Tikka m55 .308

[Olsson]

This is my latest project which is going to my semi heavy deer rifle.

I found a 30yr old Tikka model 55. I was told that it was a "Continental" But when I finally got the rifle which I bought for small money from a gunshop south in Sweden, I understood quite quickly that it was not an "Continental"! After some research I understood it was the older version called "Sporter". What made everything really exciting was the name you could found on the buttstock of the rifle; "Ithaca". I was told by my gunsmith that it was an exlusive version that was exported to the US and which had been assembled with only the best parts. Somehow it got stuck in Sweden at some point with a person that only may have shoot 100-150 rounds through it. I still got the barrel it came with, made in Sweden by Bofors - it was like new, I will some day see how it perform.

At this stage I have only put on another barrel; Krieger 1/14 and bedded the action by one of the best (benchrest) gunsmiths in northern europe. The trigger could be adjusted, and it is nice and clean at approximately 0,5kg now. I will do a nice paintjob as soon we get a nice warm climat here in Sweden so that I can do it outside of the house.

The action m55 is the short version for the 308, etc. Then there are for example the m65 that will take 30-06 etc and is both heavier and larger in size. It is a lovely light tight high quality action, and I am really happy with it.

I use old Tikka base and rings that are as old as the rifle, but they are made of good solid steel. The scope that I am using at the target range is a fixed Leupold 12x. But hunting I am using my Swarovski Z6Ii 2-12x50.

I will be using a Harris bipod when I am hunting.

The loads I am using are light loads with 40gr vihtavouri 140, 168gr Sierra MK with Federal primers. The brass is Lapua. The bullet gets 1/2 square marks from the "lands". The 168gr SMK I found is the right bullet to use to see whether how well your barrel will perform. If it works with 168gr SMK you can move on to any other bullet.... in this case I think the picture will tell the story

Here are some nice pics, enjoy:









Here are some good grouping that first day. Five shoot groups from 100metre.

Five shoot measuring 9,61milimeter


Five shoot group measuring 8,35 milimeter


Finally the best group I have fired with this rifle, five shoot group measuring 4,11 milimeter :shock:


I hope that was enjoyable reading. I am now off to my next project of making a 338-06 light/ tight hunting rifle for some close quick action...

Olsson

[monteboy84]

Very unique rifle, and a great shooter! Thanks for showing us, I like it 8)

It bums me out we don't get more of those older Tikkas here state-side

-matt

[Kea]

Thats a fine looking rifle with exceptional preformance love older Sakos and Tikkas

[one_shot]

That´s a great looking rifle and some nice shootin´!

[Olsson]

Thanks all. The Tikka m55 is a very popular mechanism to build on here in Sweden and I love it! It the paper exercise was not that bad, I would recommend you guys to buy something and export it from Sweden. There are lots of nice old weapens here in Sweden......and the population of hunters becoming smaller and smaller every year.

Cheers/ Olsson

[DannyBoj]

Wow i really really like that.

I have a soft spot for Tikka's but that one takes the cake.

[landcbeitner]

Very unique rifle and a great setup you have there.

[crushdaddy]

very awesome, I like it alot, becomeing a bigger fan of he older style bolt guns all the time

[wargone]

...

[mele]

Gorgeous rifle and excellent find!!!!

For those that are wondering, that 4.11 mm 5 shot group is about 0.15 MOA, great shooting!

MEL