Tikka M55

About the Tikka M55

The Tikka M55 is a Finnish bolt-action rifle designed by Tikkakoski in 1967-1968 and manufactured from 1968 to 1989. It was the first centerfire rifle action designed by Tikkakoski and became widely adopted as a precision platform by military special forces and law enforcement agencies around the world. The rifle features a one-piece machined receiver with a solid bridge, grooved and drilled and tapped for scope mounts. The one-piece bolt has dual opposed front locking lugs, with the bolt handle serving as a safety lug. The M55 Sporter variant with its heavy barrel profile was specifically designed for sports shooting and sniper applications. The detachable single-column magazine holds 3 rounds. Available in multiple barrel lengths from 520mm to 620mm, the rifle weighs between 2.9 and 4.3 kg depending on configuration, making it one of the lighter sniper-capable platforms of its era.

The Tikka M55 gained its sniper credentials not through military procurement programs but through the quiet adoption by some of the world's most elite special forces units. The Australian and British SAS both selected the M55 for its exceptional accuracy and reliability, proving that a well-made hunting rifle could outperform many purpose-built sniper platforms of the era.

Tikka M55 specifications

The Tikka M55 was superseded by the Tikka M558 of the M88 series in 1990. While not originally designed as a dedicated military sniper rifle, the M55's inherent accuracy and reliability led to its adoption by special forces units including the Australian SAS and British SAS. The rifle's cut-rifled barrel with 6 grooves provided excellent accuracy. The M55 was also available in other calibers including .222 Remington and .223 Remington for varmint and target applications.