In love with my Tikka M695 in 6.5 swede

[tarponhead]

Just finished a careful zero session with my M695 with 140g Federal Fusions and I can't believe how precise this gun is.

I have a Lightstream long range scope on top and its just such a tack driver - 140g with hardly any recoil and groups at .75 MoA at 110 yrds, so 1" high and I'm good to go.

Last light so used the pin ***** illuminated reticle and now uber-confident on fallow out to 200 yds, tomorrow.

Its such a sublime gun to shoot, the only downside is the gorgeous walnut stock - taking it woodland stalking and then finishing with a high-seat session requires a bit more care than my synthetic Sako A7 in .308, to prevent dings and dents in the dark.

The bolt and handling makes my A7 feel quite agricultural by comparison. I would part with either, but still. I handled Tikka T3x and its no where near as good quality, although I know they still knock deer over with the same alacrity.

 

[PasqualeM]

My first rifle was a M695 in 6,5x55 and yes it shot very well. I loaded Lapua Scenar 108 for targetshooting & birdhunting, very accurate. After the standard 6,5x55 barrel I had a LW barrel, also 6,5, and then a LW barrel in 6xc. They all shot extremly well. Due to weight and versatility I now use a Blaser R93 with barrels in calibers 308, 6xc and 6mm Norma Br. I agree with M695 having better quality than the newer T3. I also mounted a McMillan A5 stock and that made the Gun even better. Really miss it !

 

[lochty]

I have the predecessor to this, an ls55. It does have a McMillan stock, but it's now on it's third (kreiger) barrel. Nuff said.

 

[308mate]

I have a Sako 75 in 6.5x55 and I'll probably never sell it! before the sako I had a Tikka T3 that I bought when they 1st came out, at the time my RFD said he could get me a 695 for a good price but being young and dumb I wanted the new model.... biggest mistake I ever made! the T3 is no where near the same quality as the 695. I ended up selling the T3 2 years later and bought my Sako. If I could find a well looked after 695 deluxe in 270 I'd snap it up!

 

[User00035]

I've got an m595 in .308 and a Sako 75 in .243. Two of the best rifles you can buy for the money. Both superior to the models that replaced them. Its hard to choose but of but of the two I think the Tikka is my favourite. The 75 has a lighter trigger out of the box and a slightly more sophisticated feel but the m595 fits so well and its effortlessly easy to shoot.

I don't worry too much about the durability. The finish is extremely tough and as long as wooden stocks are well maintained, they age well. They will inevitably get knocked but that gives them a patina whereas old synthetics just look knackered.
The Tikka is an easy rifle to keep clean as well.