Which 6.5x55?

[Jerry D]

I'm looking to purchase a 6.5x55 - just not sure what model, there are so many and for the uneducated it is overwhelming.

Which models would you choose with my only criteria being good iron sights. I do prefer a peep sight over a V notch if that is possible, but most I've seen are V's.

What do you all recommend?

 

[Northman999]

I think we could use more info on what you want to do with it.

If you're interested in longer range target shooting with iron sights, then I'd say get a CG-63 and done is done.

If you want open sights because you are a short range hunter who doesn't need a scope, then a used Swedish M38 might be just the ticket.

 

[bearhunter]

Jean Plamondon at P&S has some with excellent diopter sights.

 

[david doyle]

there are so many

Really there are not

model 94 carbine (you probabley wont find one anyway)
model 96 long rifle (great rifle sights start at 300 M)
model 38 mid length (better all round rifle IMHO) There is one for 175 in the EE just buy it
CG63 Model 96 converted to target use often with a peep sight added and heavy barrel.

 

[smellie]

For serious target shooting, it's really, really, really hard to beat the CG-63.

Heavy? Yes.

Expensive? Not all THAT awful.

Accurate? MUCH better than you can ever hold it.

Worth the money? Oh, yes!!!

 

[bearhunter]

Don't forget the Norwegian Krags or some of the Rolling Block conversions. Remington, also built a very nice off hand target rifle in 6.5x55, with target aperture sights. They looked suspicously like CG63s with modified stocks that would be considered more appealing to North American shooters.

Now, the Tikka T3 rifles are fine shooters as well. As far as I know though they aren't available with open sights.

 

[Deltasilver]

For sheer entertainment value, the Swedish Ljungman AG42B in 6.5X55. Just mind your thumbs Accurate, Semiautomatic and has two distant cousins - the Hakim (8mm) and the Rasheed (7.62x39) if you want to collect the set.

 

[smellie]

Norwegian Krags had the lousy V-notch and barleycorn sights, as did the 96 when it came out.

AG-42B had square-post front sight and rear, but the rear sight was several miles away from your eye. Too bad they never figured out a really decent aperture sight for those, but the design seems to preclude the possibility.

CG-63 is the only one with really decent iron sights. There is ONE around, mint/fired 4 shots, which has been D&T for a scope; owner passed away before he could shoot it.

Tradex has some used ones, mostly in pretty good shape.

Russians built a somewhat-similar rifle on the MN action, chambered it for 6.5x54R, used it for Running Boar matches. These are pretty much unobtainable in any condition now; just mentioning because you could saw a 6.5x55 die in half and load the round that-a-way.

I see Lee has the dies for the 6.5x55 down to about $22 these days if you get the RGB set; makes handloading a little cheaper, anyway.

Bu CG-63 is the only one that fits the bill here.

 

[Jerry D]

Rifle will be a hunting rifle for close range - but also longer range. I'm young, eyes are good. Max shot distance on deer would be 200 yards, with obviously the clear majority being 100 or less. I will shoot paper plates at 200 and 300 as well.

I will give some of the listed ones a look.

Also what is the deal with the Husqvarna models - did they just make them sporters?

 

[buffdog]

Husqvarna Sporters

Rifle will be a hunting rifle for close range - but also longer range. I'm young, eyes are good. Max shot distance on deer would be 200 yards, with obviously the clear majority being 100 or less. I will shoot paper plates at 200 and 300 as well.

I will give some of the listed ones a look.

Also what is the deal with the Husqvarna models - did they just make them sporters?

Get on the Trade-Ex website. There is a link at the top of the page.
Select "Products", then "Hunting and Sporting Rifles"

Trade-Ex lists lots of these rifles. If they say "Swedish Sporter", then they are usually converted military. If they say "Husqvarna Sporter", they are earlier production rifles. If they say "Husqvarna Commercial Sporter", they are usually later production, with a solid left side wall in the action, no thumb cut. Get one with a "Very Good" or better barrel, and preferably one that has been drilled and tapped (a $50 bill if you get an untapped one ), and preferably a side safety because most have a typical Mauser flip over safety on the bolt. These are 96 or 38 type actions.

A step up is the 1600 series and the 98 Mauser Husqvarna Sporters. The 1600 was designed as a Sporting Rifle, and the 98 can be a military type or sporting type rifle action. There have also been a few Winchester, Parker Hale, Brno, Tikka, Sako, and other rifles in 6.5X55 offered by Trade-Ex.

If you see one that takes your fancy, cursor to the picture and double click on the picture to enlarge it. Trade-Ex takes pictures of the actual rifle that is for sale. You can also e-mail them, and they will send more pictures of the rifle. Just use the stock number. They welcome phone calls.

I think Trade-Ex has spoiled me. They are friendly, courteous, have great prices, have good products, give a fair description of the item (in fact, they tend to be VERY conservative with their descriptions....the firearms are usually better than you expect them to be), have fast shipping, and believe in Service.

My advice if you want a 6.5X55 hunting rifle is to buy a 1600 series rifle. Try to get one with a steel trigger guard, side safety, bent bolt, and has been drilled and tapped for a scope, and if possible, a deluxe stock (these have better wood and a good cheek piece.)

.

 

[smellie]

See above: best advice here, from someone who knows sporters.

Everything I have is milsurp, so that's what I have to go by.

Have at her!