side down. ?

 

[beetroot]

What about the handle makes it easier /quicker to cycle?
Is it that it's now closer to your trigger, or just a easier position to reach?

My T1x is so much faster to cycle than my CZ452, it's hard to see how the handle would be a significant improvement?

 

[Kisssofdeath]

What about the handle makes it easier /quicker to cycle?
Is it that it's now closer to your trigger, or just a easier position to reach?

My T1x is so much faster to cycle than my CZ452, it's hard to see how the handle would be a significant improvement?

The swept design eliminates the forward motion of the hand that is needed to reach the factory handle. It is quite a bit faster.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

What about the handle makes it easier /quicker to cycle?
Is it that it's now closer to your trigger, or just a easier position to reach?

My T1x is so much faster to cycle than my CZ452, it's hard to see how the handle would be a significant improvement?

I felt the same way about the factory bolt. I can tell you it's night and day. It moves it closer and there's more leverage and it operates naturally and smoothly. There's at least three separate ways you could operate this bolt efficiently. My issue is deciding on which way I like best, they all work well, and to train with that method only.

Buy one. If you hate it, I bet you could sell it for what you paid.

 

[beetroot]

I felt the same way about the factory bolt. I can tell you it's night and day. It moves it closer and there's more leverage and it operates naturally and smoothly. There's at least three separate ways you could operate this bolt efficiently. My issue is deciding on which way I like best, they all work well, and to train with that method only.

Buy one. If you hate it, I bet you could sell it for what you paid.

Unfortunately they are all out of stock at the moment, so I'll going to put my name down for the next batch.
The looks alone were enough to swing me, but if its practical too, then it's just win win!

 

[littlepod]

+1 on everything positive about the Sterk Swept Back

Mine got loose I thought I had loctited both the screws, but the inner one was loose, so the whole thing was a bit loose. It was a bitch taking it back off, as my outer screw was loctited really firm and I ended up having to get a blow dryer to really heat it up for it to come loose, then I reloctited and tightened everything back down last night

 

[bunsen27]

Unfortunately they are all out of stock at the moment, so I'll going to put my name down for the next batch.
The looks alone were enough to swing me, but if its practical too, then it's just win win!

This site still has 3 in stock:

Tikka :: Tactical Works, Inc

 

[bunsen27]

I received mine today and it is awesome!! Range session tomorrow.

I will second that removing the Tikka factory handle will take a breaker/cheater bar and or heat. I used a box wrench looped over the short end of the provided hex key (thank you Sterk!). I also found that applying a little heat to the bolt body - bolt handle junction enabled me to break the factory screw free with the improvised breaker bar.

 

[Boltman82]

I really want one of these....you guys aren't helping

 

[013]

I didn’t know they came chromed as well.

Mine is coming direct from the Land Down Under. It entered the US via New York yesterday, and I should get it on Tuesday.

 

[013]

Are you removing the old handle with the bolt in the rifle, or out of the rifle?

 

[littlepod]

I took my bolt out when I was removing the old handle. Easier to rotate and access. Also when loctiting things down, let it sit & dry before working it.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

In. I had it on the tripod at just about eye level. I had no issues removing the original. I made sure the included Allen wrench was securely seated and gave her a solid twist once I felt the resistance in the wrench and it broke free. I could tell it was tight by the way it broke free. My tripod/mount is solid to work with as well. Way better than on a bench resting on the bipod. If you have a gun vice, I would advice you use that.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Also, I realized yesterday that the Sterk bolt handle was near invisible to me during my match. Meaning I really didn't think about it at all. Which, I believe, is about he best compliment I can give it. It just worked. It didn't hinder me, it was comfortable, and it was natural.

I can 100% say; Get this bolt handle. It WILL improve your experience and you can tell everyone it improved your accuracy too. ?

 

[littlepod]

Also, I realized yesterday that the Sterk bolt handle was near invisible to me during my match. Meaning I really didn't think about it at all. Which, I believe, is about he best compliment I can give it. It just worked. It didn't hinder me, it was comfortable, and it was natural.

I can 100% say; Get this bolt handle. It WILL improve your experience and you can tell everyone it improved your accuracy too. ?

Me too! I did an official NRL22 match and I didn't once think about the bolt. Everything cycled flawlessly and quick. One of the quickest times especially on one of the stages where I was running behind on the last positional element (in between the chair back / seat) and I had to let loose 3 rounds on a new target with 8s left on the clock.

 

[cannoncrossfire]

@Jefe's Dope @littlepod That's great feedback and I'm glad to hear it for the new T1x design handle - i don't think there's any handle out there with the same attachment method, so it's good to hear positive experiences, especially under the pressure of competing.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

@cannoncrossfire you should be proud. It's VERY good. As I've stated, I wasn't even looking for a replacement. Thought I'd give it a try and now I'll never be the same. There will be one on my Tac A1 very soon. Likely a Bravo stock too. ?

 

[013]

Today's the day, the day my sterk it's supposed to be delivered. The day I must battle with the removal of the mighty powerful OEM handle.

