Robz The Tikka model 65 (long action) and the model 55 (short action) were some of the best clip fed bolt action rifles made. The all metal clips fed flawlessly. Action is super smooth, nice crisp trigger and a decent stock with just the right amount of palm swell. While not everyone cares for a detachble clip magazine in a rifle these are about the best one could find. Also very accurate. A friend who owns a sporting goods store claims he was outselling Sakos by about 3 to 1 for several years. Not much wonder Sako bought out Tikka and immediatly cheapened them by adding plastic parts. Tikkas have never been the same since
Originally posted by snowman: Robz The Tikka model 65 (long action) and the model 55 (short action) were some of the best clip fed bolt action rifles made. The all metal clips fed flawlessly. Action is super smooth, nice crisp trigger and a decent stock with just the right amount of palm swell. While not everyone cares for a detachable clip magazine in a rifle these are about the best one could find. Also very accurate. A friend who owns a sporting goods store claims he was outselling Sakos by about 3 to 1 for several years. Not much wonder Sako bought out Tikka and immediately cheapened them by adding plastic parts. Tikkas have never been the same since
Agree 100%++ I have a LSA55 and the bolt is as smooth as my 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauers! It shoots half inch groups with hand loads at 100 meters. The trigger is the best adjustable trigger I have had in any factory rifle. Yes better than the average Winchester Mod 70 (which can have a bit of creep that is easy to get rid of). The trigger can be easily adjusted by removing the box magazine. These rifles were discontinued in the 1970's. Ithaca used to import them into the US. I used to own a M55 308 as well. The barrel is free floated in the factory & it is bedded on a steel channel. The only strange factor is the rear action screw is on the tang from the top down. If the barrel bore is in good & it shoots well, you will have an excellent rifle.
Good luck.
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."
Posts: 11402 | Location: New Zealand | Registered: 02 July 2008
I've owned a handful of both M55 and M65 Tikkas..they are the quality of a Sako..I had one M65 Deluxe in 30-06 in the original box with paperwork dated 1985, it had both Tikka and Sako logos on the box end.
I've also had several M55s and M65s, and have long kicked myself for ever parting with them. I guess I made the old mistake of assuming that 'there's always more where that one came from'. Well, there aren't.
Posts: 6034 | Location: Alberta | Registered: 14 November 2002
Had M65 in 30/06 and it was one of the most accurate and user friendly rifles I have ever owned. Sold it as it was too heavy to carry on mountain hunts. Weighed over 9.5 pounds. All steel, 5 shot staggered box magazine which could be top loaded with ease. Had 2 M55 as well. All shot excellently straight out of the box. I should still own the M55s alas the grass always seems greener over the fence.
Posts: 49 | Location: Casino, Australia | Registered: 16 January 2008
Gentlemen I have quite a variety of Tikka M55 & M65 rifles and refuse to sell any of them. I presently have M55 in 243, 6mm rem,308 and 358. The 358 has a custom barrel. I have M65 in 270, 280,30-06 and I have two in 300 Win mag. The 280 has a custom barrel as does one of the 300 mags. I have a deal going to purchase another M55 in 22-250. The 280 is my go to deer rifle and the 358 is just the ticket for hunting thick bush for everything from whitetails to moose.
