Stainless Tikka .243 exploded at the range today - lots of luck

[RifleReady]

stainless only

Am I understanding this defect is only in the stainless?

And if every serial number is a rifle that's 42,811 so what's up with that?:barf:

 

[Rivers]

(1) Tikkas and Sakos use the same barrels. (2) Fluting a barrel doesn't make it stiffer. (3) It's entirely possible that anybody filing a lawsuit will receive a substantial settlement, whether or not they suffered any physical damage. (4) This thread has nothing to do with whether stainless barrels are prone to explode...they aren't. Bad batch of steel.

 

[FirstFreedom]

It's entirely possible that anybody filing a lawsuit will receive a substantial settlement, whether or not they suffered any physical damage.

[emphasis mine]

No, it's not. I'm a lawyer, and the fact is that defendants (and their insurance companies) don't settle and cough up even a thin dime unless you can prove all the elements of your claim in court. If you were not injured at all, you have failed in one element of your personal injury damage claim (the only kind of claim that could result in a *sustantial* recovery). Now, if you were even *slightly* injured, then yes, you'd be able to squeeze out a settlement of *some* kind, in all liklihood, but certainly not a very large one, for scrapes, bruises and such. Now, if you have a minor injury (scrapes, bruises), AND had resulting serious mental anquish, night sweats, PTSD, etc, from the experience which requires mental health treatment, etc., they yes, your recovery could be substantial indeed. But they are not gonna pay for anything but the gun itself (and maybe a paltry goodwill amount, under $500 or so), just because it exploded and therefore you had a bad day (mental anguish alone, without physical injury) - at least under the U.S.A. common law. Now, in other countries, yes, quite possibly the law is different.

This thread has nothing to do with whether stainless barrels are prone to explode...they aren't. Bad batch of steel.

Also not really correct. Unless you're disputing what Meek and others have said, it may NOT have been just a 'bad batch of steel'. It could have been too quick of a cooling process during heat treatment; it could have been being held at the wrong pressure during same. So, since high-chromium steel *IS* in fact far more likely to end up bad if strict controls are not used, then this thread really IS about 'whether stainless barrels are more prone to explode', to a large extent, since they are *IF* (and only if) the manufacturer in question has *potential* quality control issues, given the senstivity of this type of steel, relative to low-chromium steels.

 

[rick_reno]

http://www.webcom.com/gun_guy/recalls.htm#BTS1

TIKKA - SAKO - BERETTA recall!
Since November 2004 a serious problem has surfaced affecting stainless steel Tikka and Sako rifles. There have been several instances of "self-destruction," some involving personal injury. Nothing has been posted (as of 12-26-2004) on any of the three Web sites. One user's report noted, referring to the SAKO Finnlite model, "They have all been pulled from the shelves." This is no minor problem as can be seen if you examine some of the photos here (scroll down to "Re: Sako Blow-up" posted by "Lawndart") you will see the a result one shooter. The current thinking is a problem with the stainless steel barrels and some report offers to replace just the barrel while others report offers to replace the entire rifle. A poster at another forum (http://tinyurl.com/6mfuo) wrote: "recall on [Tikka] T3 Stainless rifles with serial numbers starting with 419140 and going to 461951." This information should not, however, be accepted as all-inclusive. Several shooters wrote they had received a "recall notice" from Beretta. Also, several people provided telephone numbers: Beretta 800-636-3420; in Canada, contact Stoeger's 800-263-1945. Another shooter posted this information:
"I had one of the recalled rifles (.308). After a lot of research and BS'ing with people at Beretta's customer service I finally got the direct phone number (301)-283-2191. Cheryl (ext 1212) is in charge of this "situation" and was very helpfull (once she called me back). The best thing to do is to call that number then hit "0" for the receptionist. You won't get through to Cheryl but chances are you will get through to Peter. I spoke with him twice and he got my message to Cheryl with a quick response."

What comes through "loud and clear" is shooters' disgust with the Beretta-SAKO-Tikka hierachy which apparently is refusing to publish any useful or explanatory information on any of the three websites. If you even think you might have one of the affected products, do NOT attempt to fire the rifle without assurance from the manufacturer that your rifle is safe to fire. Websites: Tikka, SAKO, Beretta USA

Outdoor Life magazine noted, in mid-2005, that this recall was "...99 percent complete. The firearm's importer, Beretta USA, reported that all but 20 of the 2,700 guns affected by the recall had been returned or were in the process of being returned. At least six cases of rifle failure have been reported, according to the Outdoor Wire, with the most serious case occurring to a Washington shooter who broke bones in his hand when his gun barrel exploded."

