I have owned a Tikka 658RH in 30-06 for about 15 years and I am currently trying to decide what to do with it. The action is beautiful, smooth as butter, and the trigger is great.
Got the rifle for 3 hours of work. Essentially free. No history on the rifle other than it wasn't stolen and the friend I got it from got it in a repossession he did as he is a bailiff.
The rifle came with the barrel EDM ported. I put a Leupold M8 4X scope on it and it shot like crap as in 6 to 8 MOA at 100 yards. Assuming the scope was unhappy because I bought it from a pawn shop for $50.00 I sent the scope to Leupold and they replaced the objective, re-charged it and re-set the reticles. 2 thumbs up for Leupold warranty. Shot a lot better but still 4 to 5 inch MOA and the occasional flyer.
I called Magnaport to see if the porting was the culprit and they said not our problem because the EDM porting was not done by them. I took it to a gunsmith and asked if the porting could be the cause of the problem and he said maybe. I said would it get any worse if the barrel was shortened and crowned and he said not likely. He did the work and the problem now is that I can shoot about 3 MOA at best at 100 yards and in most cases I get a 4 to 6 inch flyer as well. I have other rifles that I shot sub moa so I would like to think it is not me and I had others shoot with the same result. I have tried different types of ammo, 3 different Leupold scopes and 2 different base/ring combos and no joy. The rifle has sat as I have a few others that shoot better.
My choices now are:
My questions are:
What would be the best course of action or suggestions based on your experience?
Anybody here with experience or technical expertise on swapping barrels on the M658 or similar? Suggestions?
Ideas on how I could get this done for less money but good results?
I was looking at a Sako S20 Precision today and paying the extra money was tempting but I have more time than money most days so it will have to wait.
I am open to other opinions on the best course of action. Thanks in advance.
Got the rifle for 3 hours of work. Essentially free. No history on the rifle other than it wasn't stolen and the friend I got it from got it in a repossession he did as he is a bailiff.
The rifle came with the barrel EDM ported. I put a Leupold M8 4X scope on it and it shot like crap as in 6 to 8 MOA at 100 yards. Assuming the scope was unhappy because I bought it from a pawn shop for $50.00 I sent the scope to Leupold and they replaced the objective, re-charged it and re-set the reticles. 2 thumbs up for Leupold warranty. Shot a lot better but still 4 to 5 inch MOA and the occasional flyer.
I called Magnaport to see if the porting was the culprit and they said not our problem because the EDM porting was not done by them. I took it to a gunsmith and asked if the porting could be the cause of the problem and he said maybe. I said would it get any worse if the barrel was shortened and crowned and he said not likely. He did the work and the problem now is that I can shoot about 3 MOA at best at 100 yards and in most cases I get a 4 to 6 inch flyer as well. I have other rifles that I shot sub moa so I would like to think it is not me and I had others shoot with the same result. I have tried different types of ammo, 3 different Leupold scopes and 2 different base/ring combos and no joy. The rifle has sat as I have a few others that shoot better.
My choices now are:
- Sell the gun but I couldn't ethically sell it for full value as I know it shoots like crap. Result: Probably a couple hundred dollars in my pocket. Not my best option as I really like the rest of the gun and making some money on it is not a priority.
- Find an OEM barrel or another M658 with a compromised action but good barrel which I think would be near impossible given the limited run of these guns in Canada. Result: Get the gun back to stock and hopefully shooting accurately as close to new as possible. Unknown cost but probably under $500, I hope.
- Replace the barrel with a Tikka barrel from another rifle. Gunsmith here in BC offered a T3 stainless takeoff for about $850.00 installed. Would look a bit odd with the blued action but he said it could be Cerakoted to match at extra cost. Result: Also guaranteed accuracy to sub-MOA or better and would range test bullets for the best match before I get it back. Realistically a $1,000 bill or more once all the extras and shipping are accounted for.
- Replace the barrel with an aftermarket stainless barrel with chambering at about $820.00 through International Barrels. Result should be good and a little less cost, maybe.
- Just noticed a Tikka take off barrel for $180 online but I don't know if it can be fitted to the M658.
My questions are:
What would be the best course of action or suggestions based on your experience?
Anybody here with experience or technical expertise on swapping barrels on the M658 or similar? Suggestions?
Ideas on how I could get this done for less money but good results?
I was looking at a Sako S20 Precision today and paying the extra money was tempting but I have more time than money most days so it will have to wait.
I am open to other opinions on the best course of action. Thanks in advance.