On fitting the stock, the barrel was sitting to the right of the barrel channel, though still free floated. Loosening and tightening the bolts exposed some movement of the action/barrel, suggesting the action was under some tension. In reality, the initial bottom-metal (plastic) deforms quickly when the bolts are tightened, enough to trigger feeding issues and trouble with mag release/engagement.
The stock requires some inletting for the bottom metal to fit- definitely not a drop-in alternative! Before bed linen the action or fitting the bottom metal, I desired to explore where the recoil lug was contacting the action. A finish of soot revealed the contact was at the upper rear surface- not perfect (remember, the lug is in the stock, not connected to the action!) While increasing the size of the holes for the pillars I offset them a little, so that the action could sit slightly additional rearwards in the re-inletted stock.
A bit of experimentation to get the mag height right for correct feeding and then I bedded the bottom metal because position (dummy round): I now had a performance, finished gun: I wanted to make the stock ambidextrous, so eliminated and re formed the thumbhole: Less gaudy carpet: The barrel is now nicely centred and free-floated, there is no "squish" when tightening up the action bolts and I have a trustworthy 10rnd mag in an inert, comfortable ambidextrous stock.
Now I simply need to go out on the range to see if she shoots like she did in the RCS II stock.
There isn't a recoil lug to mention on the tikka T3, simply a loose groove in the action and a piece of metal that fits loosely in the stock and action. My stock split after less than 100 rounds. Regrettably for Key Reference because I had a muzle break set up on my rifle beretta U.S.A. wasn't going to warrantee the damage.
If you desire a good lightweight elk gun I would want to the kimber montana in 338 win, much good rifle all around. If your heart is set on the tikka they can put a tubs, remington 700 design, recoil lug onto the rifle however it will cost you a few hundred dollars for the work and you loose a little bit of barrel length.