Thread: Re-barreling an old Tikka M76

Gidday folks, asking for a friend..

I’m looking for some direction on sorting out a Tikka m76 .308 that’s not shooting well, as the barrels pretty tired was going to first shorten to 18” and recrown.

Failing that, does anyone have any experience with this firearm. I understand it’s of the 1960s era. Ideally an easy to come by .308 modern tikka barrel will suit refitting but doubt I’d be that lucky.

Can anyone provide the receiver tread size and or any relevant knowledge to re-barreling recycled parts? I am aware many smiths would fit a new barrel but trying to come up with the most cost effective option. Will either way be an 16-18” shooter for a 50-300m hunting rifle.

Would also be interested if anyone has an original magazine or work around for a rather bastardised original that’s currently a pain.

Thanks in advance

[ATTACH]173794

there are a HEAP of tikka barrels get taken off from new.... have seen lots of them for sale over last few years.... always some on trademe. @gundoc @Wingman @Friwi either/all these fellas will be able to answer your questions

Much appreciated, Thankyou @Mighty Duck

The thread should be the same as the M55 which should be 1' x 16tpi.

From what I've read, mags are interchangeable with the LSA55, LS55 M55
I think Guncity has advertised a magazine not long ago - on TM.

They are lovely slick old actions and in my opinion better than the T3 trash offered these days. The mags have always been rocking horse turds but do come up from time to time.
The Tikka T3 has the same 1"x16tpi barrel thread but its longer, it screws much further into a T3 receiver than the LSA and M series Tikkas (the real Tikkas). Your gunsmith can cut the thread shorter and push the chamber forward on a T3 take off barrel if he is ok with reaming the tikka barrels. They are very hard hammer forged and high in sulphur so many smiths wont touch them as they kill reamer life pretty quickly. They also have a nasty habit of picking up and galling if you dont take it slow with the right type of cutting lube. Another option is to make a spacer between the action and barrel to set the head space on the T3 barrel.
I picked up a LSA 55 in .222 years ago for $360 with a rotted out Bofors steel barrel ( a common problem with these old girls), the action was a gem so I grafted on a Sako finnlite .243 barrel that I cut back, rethreaded and chambered in 6mmBR for an ultra light hunting rifle. I had to open up the bolt face and mod the mag feed lips to cycle the new brass but it was a real little sweetie once done. I hit the walnut stock pretty hard to thin it down and lighten it up too. It was laser accurate got lots of use and accounted for a lot of animals over the years.

Thanks @Wingman for steering me straight on this one. This is exactly the result I was hoping for a and great inspiration seeing your Gem/knowing it’s achievable.
We’re in no hurry so will keep an eye out for a suitable barrel and go from there.

Thanks again,, legend.

tikka 308 barrel on trademe for $400 today.....

Tikka t3 in 308 are probably the most common tikkas. Tikka t3 barrel in 308 are the most expensive. But still cheaper than new.

Nice rifles, back when Tikkas weren't made of recycled happy meal toys

T3's still work well but definitely aren't a thing of beauty. Good luck re-barreling the old warhorse they are definitely worth saving IMHO

Such a shame the old ones weren't made in left hand.

I have a secondhand 308 barrel from a M55 - it is 20 inches long and factory fluted along some of it's length (Tikka Trapper model)
No idea of the history, as I rebarreled when I acquired the rifle.

Cheers
BB

I got a L55 .243 for my grandson that has got a Rem barrel. It was done by the Duley's gun smith.

@VXN222

Did you have any luck sourcing a barrel?

Cheers team, this is some really valuable insite, I’ve been keeping an eye on what’s about but hasn’t been on the must sort pile just yet. @Basenjiboy did that barrel shoot? PM me a $$ and pictured and I’ll give it some thought if your keen to move it on. Cheers

Originally Posted by Tahr

I got a L55 .243 for my grandson that has got a Rem barrel. It was done by the Duley's gun smith.

If it's the one I heard about, it's actually a Tikka barrel with a spacer. Came for H Bay?