Tikka repair with Beretta?

[texn]

Hey fellas, need some advice on what options I have for repairing or replacing my cheek riser on my Tikka tac 308.

I purchased the rifle a couple years ago. I like the function of a mechanical cheek riser on my rifles, and this was a big selling point for me when I purchased it. A few weeks ago, the cheek riser mechanism failed and would no longer hold at any position. I have resorted to using a towel stuffed under it to hold while I shoot. This is unacceptable for a long term solution.
I don’t really want to spend big money on a new chassis. I would rather have it fixed or the components replaced. I am not a fan of the “cheek pad” that many people strap to their rifles. I don’t want to go that route.

I took it to a gunsmith and he said the internal components of the cheek riser have failed, and are not able to be repaired. I called a Berretta service center last week, who is apparently just a third-party gun shop that does repairs for Beretta. They said that I needed to contact “Tikka” directly to inquire about getting a replacement stock. I assume they meant Beretta, and not actually Tikka. I then called Beretta around 3 pm that same day and got some answering machine, so I left a message. Its disappointing that no one at Beretta is there to answer the phones during business hours.

That was a week ago and I haven’t heard a peep. So what would yall recommend at this point? I am open to ideas to get my rifle back up and running.

 

[SubOptimal]

There isn't going to be much "mechanism" in there. I assume that there is some form of thumb screw or socket head screw holing the pillars for adjustment. It could be that the threaded portion that resides in the stock has stripped within the stock. If you are handy with tools and can handle insertion of a new threaded piece, it shouldn't be too hard to replace.
Look around the trap clubs in your area and see if you can't get some recommendations from those guys on a smith or stock maker who will undertake the repair.
It really won't be complex from a mechanical point of view, more of a cosmetic issue if stock material has to be removed.

 

[Triggered]

I'm a big Sako guy, so inherently promote Tikka and their products cause they're pretty much the same in my book...

I've never needed Sako for customer service reasons, yet at least. But I have heard similar stories of having to go through Beretta as the importer and being told to directly contact the manufacturer and then it just turns into a communication circle, or lack of communication.

To say the least, customer service communication could be improved, and you're perhaps seeing that.

I would say shoot over an email as well or call again. I tried to get ahold of LWRC the other week and never got a peep, which for selling $3000+ rifles, you think they ought to get back to you.

Back to your problem....it seems like a job the majority of smiths would be able to tackle. I see no reason why you would have to get a new stock, unless the inner workings are totally inaccessible.

Worst case, you could shop around for the same replacement stock. I had a Sako A7 .308 in a Bell and Carlson stock that I really liked, I'm not sure what their Tikka compatibility is like, but I believe they have now come out with adjustable cheek models as well.

Just my suggestions. Hope you can get it sorted!

 

[pell1203]

Buy more towels?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[CharlieNC]

Is your gunsmith a machinist? Find a small machine shop and they should be able to come up with a fix. I would think inserts could be used to replace the towel to hold the riser as a short term option.

 

[David4570]

If the threads are stripped somewhere in that support system, you should look at threaded inserts like the Heli-Coil.

 

[Brux]

Try contacting Berretta USA again,you might have to stay on hold for a while but somebody will eventually pick up the phone.Remember if you do any alterations or have any other work done by somebody else it will void your warrenty with Tikka.

 

[alexander66]

I sent in a couple rifles and a biypod to Berretta for repair and got it all done at no charge, and all in a reasonable time frame and they did not charge me. I had a good experience with their customer service contact to date and they saved me over $1,000.00 dollars. Give them a call.

 

[FIREBALL_BRIAN]

Beretta and tikka customer service is terrible.
Worst I have encountered. Use a 3rd party approved customer service or deal with the one customer warranty person David at Beretta.
They make you pay for shipping. I'm just not used to this service. I resolved my items myself