 

[Eghad]

In the Guns May 2005 issue also.......

A bout 3,000 rifles sold under the Sako and Tikka labels have been recalled following catastrophic failures, but a small number of guns sold in the American market remain in the hands of owners who apparently have not heard about the recall. A weakness in the stainless steel used to manufacture rifles last year has led to ruptured barrels. Contact the Sako/Tikka Recall Center immediately at (800) 503-8869 with your rifle's serial number to find out if your firearm is affected.--Courtesy NSSF

 

[UniversalFrost]

Tikka/Sako/Baretta

Hi, other than the stainless models are any others affected? I saw a T3 tactical (not stainless) in 7.62 (.308) that blew up in almost the same way as the .243 stainless you are describing (but in 2003). Other than the mis-convienance of blowing up, the gun shot sub MOA for about the last 500 rounds as was a good target rifle. Tikka replaced the rifle for the guy no questions asked. I was considering picking up one of the stainless models in 7mm mag, but am thinking of going with a REM Sendero after reading this thread and I don't like how they are not advertising the recall (have been to Tikka website recently and never saw a thing about the stainless recall).

Thanks for the heads up..

Too bad they blow up rather often, other than that they are a smooth, accurate rifle.

 

[Rivers]

First Freedom: Thanks for the reply. I believe your description of why the steel might have been bad qualifies under my definition of a "bad batch of steel."

Won't take issue with your opinion about settlements, other than to say that my personal experience is that there have been large settlements paid out by insurance companies when no damages were proven. (eg., the Bushmaster case) I personally was involved in a case with a large insurance company in which there were multiple plaintiffs, in which the insurance company paid out $13M in settlements, not bothering to investigate and require "proof" in any of the claims.

 

[FirstFreedom]

No prob. Don't forget guys - this is a 1.5 year old thread - I think (but am not totally sure) that Sako has resolved all the issues there.

 

[impact]

This is at least the third such incident involving stainless Sako/Tikka rifles and good quality factory ammunition. It does not appear to be an ammunition problem, but rather a problem with the rifle barrels.

Anyone who owns a stainless SAKO or TIKKA rifle should contact the manufacturer before firing it again.

This thread contains contact information for the manufacturer/distributor as well as pics of a blown up SAKO rifle.

Oh great! I have a new Tikka 270 in stainless. Unfired!

 

[impact]

No prob. Don't forget guys - this is a 1.5 year old thread - I think (but am not totally sure) that Sako has resolved all the issues there.

I hope they did FF. My gun is a year old. Thanks

 

[jentb737]

Sako Rifle Blows Up In Virginia In 2008

A Sako Rifle chambered for the 243 Winchester Caliber BLEW UP at a rifle range near Winchester, Virginia a few days ago. There must still be a problem of some sort with these Sako rifles. When I receive more of the details I will post the information. jentb737

Good Shooting To You All, Jent

Jent P Mitchell III ----- jentpmitchell@msn.com

 

[arkie2]

..

 

[jentb737]

I and WE already ruled out operator error !

I and WE already ruled out operator error. This shooter was no greenhorn. You will notice that I use my real name in all my computer activity. I am never relutant to stand by my words. There is an investigation in progress. Cartridges from the batch that held the cartridge that blew this Sako still exist and have been preserved. Most all of the parts of this Sako were recovered for inspection and post accident investigation. I believe the problem is with the rifle. It will be very enlightening when we determine the date of manufacture of this Sako rifle.

Good Shooting To You All, jentb737

Jent P Mitchell III ---- jentpmitchell@msn.com

 

[billindenver]

stainless barrel? Fluted? How old is the rifle?

 

[warrior poet]

Another Theory... and probably a crackpot one.

Has anyone considered harmonic frequency? The fluting would change the natural vibrational frequency of the barrel, and MAYBE the vibrations of the firing pulse are causing resonance, weakening the metal with every shot. Look up the old Tacoma Narrows Bridge- if my recall is right. It was there that the wind caused resonance and tore the bridge apart.
If I'm seeing this right, maybe the fluting, coupled with the particular alloy of stainless steel, created a barrel with a resonance frequency within the vibrational frequency range of the firing pulse. That would mean that it weakens itself with each firing vibration. That would explain why it WAS good enough to pass inital "proofing" tests- assuming Tikka/Sako/Beretta does those- but failed later. Just a guess, though. I haven't seen- let alone tested, or seen tests of- any of these barrels... AND my schooling on harmonics is well over a decade old- that's where I remember the name of the bridge from BTW.
I'm no expert and I'm new to this thread. On reading it... harmonics popped into mind. Then again, with ex-wife pops into my mind now and then... AND that's definitely not a good thing.

