[1] However, it could only use cartridges with cases up to 55 mm, and Tikkakoski decided to develop a long action rifle in 1969, the M65, which initially was called LSA65, for cases up to 65 mm long (after which the rifle was named).

[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.

[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.

[5]: 142–144  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.