Value of 1978 Tikka M65 30-06 Rifle? (New-Never Been Fired)

[duke1]

Hello All,

My Father passed away in late March after a lengthy illness. He had been very ill for a number of years. After my Father’s death, being on a limited income, my Mother decided to sell the Tikka rifle he left behind, as she could use the money. We took the rifle to a gun dealer to try and find out it’s value, to no avail. So, next stop was the library, a book there had the gun listed, but the book was 20 years old! Then I had the idea to search the internet for a gun website/forum. I found this site, took some pictures of my Father’s gun, and started a thread, asking if any of you knew what the gun would be worth. From the 3 replies I received, it seemed to be worth around $650. We were surprised (ignorant) when Preacher posted that he was interested in buying the rifle, so we jumped at the offer. My Mother preferred to sell the rifle ASAP, so when Preacher asked what she wanted for it, not really knowing what it was worth, she told me a price, which I emailed to him. Let’s just say the riffle sold for under $600 +shipping. At the time I was surprised that he did not try and negotiate a better price, perhaps he knew how good a deal he was getting. Having said that, he did pay what my Mother asked, and she got me to ship the rifle as soon as payment arrived. Had my Mother known it was worth $800 she would have asked that, as my initial intention was to try and sell it on the Equipment Exchange Forum for her. In any case, Dad’s rifle is sold, it’s found a new home.

Thanks to all who have responded to this thread.

Phil

I don't know exactly how much you sold the gun for but as a Tikka M55/65 collector and user, the most that I would have paid for this gun is $650. One of the main reason for this max price is that what you had is a standard model with a very modest stock (no cheekpiece, no rollover cheek piece, no contrasting wood forend and pistol grip caps, and no palm swell pistol grip). The Deluxe models (mostly what you see on GN) - the only ones I have ever owned come with a more elaborate stock, etc.

I have seen the Deluxe models advertised here for long periods of time without selling and listed at under $800 (I keep an eye open on all their postings). As mentioned in an earlier post, the maximum I ever paid was $800 for a Deluxe M65 NIB and after second thoughts, considered that I had paid too much for it.

Please don't get me wrong, this is a fine gun but not appreciated to the same level as other more popular models and their price reflects this.

And finally, don't forget that any gun is only worth what someone will pay for it.

Duke1

 

[Preacher]

Thanks, Duke1. Without the opportunity to peek down the bore, I may have gone as high as $600. Certainly not much more. She asked a price I was willing to pay. I have emailed Phil and told him if he thinks he can get $800 for it, I'll mail it back to him. When it gets here, I'll evaluate it and keep in touch with him. I was going to send a few more bucks with the money order just because she's a widow woman, but I thought I'd wait till I inspected it. I'm still leary about sending cold hard cash to a mail box with no garauntees. Phil is a good son looking after his mother.

And we're talking 50 bucks here, one way or the other. :blush:

 

[stepnout kennels]

I MUST ADD MY 2 CENTS. I have a 3006 M65 deluxe it the single best rifle I have owned to date. The deluxe has a beautiful walnut stock and 2 rosewood caps. I think you got a fair price for a good gun. No scope no mounts. Maybe someone would pay 800 but they did not offer. I really think you were not taken advantage of.
Another example I have 2 Browning Citori's one is a lightning one is a Grand lightning the Grade V wood in the Grand lightning increases the gun by 5-6 hundred dollars.
Regards

 

[StoneHorse]

The best Tikka ever made, and in that shape it would have been a no brainer to get $800 on the exchange forum and I would have asked $850 + shipping (I've sold a few of 'em for $750-$800 in much worse condition, in less than a few hours after posting them, and interest was VERY strong!).

Hopefully you go close to that for it!

280_ACKEY

The gun is sold and both parties are happy. To make suggestions regarding value after the fact is unfair to both buyer and seller.

 

[Preacher]

 

[Nester]

Traded my magnaported bull barreled M65 7MM for a NIB Remington Sendero SF. I often wonder why I did that as the Tikka was just an outstanding rifle and now where near as accurate as the Sendero.


As long as both parties are happy, all is well

 

[stepnout kennels]

Traded my magnaported bull barreled M65 7MM for a NIB Remington Sendero SF. I often wonder why I did that as the Tikka was just an outstanding rifle and now where near as accurate as the Sendero.


As long as both parties are happy, all is well

Which rifle was/is more accurate Tika or Sendero?
Wayne

 

[Preacher]

I looked at one a copule years ago that was used in very good condition with mounts and a cheap scope for just under $500. I passed on it. The scope didn't add much to the value - maybe $50. I was going to offer Phil $500 for this one, but when I saw the price you guys were suggesting early on, I decided to see what he wanted. He asked more than that. I thought about it, and wanted it bad enough to pay the price he asked. It was a quick sale at a fair price. I am not a haggler. I either take it or leave it. This one I took.

The locals around these parts are saying value in this area is between $550 and a little over $600, depending on condition. We're definitely in the ballpark. Moving on.

 

[Nester]

Which rifle was/is more accurate Tika or Sendero?
Wayne

The Tikka was. It didn't have the Remington 13 pound trigger and of course the Tikka's bolt was smooooooth as butter. Traded the Sendero not to soon after getting it to a board member who tweaked it, and tweaked it good. No wonder Remington discontinued the Sendero and brought it back as the Sendero II

Thinking back one of the reasons I also traded it was that I couldn't find an extra magazine for it. Like to have an extra magazine for my mag fed hunting rifles.


All my centerfire rifles are Tikka's now

 

[Preacher]

The rifle arrived today in the mail. Philz66's widowed mother got a good price for the rifle. It has some pitting that was not evident in the photos. No complaints either way. Hope it shoots.

I'm done.

 

[StoneHorse]

Don't leave just yet Preacher, let us know how it shoots.

 

[Preacher]

I'll let ya know. The wind is blowing about a gazillion miles an hour today, and the rain is goin' straight sideways. Have to wait for another day. I will be very surprised if it doesn't shoot real well. Loaded up some 150's and 165's at medium speed to break in the barrel. Seems strange to have to break in a barrel on a 29 year old rifle. My Ithaca, which is essentially the same rifle, has been driving tacks for 30 years.

 

[Claven2]

I wouldn't have paid a cent over $500 for ANYTHING with 1970's skip-line - yuck! Tikka or not! At least there's no white line.

I think the seller was fairly treated - my taste in checkering aside. Had they consignment sold it at a dealer taking 15% they would not have done as well IMHO.

 

[Preacher]

Pics Added Of First Target

Don't leave just yet Preacher, let us know how it shoots.

Well, StoneHorse, here she is! First 3 shots for group just back from the gravel pit. Three shots off the hood of my truck using boat cushions for a rest -- technical stuff is my forte!

I think it'll shoot! Very happy with the inner workings. It's a keeper, for sure.

I plan on trying to work up a real hunting load for it. Those three were just barrel break-in loads -- prolly wouldn't kill a deer and certainly not an elk with the armour plated shoulders.