Tikka t3 stainless

[Rusty Gate]

Defo a change in quality during costing/manufacture. I read a few replies on here & to be fair apart from it being such a stupidly shirt amount of time, I bet you've owned blued/been out in weather & not had rust yeah?

This isn't the first thread I've seen on this. I have a T3 blued from the Sportsman, seven years, all weather & not a mark. My permissions are next to the sea!

I'm in the middle of deciding 6.5 Sweede/x47 or 260 & just narrowed my options down a bit I think.

Shame, love the one I got.

 

[Rusty Gate]

Its good to read these comments, all of them. From a person just about to purchase a Tikka t3x and considering the benefits/cost of the cerakote version. Is it really worth it? What everyone opinion?

I'm looking at Steyer now. Check Dolphin guns UK! Stalking one looks nice, look up the Magpul £1500 caught my eye.

 

[Hudson12]

Don’t get me wrong though I love the gun just a bit gutted about the rust spots I might add my gun shop said straight away fetch it back that’s not good I would of but I’m out this weekend so returning it will have to wait

 

[Superdrazy]

I'm looking at Steyer now. Check Dolphin guns UK! Stalking one looks nice, look up the Magpul £1500 caught my eye.

I got rid off my steyr pro hunter as it wasn't good and very long and the stock is like jelly. Hollow plasticky stock . And the stainless steel had a little bit of rust too but underneath. Definitely more rust resistant tho . The rifle was 15 year old

 

[imnotrucknut]

I've two tikka stainless and although I haven't had rust issues I have noticed a discoloration in places that have been exposed to water. I do however clean with oil after a downpour and dry according

 

[Rusty Gate]

I got rid off my steyr pro hunter as it wasn't good and very long and the stock is like jelly. Hollow plasticky stock . And the stainless steel had a little bit of rust too but underneath. Definitely more rust resistant tho . The rifle was 15 year old

I favour the longer barrel, its why it's on my list. the flexi fore end can be stiffened up fairly easily if needed my T3 lite is synthetic anyway. Cheers for the heads up mind. Fifteen years is SOME minor improvement over a few weeks, I wouldnt have expected any on a Tikka.

 

[Superdrazy]

Just clarify . My new tikka has never seen rain or been out at night.
Today is the second time it came of the safe

Further investigation I've noticed this.
I had oiled it after the first use and straight in the safe.



Is there anything I can do to clean it up and prevent further rust ?

 

[Hudson12]

Just the same as mine

 

[Hudson12]

Mine will be going back

 

[rob4586]

All interesting to read, albeit a little frustrating for those of us affected.

I'm still battling my case, but the corrosion on my rifle is so severe that pitting has occurred. It's been blamed on poor maintenance on my behalf, but I can assure I've cared for the rifle as recommended. I've only ever used a moderator for a period of hours on my rifle in it's 4 month life as I generally don't need a mod where I shoot. Always cleaned and oiled appropriately.

Something isn't right - probably a reduction in the Chromium/Stainless grade steel that has been used.

 

[patjack]

My last T3 in both senses of the word were similiar more rust spots about 2mm+ in size barrel + action as already stated even bead blasting made no difference seems deep in the poor quality stainless...

 

[Hudson12]

All interesting to read, albeit a little frustrating for those of us affected.

I'm still battling my case, but the corrosion on my rifle is so severe that pitting has occurred. It's been blamed on poor maintenance on my behalf, but I can assure I've cared for the rifle as recommended. I've only ever used a moderator for a period of hours on my rifle in it's 4 month life as I generally don't need a mod where I shoot. Always cleaned and oiled appropriately.

Something isn't right - probably a reduction in the Chromium/Stainless grade steel that has been used.

I’ve also cared for mine possibly better than recommended surely with a few coming back they must realise a problem we can’t be the only few

 

[rob4586]

I’ve also cared for mine possibly better than recommended surely with a few coming back they must realise a problem we can’t be the only few

Agreed buddy, initially GMK were very dismissive. I have put a formal complaint in though, so let's see what they do. It isn't right given what we spend on these tools.

 

[Hereford]

Friend of mine in the Signals had rusty hands - everything he touched would show rusty fingerprints with no manner of oil or protection preventing it - looks a bit like that in your photos.

 

[Hudson12]

Friend of mine in the Signals had rusty hands - everything he touched would show rusty fingerprints with no manner of oil or protection preventing it - looks a bit like that in your photos.

I deal with all grades of stainless steel most days at work and I’ve not come across it behaving like this I personally think it’s some form of cross contamination during manufacture.Bit like when a grinding disc or milling bit has been used on normal steel first

 

[Donnachaidh]

Just clarify . My new tikka has never seen rain or been out at night.
Today is the second time it came of the safe

Further investigation I've noticed this.
I had oiled it after the first use and straight in the safe. View attachment 134989View attachment 134990View attachment 134991

Is there anything I can do to clean it up and prevent further rust ?

Photo 2 is pretty much identical to my rifle. I've never experienced problems with surface rust during the 40 years I've owned blued-steel firearms.

 

[Superdrazy]

The shop has replied to my email. I don't think anything else will happen

 

[Rusty Gate]

I deal with all grades of stainless steel most days at work and I’ve not come across it behaving like this I personally think it’s some form of cross contamination during manufacture.Bit like when a grinding disc or milling bit has been used on normal steel first

But bead blasting & cleaning made no difference.....

 

[Hudson12]

But bead blasting & cleaning made no difference.....

Possibly cheap stainless made from second hand gear

 

[Rusty Gate]

Just the same as mine

If I were you guys on this thread I would be contacting each other to put in individual complaints & ready a collective letter to trading standards ( see citizens advice for consumer rights/fit for purpose) noting the same issue when your given the expected poor reply. The ones with the not so recent items will benefit through this approach also.

My feeling on Tikka's previous build quality is they may think these have been poorly maintined. If its brought to their attention fully & propperly I hope they find the supplier of the grade steel has a quality control issue, which they can claim back so why should you all lose out. They dont sell substandard over night for no hood reason, that's one reputation to look after for sure! So look after the customer.
Take the money & run day's are done.