Tikka T3X Bolt Disassembly Trick?

[StringBender]

Bought a new TAC A1. Thought I would diddle around with it while researching scopes/reticles/mounts. Watched several bolt disassembly videos and it is very straight forward. My problem is that the bolt handle seems to be wedged in tightly.....like there was an interference fit when it was assembled. I am confident that the firing pin assembly is in the correct position for removal, sitting loosely in the deep recessed area of the bolt. I tried lightly clamping the bolt assembly in a padded vice and tapping on the dove tailed area of the bolt handle with a wooded dowel to see if I could free it, but no luck. I don't want to get any more aggressive with it.....don't want to leave a mark. Further, it would seem unnecessary......the videos that I have seen show the bolt handle sliding out with little resistance once the pin assembly is in the correct position. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a trick?

 

[ruebarb]

Bought a new TAC A1. Thought I would diddle around with it while researching scopes/reticles/mounts. Watched several bolt disassembly videos and it is very straight forward. My problem is that the bolt handle seems to be wedged in tightly.....like there was an interference fit when it was assembled. I am confident that the firing pin assembly is in the correct position for removal, sitting loosely in the deep recessed area of the bolt. I tried lightly clamping the bolt assembly in a padded vice and tapping on the dove tailed area of the bolt handle with a wooded dowel to see if I could free it, but no luck. I don't want to get any more aggressive with it.....don't want to leave a mark. Further, it would seem unnecessary......the videos that I have seen show the bolt handle sliding out with little resistance once the pin assembly is in the correct position. Has anyone else experienced this. Is there a trick?

It is a common issue, it needs some encouragement, use a soft punch and give a good hit, after that I've had luck with some side to side. It'll come out with some convincing.

 

[StringBender]

Thanks ruebarb for your quick response. I will have to get a better hard wood dowel I guess. My first attempt was a cut down pine chop stick - mushroomed after a little spirited tapping - haha.

 

[derek1ee]

First, the firing pin may move front-to-back by a tiny amount after you rotate it to fired position with an allen key, try pull the handle with it forward and backward, I have an action where the handle would only slide out when it's fully forward. Once I figured out, I just point the bolt head down and pull the handle.

If that doesn't work, try using a punch. I have another action where it wouldn't come out by hand. I used a plastic punch that came with Dawson Precision sights and it did the trick.

 

[StringBender]

First, the firing pin may move front-to-back by a tiny amount after you rotate it to fired position with an allen key, try pull the handle with it forward and backward, I have an action where the handle would only slide out when it's fully forward. Once I figured out, I just point the bolt head down and pull the handle.

If that doesn't work, try using a punch. I have another action where it wouldn't come out by hand. I used a plastic punch that came with Dawson Precision sights and it did the trick.

Yes, tried this. She is wedged pretty good. I will work on finding or making a better "soft" punch when I get chance. Thank you!

 

[MarinePMI]

Use a brass punch. Wood will absorb too much of the strike, turn the strike into a push instead of a sharp impact. Brass won't harm the handle either.

 

[StringBender]

Got it. Thanks guys. I had a smaller brass hammer that I set on it and gave that hammer a rap with a little larger hammer.....did the trick.