Tikka T3 / T3x - striker spring kit

Tikka T3 and T3x

Striker spring kit

This is a high quality striker spring kit for your Tikka T3 / T3x. We include a +10% power spring which can be used to remedy primer ignition issues caused by insufficient spring pressure or for those competition shooters looking to chase faster lock times. When stripping the bolt assembly for cleaning and maintenance, the firing pin is often overlooked. Our kit allows you to refurbish these critical components after a thorough cleaning rather than reinstall worn or damaged components.

Inclusions

• 1 x striker spring (factory power)
• 1 x striker spring (+10% power)
• 1 x retaining collet
• 3 x 5mm snap rings
  

Construction

The striker springs and snap ring are made from stainless steel spring wire and the retaining collect is CNC machined from 17-4 grade stainless steel which has been hardened to 30 HRC then TiN coated (the original Tikka part is made from an aluminum alloy). The gold color on the collet is from the PVD coating process and is not seen upon bolt reassembly.

Recommended Tools (minimum)

• Engineers offset vise (to be modified as detailed below which requires a hand drill and HSS bits)
• Small nylon-jawed pliers (we use bracelet bending pliers bought from ebay)
  
• Small needle nose pliers
• 1200 grit aluminum oxide paper
• G96 gun treatment or a similar product
  
• Microfibre cloth

Fitting Guide

This can be a difficult part to replace and is best done in a modified offset vise. The disassembly then reassembly under spring pressure is what makes it difficult. The following steps are how we install this kit which is also shown in the image gallery. If in doubt we recommend a gunsmith installation.

1. Wear safety glasses and do not stand in front of the compressed firing pin assembly at anytime.
   
2. The firing pin can be compressed safely in a modified engineers offset vise (or similar). The vise will need a minimum of two small holes drilled in adjacent surfaces. The firing pin hole for assembly needs to be 5mm or 13/64", and the cocking indicator hole needs to be 6.5mm or 17/64" (see image gallery). The alignment of these holes needs to account for the offset of the cocking indicator to the firing pin axis (the cocking indicator orbits the firing pin). Drill the firing pin hole first then position the assembly to mark out the position for drilling the cocking indicator hole.
   
3. Secure the firing pin assembly by inserting both ends into these holes ensuring a snug fit. Slowly close the vise jaws sufficiently to compress the striker spring so that the snap ring contained underneath the collet is exposed. We also drill a third, slightly larger firing pin hole (5.5mm) for the disassembly step which allows the snap ring to travel through the vise face but locks against the collet. This is optional but makes disassembly easier in our experience.
   
4. The snap ring can be pried open using the tips of two small stanley screwdrivers or a similar tool and then pulled out using nylon-jawed pliers.
   
5. Dispose of the old snap ring and slowly open the vise jaws, removing the firing pin assembly once the striker spring is fully decompressed.
   
6. Thoroughly clean the firing pin and other components to be retained, remove any burrs (see steps below in 'Maintenance')
7. Reassemble using our spring kit by repeating the process above however install the snap ring in front of the collect prior to inserting it back into the vise ensuring the firing pin is in the 5mm sized hole. The new snap ring will expand as it is pushed over the diameter of the firing pin and then close again once it reaches the slot.
   
8. Once the snap ring sits into the slot, use the nylon-jawed pliers to pull back the collet, then compress the snap ring using small needle nose pliers or a similar tool so that it can then fit under the new collet. Opening the vise whilst squeezing the edge of the snap ring will see it slide under the collet. Ensure the new snap ring is completely enclosed by the new collet.
   

Maintenance

Clean all scale and debris off the firing pin using a suitable gun solvent and then inspect the pin surface to ensure it is burr free. Any burrs can be removed to achieve a smooth/polished surface by using the 1200 grit wet and dry paper. Using an ultrasonic cleaner works well for really dirty firing pins. Spray the firing pin with G96 and cleaning thoroughly using a microfibre cloth until it is touch dry, don't apply grease anywhere. Our entire kit is made from stainless steel and is resistant to corrosion. Discoloration around the tip of the firing pin is normal and is due to the heat treatment applied during manufacture.