I got myself ready, couple push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups for good measure. Warmed up my manly hands and manly forearms with a couple of sets on the old Captains of Crunch hand grips. Busted out the gas torch and breaker bar just in case I needed backup.

As I approached the bolt with the hex key in my right hand, I could feel the excitement and anticipation building up. From all the battle stories told here on the hide, I knew it was going to be a tough task, but I was ready.

I quickly grabbed the bolt, secured it in my left hand, swiftly inserted the hex key and engaged the bolt. Firm grip. Exhaled three or four times, here we go. It's the moment of truth.

Ready to unleash a tonnage of force and ... the bolt broke free with maybe 15 lbs of torque if that much.

That's it. Nothing to see here. Move along. The bolt didn't even have Loctite on it. I feel cheated! lol

 

[013]

This is not good! Item shows delivered but it's not in my mailbox! Gotta love USPS!

 

[013]

Went to the post office. They basically told me that the item was delivered. They could not comprehend that even though the status showed delivered, it was not in my mailbox. I suggested that maybe the carrier made a mistake and miss delivered it, to contact the carrier. All they kept repeating was that it was delivered. Basically telling me I was lying.

When they saw I was not going to take that for an answer, they told me I needed to come back at 8:30 pm to talk to the carrier when she returns. Post office closes at 7 pm. lol

Asked to speak with a supervisor, he's on vacation. Basically they just wanted to get rid of me.

After 1 hour of them giving the run around, I finally spoke with some kind of "package recovery specialist". He took my info and said he would talk to the carrier.

I'm not holding my breath. Unless it was misdelivered to one of my immediate neighbors, my guess is my package is gone forever.
Not sure how to proceed from here. Maybe contact Delta Tactical an see if they insured the package, or call my credit card to see if my purchase is covered for loss or theft. This blows!

 

[littlepod]

Man that that's horrible. Sorry for your situation. I hope it turns up. I was very anxious about my Sterk delivery from AUS. When I got the delivery notification I called my neighbor since I was at work to scan my front door to pick up anything. They didn't see anything so I panicked and ran home. Found it in my mailbox since it was smallenough to fit in there.

Good luck finding it!

 

[013]

Man that that's horrible. Sorry for your situation. I hope it turns up. I was very anxious about my Sterk delivery from AUS. When I got the delivery notification I called my neighbor since I was at work to scan my front door to pick up anything. They didn't see anything so I panicked and ran home. Found it in my mailbox since it was smallenough to fit in there.

Good luck finding it!

Thanks! I left a note for the mail carrier in my mailbox. Hopefully she finds it if she missorted it, or a neighbor brings it to me if it’s in their mailbox. Otherwise I’ll just have to bite it and declare it a loss. Don’t think there is much I can do since it shows delivered.

 

[kentuckyMarksman]

Had an item get delivered by USPS once. It showed as delivered but the item was no where to be found. I called the post office and they said that if it showed as delivered then it was delivered and there was no way that it wasn't delivered. I called them several times and was told this each time. 3 weeks later, the item finally showed up in my mailbox... Hopefully you'll get your package.

 

[013]

Had an item get delivered by USPS once. It showed as delivered but the item was no where to be found. I called the post office and they said that if it showed as delivered then it was delivered and there was no way that it wasn't delivered. I called them several times and was told this each time. 3 weeks later, the item finally showed up in my mailbox... Hopefully you'll get your package.

Thanks!

 

[013]

Well my note worked. The post lady left me a note saying that she knew exactly who she delivered it to as soon as she read it and she went and got it. She's cool. I like her. However the ass wipes at the station, not so much! Can't believe this had me so worked up. I guess I just really dislike dealing with the people at my local post office.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Well my note worked. The post lady left me a note saying that she knew exactly who she delivered it to as soon as she read it and she went and got it. She's cool. I like her. However the ass wipes at the station, not so much! Can't believe this had me so worked up. I guess I just really dislike dealing with the people at my local post office.

Best to make friends with your local mail carrier. Tips at Christmas and such. They'll remember you.

 

[013]

Best to make friends with your local mail carrier. Tips at Christmas and such. They'll remember you.

Yea we've always given our mailman a present for Christmas. He retired last year. She's new, but we hooked her up this past Christmas too, and I always make it a point to say hello and talk to her when I catch her on Saturdays. Guess it paid off! lol
I'm still worked up! Will be going to the gym later today to burn up some of that bottled energy!

Anyways here it is, finally, the Sterk!

 

[cannoncrossfire]

@013 That's such a relief! Would have been useless to anyone else and a real shame for it to disappear.

 

[013]

@013 That's such a relief! Would have been useless to anyone else and a real shame for it to disappear.

For sure! And thank you for being concerned. I really appreciate it!

 

[013]

 

[littlepod]

Man I want to go shooting tonight looking at these pictures...

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I shoot at night but not tonight.

 

[tinman52]

That happened to me also. My neighbor had it