Tikka T3 owners.... blued v stainless

[C h r i s]

The issues with Stainless Tikka's rusting are well documented, both on here and elsewhere - and I've experienced this also (including Sakos), I don’t want to resurrect the 'crappy stainless' debate.

One rifle I've never owned is a blued Tikka T3.

I've read a few horror stories on 'other forums' about blued T3's rusting after brief exposure to rain/damp, with orange external metalwork and seemingly terminal bore damage, but I take these comments with a pinch of salt as its never clear as to how the rifle was treated immediately after its soaking.

However, can any Tikka T3 owners with blued rifles comment on whether they have noticed issues with corrosion that seem to be a lot worse than any other blued rifle?

Reason being is that I've got the option of either finishes on a new T3x, so some background info is always handy...

Many thanks.

 

[nun_hunter]

I have two Tac A1s (at home and one at work) the one at home has a single tiny rust spot on the barrel where a drop of blood got on it and I didn't realise and was there for a while in the cabinet. It's lift a small mark, not very obvious but I know it's there. My work one has been out in pouring rain for hours at a time and doesn't have a single mark on it. It's liberally covered in oil after a wipe down and I make sure oil gets into all the small gaps to keep the water out of those.

From my experience if you look after it then no worse than any other blued rifle and seems better than my stainless Howa that has numerous small rust marks and hasn't even been out in the rain!

 

[ColinBr]

My silver (they aint stainless) Tikka has some orange to the outside of it, where as my blued Tikka is spotless. Take what you will of that

 

[Jon P]

I have both stainless and a blued tikka T3 lite. Never get any major issues with rust on the blued one, just wipe it over with a oily rag as any other gun. I have had some rust on the stainless if put away wet. Just have to look after them all a bit in wet weather.

 

[alan123shooting]

No problems with my blued T3 as above a wipe over with an oily rag

 

[User00040]

The issues with Stainless Tikka's rusting are well documented, both on here and elsewhere - and I've experienced this also (including Sakos), I don’t want to resurrect the 'crappy stainless' debate.

One rifle I've never owned is a blued Tikka T3.

I've read a few horror stories on 'other forums' about blued T3's rusting after brief exposure to rain/damp, with orange external metalwork and seemingly terminal bore damage, but I take these comments with a pinch of salt as its never clear as to how the rifle was treated immediately after its soaking.

However, can any Tikka T3 owners with blued rifles comment on whether they have noticed issues with corrosion that seem to be a lot worse than any other blued rifle?

Reason being is that I've got the option of either finishes on a new T3x, so some background info is always handy...

Many thanks.

Would not waste money on a new T3x, buy an older T3 and get it cerakoted.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

All steel rusts

Look after it

My tikka is blued, has a pitted bore from abuse and still shoots better than most

Bit of rust never hurt

 

[C h r i s]

Will get it cerakoted, any recommendations? Ideally someone that doesnt take 6 months....

 

[User00040]

Will get it cerakoted, any recomendations? Ideally someone that doesnt take 6 months....

If resale value is of no consideration, may I suggest 'Bubba's Cerakote'?

 

[C h r i s]

I think I'll try Liquid Steel Design, not too far away.

 

[paultap]

I have a blued Tikka T3, I keep all the blued surfaces well oiled, there is not a bit of rust on it anywhere. I was thinking of getting it cerakoted but so far there has been no need. If I were to use it in frequent wet, damp or particularly harsh conditions, I would probably get it cerakoted for peace of mind though.

 

[Farmer_J]

No problem with my blued t3x used in all weathers. A wipe over with an oily cloth after and no signs of rust. Can’t say the same for my bros tikka stainless barrel

 

[paulbshooting]

I went blued and had it cerokoted black, the barrel, action and bolt.

 

[8x57]

Will get it cerakoted, any recommendations? Ideally someone that doesnt take 6 months....

Tac Coatings - Specialist Coatings

TAC Coatings UK provide specialist firearm and high end equipment coating services. Specialising in tactical applications for military, law enforcement and shooting sports customers.

www.taccoatings.co.uk

Highly recommended.

 

[Pete1774]

Interesting paper on Stainless Steel rust resistance and cleaning which might answer some questions.

How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel and Keep it Off!

What's the best way to remove rust from stainless steel surfaces and stop it from coming back? Get tips for rust removal and rust resistant coatings.

www.silcotek.com

 

[Muir]

I have both stainless and a blued tikka T3 lite. Never get any major issues with rust on the blued one, just wipe it over with a oily rag as any other gun. I have had some rust on the stainless if put away wet. Just have to look after them all a bit in wet weather.

This.~Muir

 

[8x57]

I believe that many shooters confuse Stain less with stainproof.

 

[Mossypaw]

Why not get a factory cerakote finished one ?

 

[C h r i s]

Why not get a factory cerakote finished one ?

6 to 9 month wait on the longer barrel lengths in cerakote finish

 

[JTO]

6 to 9 month wait on the longer barrel lengths in cerakote finish

It was 6-9 months, without cerakoting, last September, and I'm still waiting.