Thread: After market barrel fluting of tikka barrels

Has anyone experienced any accuracy/other issues with aftermarket barrel fluting of Tikka T3 barrels?

Reason being i currently have a 308 with factory fluted barrel and carbon stock and its great - accurate and excellent to carry. Was hoping to do the same with a second hand T3 300wsm albeit with a slightly longer barrel.
So after feedback negative or otherwise.

Ideally the barrel should be annealed before fluting to remove any stresses, otherwise distortion of the bore can occur. Cut rifling isn't as prone to in as buttoned.

Ok thanks guys. So I assume with the reputable gunsmiths - DPT, Gunworks etc the risks would be low?

Be fine if done by people who know what they doing. Heaps out there that been done including one I own.

Could be fine, could bugger it, but is it worth the risk and cost to save a few ounces on an already light rifle?

Where did you get you one done stagstalker?

Mate had one done by gunworks in 7mm rem mag and that thing was a laser before and after.

Originally Posted by stagstalker

Be fine if done by people who know what they doing. Heaps out there that been done including one I own.

Where did you get it done?

My opinion of barrel and bolt fluting is the only weight it saves is the load it takes off your wallet. It may be done for appearence reasons but that's just vanity like having a Louis Vuitton day pack and Jimmy Choo tramping boots.
If you want the look buy direct from the factory it avoids problems should a warranty be involved.
Ultimately it's your rifle and you can do what you want but as you have probably already surmised it's not for me.

Thanks Guys for all your input - much appreciated.
It looks like on balance there is a risk although small and combined with the cost vs weight reduction probably not worth it - better to invest that money into the CF stock.
Have a great New Year.
Ed

The one I own was done by DPT. Yeah it doesn’t do a lot for weight saving but it does something which all adds up to something. Who cares if other people think it’s a waste of time, if you want it then do it. Wallets are never happy when doing fun stuff with rifles.

@stagstalker Wallets are never happy when doing fun stuff in any hobby

Originally Posted by Marty Henry

My opinion of barrel and bolt fluting is the only weight it saves is the load it takes off your wallet. It may be done for appearence reasons but that's just vanity like having a Louis Vuitton day pack and Jimmy Choo tramping boots.
If you want the look buy direct from the factory it avoids problems should a warranty be involved.
Ultimately it's your rifle and you can do what you want but as you have probably already surmised it's not for me.

Good points, and I share your opinions.

On the subject of warranty issues, I would say most of us void the warranty as soon as we have barrels threaded. My two T3s have had the face of the action machined off and traditional style recoil lugs fitted. One has a Bartlein barrel and the other has a factory barrel that started as a 7-08 and is now a .284 Win. I think my warranties are well and truely buggered

As soon as you fire hand loaded ammo you void any warranty. Mind you, who would admit to using handloads if taking your rifle back with an issue.