Tikka M551
Tikkakoski · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1982
Also known as: Satikka
Overview
The Tikka M551, nicknamed the 'Satikka', is a Finnish bolt-action sporting rifle developed as a collaboration between SAKO and Tikkakoski after SAKO's acquisition of Tikkakoski in the early 1980s. Based on a 1981 Tikkakoski prototype and derived from the short-action Tikka M55 platform, it retained the one-piece machined receiver, dual opposed front locking lugs and detachable single-column magazine of the M55 while incorporating modernised design changes. It was chambered for short-action cartridges such as the .222 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester. Only 1,777 rifles were produced during its brief 1982-1983 run before the project was shelved.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1075 mm (42.32") |
| Barrel Length | 575 mm (22.64") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 833 m/s (2733 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3370 J (2486 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, 7.62 NATO, .308 Win
- .243 Winchester — also known as .243 Win, 6.2x52mm
- .223 Remington · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Rem, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: One Piece Receiver, Dual Locking Lugs, Detachable Magazine, Drilled And Tapped For Scope
Base model
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,777 · Production years: 1982-1983
1,777 rifles made in 1982 and 1983 as a SAKO-Tikkakoski collaboration before the project was shelved.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
M551-specific physical dimensions are sparsely documented; barrel length, overall length and weight given here are representative of the short-action M55 sporter platform on which the M551 is based. The nickname 'Satikka' combines SAKO and Tikka. An improved prototype, the Tikka M555, was developed alongside it but never entered production. The M551 project was ultimately shelved after a critical review by Finnish gunsmith Jali Timari.
Background
Nicknamed the 'Satikka' - a portmanteau of SAKO and Tikka - the M551 was a short-lived attempt to modernise Tikkakoski's proven M55 action after SAKO absorbed the company. Just 1,777 were built over two years before a scathing review by gunsmith Jali Timari helped kill the project, making surviving examples a curiosity among Finnish rifle collectors.