Tikka 12-70 3” ?

[stephen novick]

I just purchased a very nice Tikka 12-70. I’m going crazy wondering if I can use 3” Turkey load. I’m sure 70 means 70mm. But if this gun is from the 70’s or 80’s There is now way 3” was available. Can anyone give me some insight. The 3 1/2 shell fits in entirely. So I’m guessing I’m ok. But now I’m thinking of the cone at the end of barrel. Has anyone shot these with 3”

 

[paulsonconstruction]

70mm is 2.76". Whether the "70" represents the shell length or not, I don't know. I shot a ton of 3" shells back in the 1970's & up until now in guns so marked. I had a Browning Superposed O/U from the 60's that was chambered for 3" shells, so I'm sure they were available. 3-1/2" shells haven't been around for that long. I'm guessing around 25 years or so. Not sure what you mean by "cone" at the end of the barrel, as the end of the barrel is "choked" to control pattern size/density. Never "guess" about anything when it comes to pulling the trigger. Surely your shotgun is stamped in some fashion to denote chamber length to conform to CIP standards. Take pics of all the stampings on the shotgun & post them & our members may be able to help you.

 

[stephen novick]

Thanks Bloo .

 

[stephen novick]

I bought a box of Remington nitro 2 3/4 today . I’m not even going to chance anything. Don’t see any markings on exterior of barrel. They must be somewhere else

 

[stephen novick]

Sorry Thanks Paul I thought Bloo was on thread. I had no idea 3” 3 1/2 in was out in those days . Unless ammo was just in Duck hunting options I did not know there was Turkey ammo in 3” back then

 

[Bucktote]

70mm is 2.76". Whether the "70" represents the shell length or not, I don't know. I shot a ton of 3" shells back in the 1970's & up until now in guns so marked. I had a Browning Superposed O/U from the 60's that was chambered for 3" shells, so I'm sure they were available. 3-1/2" shells haven't been around for that long. I'm guessing around 25 years or so. Not sure what you mean by "cone" at the end of the barrel, as the end of the barrel is "choked" to control pattern size/density. Never "guess" about anything when it comes to pulling the trigger. Surely your shotgun is stamped in some fashion to denote chamber length to conform to CIP standards. Take pics of all the stampings on the shotgun & post them & our members may be able to help you.

Gentlemen,
To answer the question about "forcing cones" There are two cones involved in a shotgun barrel. The first is after the breach area where the shell resides, the forcing cone there is sometimes after market made longer, as this somewhat smooths the shot in transition down the barrel then into the choke cone, which is often lengthened as well thus reducing felt "kick". It is used by many trap & skeet competition shooters. As for the shell length, as Mr. Paulson shows the shell length looks like a 2 3/4" shell is safe. You should contact Valmet & Tika to be sure. Hope this helps, Best of luck B/T
Edit !. Mr. Paulson ,I had a Citori O/U that shot 3 1/2" shells that I shot ONCE!! & never again with 3 1/2" shells. It was a most unpleasant experience!!

 

[HelSako]

What is the model of your gun?

 

[paulsonconstruction]

Sorry Thanks Paul I thought Bloo was on thread. I had no idea 3” 3 1/2 in was out in those days . Unless ammo was just in Duck hunting options I did not know there was Turkey ammo in 3” back then

Did a little Google search & found the 3" 12 gauge shell was introduced in 1935 & the 20 gauge 3" hit the market in 1954. Mossberg introduced the 3-1/2" chambered shotgun in 1988 & Federal made the shells to fit it. Unless you are shooting steel shot the 3-1/2" shells are superfluous, IMHO. Also found that a Cabela's in Pennsylvania has a used 12-70 12ga/222 Rem combo listed & it is chambered for 2-3/4" shells. Found another site that reviewed the Tikka with O/U shotgun barrels & claimed it had 3" chambers. Just FYI.

 

[stephen novick]

Thank you Paul. Talked to the guy that sold it to me. He said better stick with 2 3/4

 

[stephen novick]

Tonight I’m gonna inspect gun for #

 

[stephen novick]

My daughter has a coyote Den behind her house . Coyote’s make and the female came after him. He is a Big Husky . Pups must be n the ground. They did a # on him. So I’m going in the next day or so. Remington Nitro it is

 

[stephen novick]

Most coyotes are smarter than me . If I get lucky I’ll post pics of Wiley and the Nikka

 

[Bucktote]

A lighted railroad flair in the den, & an auto loading shot gun with 4 or 6 shot may do a lot in eliminating the coyote problem, just MHO!! B/T

 

[stephen novick]

Bucktote have you been watching the Roadrunner cartoons lately?

 

[icebear]

12/70 is standard European notation for a 12 gauge, 70mm chamber which equates to 2-3/4". That is the size specified by the manufacturer and I, for one, am not inclined to try anything longer even though it will chamber. A 12 gauge 3" chamber would be marked 12/76. The vast majority of Tikka shotguns have 70mm chambers. The only 3" chambers might be on a late 512 double.

The chamber marking will be on the barrels near the breech. If I remember correctly, Tikka marks them on the left side. The chamber markings may be visible with the gun open, or you may have to remove the barrels to see them.

Is your gun an over/under or a combination gun? What model?

 

[stephen novick]

Thank you Icebear

 

[Bucktote]

Bucktote have you been watching the Roadrunner cartoons lately?

No, Just have a way of getting things done!! USAF/SAC

 

[stephen novick]

My buddy drives a CSX train I got plenty of flares

 

[stephen novick]

The guys that drive the Norfolk Southern throws their flares under the wheels

 

[cat9]

The vast majority of Tikka shotguns have 70mm chambers. The only 3" chambers might be on a late 512 double.

My Tikka 512S shotgun reads 2 3/4" and 3 ".