I paid $350.00 for this, plan to use it as a back up deer rifle. I know the stock has been altered, all the numbers do match though. I'm not really a military collector, but have always heard about the flat shooting 6.55 x 55. I got this one local and know I could have got it cheaper on Gun Broker. I'll post two pics

If you don't reload, look for some 160 grain RN ammo as it is long throated for that round, mebbe Privi or S&B might have something.

Great looking metal work and you are right, it's just a super clean shooter & not a collecter. Without altering the value you might try and find an inexpensive drop in a wood sporter style stock to finish out that might fit you better.
Me, myself, I'd leave the iron sights on it just like it is and not even think about putting a scope on it.
Have Fun
Ron

140 grain bullets were what they were designed to shoot so I would stick with those. USA loaded 6.5x55mm is all loaded down; S&B, RWS, and Norma are loaded hotter.

The Norma 156 gr Onyx load is a specialty load to meet the 10 gram (it's 10.1) requirement to hunt Swedish Elk. Otherwise the 120 to 140 grain bullets should be fine. The 6.5 calibers designed by Mannlicher were long throated for the 160 gr bullets.

Ive got one and love it, Ive only put 15 rds thru mine so far and with just the iron sights at 50 yds I was hitting right at bullseye on most of all my shots, actully hit bullseye twice. Mine is dressed all in original hardware, even has the original leather sling which you can find on ebay.You can even find the original flash muzzle brake there too.Mine is a 1920, what year is yours?http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-SWEDISH-6-5-X-55-MAUSER-SLING-M96-M38-/351073847059?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51bda1c713

It's a 1903, I plan to try it out with open sights before I mount a scope. While I'm well aware that the stock has been modified, I compared it to a buddy's and his is much longer. It doesent appear that my barrel has been altered, but it's about 23-24 inches long and his is 29. Did they come in different lengths? Also, what kind of no drill scope mounts should I get?

In regards to barrel length, there are many different models and they are all over the place. There is no way I would use no-drill scope mounts on this rifle. Either Iron Sights or drill and tap.

I made a forward scope mount for mine, turning it into a poor mans scout rifle.
2.75 power Burris, and this makes a lightweight deer rifle.