Tikka m65 vs m658

[rebrousse_poil]

What are the differences between these model's? I have a chance to buy one (a m65 OR a m658)... I need help deciding! Both are in very good condition and both fired about 40-60 rounds, how much should I pay?
Thanks

 

[TheTooner]

I don't know. Maybe pay 8 more?

 

[kamlooky]

By'em bowff.
Find thuh wun yew likie.
Deevide bye tew and addddd ###ty perscent.
Playce add in EE &
Shuwld bee gewd tuh go.
Bownuzs............trayder rat'ten.

 

[gunrunner100]

The 65 is all metal and wood, the 658 has plastic or composite plastic in the magazine, bolt guide, magazine latch and possibly a few other areas. The 658, I was told, is a transitional Tikka, closer to a Sako than it's roots in the original 65.

 

[robin2y]

Isn't the M65 staggered mag while everything that followed single stack as well?

 

[AP]

Dont have a 658 but have several "65"s I think there are pro's and cons for both. I like the single stack magazine of the 658 and I think you can still find mags reasonably easily ... not true of the 65. OTOH the 65 is an "all steel/wood" rifle and has a very strong action (2 locking lugs, 2 safety lugs and the integral bolt handle keeping the action tight)... BUT IIRC the 658 has the nifty little nylon bolt/lug guide (like Lou Palmisano developed) to maintain bolt face perpendicular to the chamber (a good thing)..we could go on but honestly dont think Tikka/Sako are in the business of building a bad rifle.


I think I would pick the one with the nicest wood and in the caliber I preferred most - and dont look back! I have seen pics of 658's that had beautiful dark walnut. And when the 658 came out it attracted a lot more attention than the 65 ever did ... although might have been due to Sako's distribution network ... show us a pic of whatever you chose!!

 

[AP]

Isn't the M65 staggered mag while everything that followed single stack as well?

yes the 65 is staggered ... and I am sure you are correct that everything since from Tikka has been single stack

 

[robin2y]

...and you are quite correct about M65 mags being like hen's teeth, especially the ones with magnum followers!

 

[rebrousse_poil]

On the pictures I saw, the m65 looks immaculate but +600$ than the m658... For the same price, I know someone who could sell me his sauer 90 in mint condition but I've heard that the bolt on this rifle can be a pain in cold temperature...
Anyway, thanks for the good comments!

 

[AP]

On the pictures I saw, the m65 looks immaculate but +600$ than the m658

are you saying that the seller wanted $600 MORE for the M65 than the M658? Seems like an extraordinary price gap. Generally M65 are not in the same price category as Sauer 90's by about $400-$800

 

[rebrousse_poil]

are you saying that the seller wanted $600 MORE for the M65 than the M658?

Yep! But the m65 has rings and bases, a cheap bushnell scope and one spare mag...

 

[AP]

Yep! But the m65 has rings and bases, a cheap bushnell scope and one spare mag...

well the spare mag is certainly part of the cost BUT it isnt $600 (at least not yet) probably there are other factors ... hard to imagine what they are unless the 658 is a basket case being sold for $200.00