You know how most folks say Tikka factory barrels are a PITA to remove and some say they spin off almost by hand. Well, in my case the first group was more accurate. I tried all the tricks I've read about. Soaking...not the Mormon way but actual penetrating oil. Broke out the cheater bar but that didn't work. Hitting the cheater with a 3lb sledge didn't work either. When heat didn't help I moved on to freezing the barreled action overnight and warming the action with mapp gas and repeating the above actions but no joy. When I was feeling defeated I reached for the hacksaw but remembered it was not on site. That left the 4" angle grinder and hopefully steady hands. I slowly opened a relief cut and checked torque as I went deeper. Prior to the cut 200 ft lbs wouldn't touch it. Post cut 160 ft lbs wouldn't budge it. After several cuts and tries the sledge was able to shock it loose. One smear of red loctite stick was visible on the threads.
So, next time I'll come prepared to lose the factory barrel if she doesn't go easy with a few taps.
So, next time I'll come prepared to lose the factory barrel if she doesn't go easy with a few taps.
