Gunsmithing Tikka 300 Win Mag Extended COAL Modifications

[wpeach1912]

I have a t3x in 300 win mag that I have been looking into putting a different bottom metal on so I can run bullets out longer. I can easily get a bottom metal that will take long action AICS (3.715") mags, but I've read a few things about having too make other mods to make it work. Just sizing up with a 3.340" loaded round it looks like I could pull the little metal tab off the front of the trigger and have close to 3.715" open in the magwell. Has anyone else modified a Tikka to shoot extended COAL long action rounds?

 

[Eric_F]

If you're running the factory bottom metal and mags, you'll want that tab. There's and XL bolt stop and aftermarket bottom metals like Red Snake Tactical that can get you into long action AICS mags. If you're trying to stick with factory mags you'll be limited though.

 

[wpeach1912]

I ended up getting a mountain tactical long action AICS bottom metal. I removed the tab shown in this picture and had the front of the trigger machined down to be flush with the cap screw on the trigger. The bottom metal dropped right into the stock, and I had to cut a little bit off the top of front and back of my MDT long action (3.715”) mags to get them to go in. The original action screws work with the mountain tactical dbm as well