Would you sell it, or make it some kind of long action 6.5-7mm?

[redshooter]

I've mentioned my M-65 Tikka before. I'm looking for your collective opinions on what to do with it. My pockets aren't very deep (damm change keeps falling out ) and as I understand it a new tube for a Tikka may be a bit more costly. I love the rifle though! It's the version on the bottom.

The action is smooth, the trigger is crisp and light, and stock feels great. The problem is that it's chambered for 308 Norma Mag. If you saw the stock you would understand. I won't shoot it without my sissy pad. If I did I bet I wouldn't be shooting it enough to bother doing anything with it other than pulling it out of the safe and admiring it now and then. As I see it I can rebarrel it to a cartridge that is a little gentler on the shoulder, modify the stock to give it a greater surface area, or sell it. I didn't mention brake because by the time I get the brake and have it installed I'm well on the way to the cost of a barrel blank.

What do you think?

 

[GRiNGo]

Well your bolt face is .512 magnum so his limits you unless you want to find a new bolt. Nice looking rifle.

 

[RockChucker]

Just a suggestion, why not load the 308 Norma down to 30/06 levels. I'm sure it can be done without much issue.
Cheapest option of all.

RC

 

[marcoman]

Just a suggestion, why not load the 308 Norma down to 30/06 levels. I'm sure it can be done without much issue.
Cheapest option of all.

RC

I agree.

You have a classic there and it would be a real shame to alter it from it's original configuration.

 

[Curly1]

Cast your own bullets and load light charges, it's fun and cheap.

 

[mattyboy72]

if it aint broke dont fix it, thats a nice rifle, put a brake on her and keep shooting

 

[redshooter]

Just a suggestion, why not load the 308 Norma down to 30/06 levels. I'm sure it can be done without much issue.
Cheapest option of all.

RC

The expensive brass was a concern. I guess in a way it solves that problem. A quick look at one of my manuals The light listed loads are 30-06 vel for 168 gr. I have a few 175/178 gr bullets they look even better. So the answer is save money on powder by using less and nothing else. KISS...

It sure is nice, a little beat up but still solid. The scope is a Tasco Titan 1.5-6x42 not what I'd expect on a rifle of this power but it is a nice scope. When I consider how it came into my hands I think leaving it as is, is best. If my eyes were better I'd put Iron sights on it, already drilled and tapped.

 

[dan belisle]

Make your brass from 300 Win Mag. Cheap and easy to do. As to the scope, back in the day the Titan was one of the better built scopes from Japan, fully the equal of the Hakko built Super Sniper series. - dan

 

[Rembo]

If that's a factory chambered Tikka in 308 Norma I wouldn't touch it.

It's worth more than the other common chamberings.

I've owned four M65's, they are excellent rifles.