Design
The Tikka M65 action is based on the Tikka M55, which in turn is loosely based on the Mauser action, which Tikkakoski had wanted to modernise.[1] The repeating magazine fed rifle features a milled receiver made from special steel, to which a 90° rotating, two-lug cylindrical bolt locks;[1][4] the M65 also incorporates two additional safety lugs at the rear of the bolt,[4] as well as two vent holes in the bolt body to vent off gases to the side if a primer breaks.[4] Unlike the M55, the M65 also features an integral recoil lug, which is made to the receiver in the milling process.[4] The receiver has 17 mm dovetail rails milled on its top side for attaching optical sights as in the M55.[1][4] The later model bolts have a large handle with a plastic ball-shaped end.[1][3] The M65A also has a polyacrylamide bushing as a bolt guide.[3]
The barrel is cut rifled with 6 grooves and depending on the model, either 520 mm (20.47 in), 560 mm (22.83 in), 620 mm (24.41 in) or 660 mm (25.98 in) long.[1] Just as in the M55, some models feature iron sights attached to the barrel; rear sight is an open notch and front sight is a hooded post.[1] The barrel is free-floating,[3] also in the Fullstock variant.[1]
The trigger mechanism has an adjustable trigger pull between 0.8–1 kg and 3 kg.[1][3] The trigger pull can be adjusted by rotating a screw inside the magazine well.[1] The trigger has a tendency to produce unintentional discharges if the trigger pull is set too light.[1]
In the standard versions, the magazine is either a 4, 5, 7, 8 or 10-round double stack stamped steel magazine, and the magazine catch is located in front of the trigger, within the trigger guard.[1] In M65A, the magazine is either a 5 or 10-round single stack single feed stamped steel magazine, and the magazine catches are attached to both sides of the magazine itself,[3] as in the Valmet Sniper M86.[6]
The sporter variants feature heavy walnut stocks which are convex towards the cheek and concave on the away side, and have UIT rails on their underside and left side, for attaching different accessories.[1] The M65A has an aluminium bedded stock with an aluminium chassis inside the walnut stock[3] like the Valmet Sniper M86.[5] The butt of the M65A rifle is attached to the chassis with an aluminium tube, and it has a fully adjustable walnut cheekpiece; the front end of the stock is made with two walnut stocksides, which attach to the aluminium chassis. At the underside of the M65A there is an UIT accessory rail for bipods and such accessories.[3]
