Is anyone familiar with the Tikka model 65? I acquired one last year in 6.5x55SE. It has a walnut stock that has been lightened (hollowed out fore-end and drilled-out buttstock, both appear to have been done at the factory, not some aftermarket hack job), fluted barrel about 20 or 21 inches in length, hooded ramp front sight and Tikka quick-detach rings. It has a 5-round detachable magazine. The action is a bit awkward to remove from the stock- on the bottom of the action there are 2 screws- one large one in front that screws into the recoil lug, and a second one on an angle that attaches the front of the trigger guard to the action. A third screw passes from the top of the action (head is recessed into the tang) and threads into the rear portion of the trigger guard from above. It's a bit of a pain as it requires the scope to be removed to access the top tang screw (thank goodness for the QD scope mounts).
The rifle is incredibly accurate with the right loads. I was going to sell it as I acquired a new T3 Lite in 6.5x55 last year, but I refinished the M65 stock with tung oil and it looks just beautiful. It also had a bit of an issue feeding cartridges quickly but my gunsmith figured out the problem and has tuned the action to rectify the problem. I think the T3 is now on the market instead.
Anyway, there doesn't seem to be much information on the internet about the Model 55/65. I emailed Tikka but didn't get a reply (Sako was much better in this respect, as they quickly got back to me with production details on a Sako AII laminate that I once owned and foolishly sold). I see them for sale once in awhile at our local used gun shop and they don't seem to sit on the shelf too long.
