Plastic plugs in the top of my new T-3

[Homesteader]

Just wondering if anybody knows any tricks to remove the scope base plugs on the new T-3's. They are plastic and the head wants to strip off before the screw even thinks about turning. Maybe I should heat up the receiver?
What doe's everyone else think?

Thanks, Homesteader

 

[Why not?]

Plastic filler screws? Man, they certainly utilize plastic on those rifles, don't they!

Ted

 

[guntech]

Pick them out with a small sharp point, that's what I had to do... I am not even sure they are threaded...

 

[madtrapper143]

The plugs in my old Marlin 336 .35 REM are steel. Alot to be said about a rifle made with steel......... Just kidding I can't believe that the use of plastics has gone that far. What next plastic cartridge cases?
cheers Darryl (I know I live in the past)

 

[Mike]

Someone came into the shop a while ago with a piece of equipment worth a few thousand dollars that had 2 plastic screws with the heads busted off. The manufacturer had very detailed torque specs on the pieces and said that the owner of the equipment had over tightened the screws (well duhh!) and they would remove the screws and replace them for $100 + shipping.

I found a small flat screwdriver and ground the tip to fit, heated the tip and touched it to the plastic to make a slot. Let the plastic cool down and then turn out the remainder of the screw.

 

[David Henry]

Tikka T3

The plugs in the scope base screw holes on the T3,s are not threaded and generally will not reverse out of the hole. I just drive them right through into the inside of the reciever and shake them out of the bolt raceway after.One problem that you may encounter is the odd piece of scuffed plastic in the thread which can interfere with the base screw. The solution is to turn a 6-48 tpi tap in the hole to remove all traces of plastic. I have to wonder what Tikka was thinking when they came up with this idea ?? David Henry.

 

[mark k]

I took a small torx bit and heated it 'till it was hot enough to melt the plastic. I then inserted it into the plugs and waited for them to cool. Then, simply screw them out. Works like a charm and it only takes about 10 minutes.
I imagine useing a allen key of a suitible size would work just the same.
Good luck. Mark K

 

[556NATO]

Cost reduction

I have to wonder what Tikka was thinking when they came up with this idea ?? David Henry.

It is all about the COST to manufacture, we are in a world where reducing cost adds to the bottom line or reduces cost to the consumer. It is all about the money.