[Sparky]

I've acquired an Ithaca LS 55 bolt gun, which is obviously a Sako. It is clip fed. and the receiver is both grooved for dovetail Sako rings and tapped for bases. (takes Weaver 61s like the Tikka)
I'm curious about the rifles age.
The stock was finished in a baby poop expoxy of some sort but under that crud is a REALLY NICE piece of walnut!
The barrel is marked Boafors steel, Ithaca Arms etc., made in sweden.
Is this little gun a Rihimaaki(sp) action?
The serial # is 55-43xxxxxx.
Nothing unusual or unique about this piece, but my curiosity just wants to know more.
Help and info, as always, appreciated.

[Jim K]

According to the Blue Book, those rifles were made by Tikka, and were sold under the Ithaca name from 1969 to 1977. FWIW, top dollar value is given at $400-500 depending on whether standard, deluxe or heavy barrel.

Jim

[Jim Watson]

At that time Tikka, maker of the Ithaca LSA, and Sako were competitors. I think they are both under the same conglomerate these days.

The Tikka was plainer finished, less expensive, and less advertised than Sako. The ones I have seen in use shot like the proverbial house afire.

The integral scope mount grooves are straight, not tapered like, and not interchangeable with Sako. DON'T LOSE THE DETACHABLE MAGAZINE, I have no idea where you could get a replacement. The design of Tikka rifles has changed two or three times since Ithaca was distributing them.

[Sparky]

Thanks Gentlemen!
I knew the dovetails were different. No taper and no stop detent on the rear. I've picked up a pair of weaver steel bases for it, and am planning on a Nikon or weaver grand Slam scope for it.
The wood on this thing is eye-popping! (to me at least)

I'll bet finding a clip for this one would be an adventure in total frustration!

Thanks again!
PS .....range report will follow.....

[JohnBT]

Does it look like this LSA-55 in .308 on gunsamerica? JT

www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976497630.htm

[Sparky]

Hey JT...

It looks just like the rifle on Gunsamerica xcept the bolt handle on mine is straight. And the stock doesn't appear to have that god-awful epoxy finish on it.

I'm refinishing the stock on the one I have and should be able to have it in shooting shape in a week or so.

I think it will be a shooter.
BTW..the barrel contour on this .243 seems a bit heavier than a "normal" sporter barrel.

[Sunray]

"...a bit heavier than a "normal" sporter barrel..." Medium sporter maybe. If you ever need a magazine, search for magazines, not clips. Only the Garand uses clips. Unless it's a stripper clip. Seems to me that Gunparts has mags for Tikka/Sako's.
"...Boafors..." Bofors. Sweden. Same guys that made the 40mm anti-aircraft gun. Oerlikon is Swedish too, I think.