Tikka M55 - Who's best for barrel replacement?

Yorric

Well-Known Member
My trusty old Tikka M55 223 may be ready for a new barrel soon, so which riflesmith is the top man for the job?
Some specialise in particular actions - so who do I choose? And why?
I've read that the M55 is one of the best actions for re-barreling and the rifle deserves the best - it is very pleasant to handle - a great semi varminter style.

Another question - What other calibers can be chambered in a 223 action when a new barrel is fitted?

Ian
 
Barrel

Try Mike at BROCK and NORRIS good bloke knows is stuff done some work for me fantastic result 0.5 moa.I would recommend a Kriegar barrel or a barrel from KandP barrels at the end of the day you get what you pay for.:lol::lol::lol:
 
Norman Clarke has orked o a lot of Tikkas as he used to make target rifles out of them. He did my 595 and it shoots really well. Saying that my best shooting rifle was done by redmist
 
Rhino Rifles and Pac-Nor barrels. And whoever does their blueing (blacking?) is terrific. Way cheaper than Border and turnaround was weeks rather than months. They've done two old Sako rifles for me - one rebarrel and one bedding.
 
Rhino Rifles and Pac-Nor barrels. And whoever does their blueing (blacking?) is terrific. Way cheaper than Border and turnaround was weeks rather than months. They've done two old Sako rifles for me - one rebarrel and one bedding.

Rhino are getting a good reputation, I have not seen any of their work, but the seem to have happpy punters.

Border cut barrels are very good, but expensive. There are any amount of good rifle smiths out there.

Rebarreling has got out of hand, £700 - £800 seems to be a common quote.

Now, I know well barrel blanks are under £300, some well under £200, so we are talking £500 to chuck a barrel up in a lathe, cut to length, thread the breach and muzzle, cut the chamber and crown the muzzle. Then fit the barrel into the action and set the headspace? This could not be more than a mornings work for a good machinist or rifle smith.

Having said all that, my Sako 22/250 is going for a 1-8" fluted tube in the spring time.
 
Rhino are getting a good reputation, I have not seen any of their work, but the seem to have happpy punters.

Border cut barrels are very good, but expensive. There are any amount of good rifle smiths out there.

Rebarreling has got out of hand, £700 - £800 seems to be a common quote.




Now, I know well barrel blanks are under £300, some well under £200, so we are talking £500 to chuck a barrel up in a lathe, cut to length, thread the breach and muzzle, cut the chamber and crown the muzzle. Then fit the barrel into the action and set the headspace? This could not be more than a mornings work for a good machinist or rifle smith.

Having said all that, my Sako 22/250 is going for a 1-8" fluted tube in the spring time.

Any decent barrel blank with be around the £300 mark plus vat, Bergara barrels are now available for considerbaly less, but they have a limited selection of profiles and calibres available. £700-800 will be a VAT inclusive price so knock off 20% and £35 for proof, and the barrel blank at cost price, and really you are only being charged £2-250 for the actual work. taking into account the fact you have invested £££ in a high precision lathe and countless reamers and gauges, not to mention the small fact that you may actually have expenses in your life such as food and taxes, is it really that much to ask to be able to turn a small profit for screwing a barrel onto some ungrateful numptys rifle.
 
Hi,
I'm having a M55 rebarreled in 260 Rem. by Rhino,ive been persuaded by Graham to try a Bergara Barrel,Will let you know how it goes.
 
As already said plenty good rifle smiths about

Border barrels are reputedly good
Kreiger I have one

True flyte also getting good reviews

Sauer / paul
 
Thanks chaps - a few good leads to follow up - Still not sure if it'll be necessary yet as I haven't done a load work up on it since I had it threaded for a moderator last summer - It's shooting about 1" groups at present so I should see if I can tighten it up before I give up on it.
Not a thing to rush into and the foxes still don't like it up 'em!

Ian
 
richard pope is a good one to ask also. if you supply your own barrel blank. his labour charges are very good for the workmanship

no extras for invisable thread cap or bead blasting. this is included in the price to fit,chamber,screwcut etc.

worth a phone call if your phoning around for some prices
 
I'm in the process of gearing up to do barrel work etc.....believe me the cost is enormous! Lathe, milling machine, reamers, oils, tooling, alarm systems, RFD cert, insurance, heating, time, effort oh and a little food keeps me from falling over. :rolleyes:

It takes a hell of alot of rebarrels to get that lot back I'll tell ya!!!

Look beyond the box you will see clearer!
 
Forgot the other question .223 is a short action so any other short action round up to.308.

223 has different bolt face so it would need opening up if it can be opened up. some smiths dont like doing that. and the extra cost to do it. would be easier to sell and get the right boltface to start with if going for a 243,260,308 etc

you could have the 223 as a 223 ai or what about a 20 calibre rifle like 204 or 20 tac
 
there are many good barrel makers out there,however some are better than others!!ultimately the choice is yours,look into the pros and cons,talk to the guys who are happy with with the work carried out on their rifles.:?:
 
There are many competent Rifle Builders.
RG Rifles are advertising a Shilen fitted and working at £595.This would seem a good price.
Also drop Redmist a PM, i have heard good things about his work too.
Just to add i know neither of these guys so i am not just pushing a mates name.

Yorkie.
 
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