 

[UniversalFrost]

ok, the original bad batch of rifles was sako, tikka and beretta stainless models (they all have the same barrel manufacturer). The failures of the barrels was due to bad stainless steel.

I am guessing that this rifle that blew up today was from an old batch and the serial number was within the range of the recall and either the dealer or the owner didn't return the rifle to get rebarreled.

I recently purchased a tikka t3 tactical (chambered in .338 lapua mag) and they have the stainless barrels that are black teflon coated. This was a used rifle and it fell into the serial number range of those with defective barrels. A quick call to the Tikka rep's and was told that this one had been rebarreled and not to worry. I tested the rifle by remote firing with it in a caldwell leadsled and a simple 50 ft of string on the trigger. Used really hot handloads that would have blown it for sure if it was still defective, but no problems.

Let us know what sako has to say about the rifle.

JOE

 

[David_S]

Sako M995 EU safety warning

Hi Folks I'm new here.

Stumbled on this thread just after I had bought a second hand Sako M995 in 6.5x55 SE. Shook me a bit as I had always aspired to a Sako or at least a Tikka on the basis of their accuracy and quality. The M995 has a blued barrel so I thought I was OK but then I came across the following safety warning from the EU

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/rapex/create_rapex.cfm?rx_id=136

I contacted Beretta NZ and they responded immediately admitting there could be a problem and would check out the serial no. If there was a problem they would send me a modified firing pin for fitting by a "competent gunsmith". They came back to me a couple of days later stating that my rifle was not affected. So full marks to Beretta NZ.

One thing that does puzzle me a bit about the rifle is that there is no visible marking on the barrel indicating calibre etc. It may be concealed by the stock, which I have not removed, but all my other rifles are clearly marked with the calibre, proof load etc. Is this a Sako thing?

 

[UniversalFrost]

quick question,

what would a modified firing pin do for a problem with a barrel? The exploding barrel issue is caused by an incorrect manufacturing process of the stainless steel barrels (and yes even the blued/blackened stainless barrels, because I guess all they make now is stainless barrels and just leave em' stainless or blacken them)?

As far as markings, my TIKKA T3 tactical clearly states .338 Lapua Mag on the new barrel that they had put on to correct the faulty barrel in the recall. I have also seen some of the older SAKO's and they clearly stated the caliber. Not sure why they didn't mark yours where it is visible. Maybe it is below the stock line, but not sure why they would do that either.

JOE

 

[David_S]

Quick answer - nothing!

My post was to draw attention to another Sako problem, unrelated to barrels, which affects only the M995 and TRG-S and that in this case I had a quick response from Beretta. If you go to the EU link I posted and scroll down past all the defective toys you will find:-

There is a risk that when the rifle is fired with a defective cartridge – either because it was reloaded or because the cartridge had a primer that pierced upon detonation – the rearward gas escape might cause a broken portion of the firing pin to exit the rear portion of the rifle towards the shooter.

No actual accidents happened but one incident was confirmed in Italy and one in Canada. Ejected firing pin may cause injury to the shooter, especially if the shooter is firing the rifle without use of protective safety glasses.

So presumably the modified firing pin fixes this problem.

In any case my barrel is not stainless so I am spared the "exploding barrel syndrome". And, yes, both Tikka and Sako still produce rifles with non-stainless barrels.

The lack of markings of my M995 barrel is a bit strange as there is nothing I can see which indicates which cartridge it is chambered for. I also suspect my 243 rounds would slip quite happily into a 6.5x55 chamber and maybe my 7x57 which would be even more disastrous. I must check with an empty case. I have asked Beretta about the lack of barrel markings but have not had a reply. It certainly looks like the original standard heavy M995/TRG-S barrel.

 

[Tstrain]

I realize this thread is extremely old, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience dealing with this Tika recall. I can't find any information from the manufacturer about it.

Unfortunately, my fathers gun exploded and injured his hand quite severely. It appears his gun falls within the serial numbers listed above, but I'd really like to find some information from the manufacturer. If there was a recall, it looks like his gun was purchased after the fact.

Thank you all.