[Plank Road Farm]

Been looking at sporterizing a Mauser action and putting a 6.5 barrel on it.
But I am having trouble finding a decent action.
So, I am looking at just buying a commercial rifle.
What experiences can you all share and what model do you recommend?
Workmanship compared to a Mauser.
Any opinions on this caliber and what type groups can be expected?
Type of stocks available?

[okami515]

there are offered in all the cz 550 models, but some like the full stock are harder to get sometimes than the others. they do shoot great though.

[texnmidwest]

Workmanship on the CZ is quite good. The bolt is not as smooth as original mausers but should smooth out with use. Overall, the cz is a great rifle. Tikka, also makes a rifle in 6.5 x 55 and is a great rifle also.

[Plank Road Farm]

Priced a CZ & Tikka in 6.5x55mm at a local gun shop.
He priced a new gun in either manufacturer at about $570 OTD.
For the same money, which would you choose?

One difference I noticed is the scope mount options.

Also, found a used Tikka at another gun shop for $515 OTD.

Decisions.....decisions!!!!

[Brooks]

I did a lot of lookin' in the last two month and have spent too much time on the gun boards. I just bought a CZ Varmint .308 and looked at the CZ 550 in 6.5x55. It was tempting. I couldn't find a T3 in that caliber stocked in my town stores.

For a carrying around deer rifle, I probably would get the T3. It is lighter and the action is glassy smooth. They are recommended and loved by owners. As I mentioned on one gun blog; all you have to do to start a group orgsam is to bring up a topic about the 6.5mm Swede.

[irish murphy]

That is a hard choice you have,two of my favourite makers.I do own a couple brnos.I would have to say the same as above.The tikka would be better to carry around.I have used the T3 lite in 7mmremmag and it was a light rifle.Recoil was managable and action was smooth as.The CZ doesnt have a adjustable trigger like the T3.And it is probably in a timber stock compared to a synth on the T3.But i would still take the CZ.Its just something about them.They shoot very well.I have a 602 brno and love it.

[turner]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Plank Road Farm

Priced a CZ & Tikka in 6.5x55mm at a local gun shop. He priced a new gun in either manufacturer at about $570 OTD. For the same money, which would you choose? One difference I noticed is the scope mount options. Also, found a used Tikka at another gun shop for $515 OTD. Decisions.....decisions!!!!

Here's another Muser type action known for being accurate: Howa 1500

GunsAmerica - Howa 1500 Chestnut Laminate Stock 6.5x55 SE - Howa Rifles

[turner]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Plank Road Farm

Been looking at sporterizing a Mauser action and putting a 6.5 barrel on it. But I am having trouble finding a decent action. So, I am looking at just buying a commercial rifle. What experiences can you all share and what model do you recommend? Workmanship compared to a Mauser. Any opinions on this caliber and what type groups can be expected? Type of stocks available?

I looked at your posting again and noticed you didn't specify exactly which 6.5 you wanted. I'd also like to suggest you have a look at the 6.5 Rem mag as there are some good deals on the now discontinued Rem 673 in 6.5 RM. I purchased one and love it. The rifle has very light recoil and my initial range outing shows real good accuracy there as well. Remington still loads it in 120gr SP, which would be a good hunting load and several specialty loaders show loadings for it as well, and at less than it's twin(ballistics-wise) the 6.5/.284

GunsAmerica - Remington 673 Guide Rifle 6.5mm Rem Mag - Remington Rifles - Modern > Non-Model 700

GunsAmerica - Rem. 673 Guide Gun 6.5 Mag - Remington Rifles - Modern > Non-Model 700

The last suggested retail on a 673 was $873. The 673 is a nice rifle. Good luck.

[Plank Road Farm]

Here is the article that helped me decide on this caliber.

Ideal General Purpose Deer and Antelope Rifles

I already have a M96 Swede so I can stay with the same cartridge if I decide to get into reloading later.

The Rem 6.5 Mag is more of a plains rifle (long range).

I really like the Winchester Model 70 if could find one.

But, I may have to settle for a CZ or Tikka until then.

[SwedeSteve]

Settle for a CZ or Tikka ?? You need to read more, LOL !! 6.5x55 Swede is an awesome round as you already know. I am obviously biased towards Sako/Tikka, but I have poured over every CZ I come across. I would have to say that the only obvious difference I have found between CZ and Tikka is the Tikka has a better bolt and is guaranteed MOA out of the box. The next obvious step up is a Sako.

[mitman64]

I just sold an original Sako Finnwolf .308 in great condition. I had the money to buy pretty much whatever I wanted. I decided first to go with 6.5 x 55mm as opposed to the .308 I had been using. Second, I looked at sporterized Mausers, Tikka, Howa and CZ. I really thought about the Tikka just based on my Sako's quality. But, Tikka uses some plastic parts now. CZ, on the other hand, doesn't. Anyway, I went with CZ. I had the stock modified (added .75" and a pachmyer recoil pad). I had a Bushnell 4200 elite scope (3-9 x 40) mounted and bore sighted.

Next I went to the range. The first 3 shots at 100 yds were +/- 0.25 correct in elevation but were 4.5 inches right. Once I adusted windage the next shots I fired were 1/4 MOA at 0.

I was firing Wolf ammo (139 grain) -- it's all I could get that day.
temperature was ~70 degrees F with not even a breeze.
I had the rifle laying across a sand bag.
Basically no recoil -- pretty much like a .22 mag.

My .308 never fired that accurately or precisely.

I paid $617 plus shipping for the new rifle.

I couldn't be any happier and I am already plannig to buy another CZ in larger caliber for brown bear and Moose.

CZ USA!

[SwedeSteve]

Everyone I've known that has shot the Swede catridge fell in love with it.