posted 02-25-2002 22:18               

If you have never heard anything about the SAKO TRG 22 and 42 sniper rifles listen up.

These guns are very well made and designed, and have a SUPERB reputation for extreme accuracy.

Best part of it is they are still very reasonably priced compared to other guns on the market.

I like the design much better than the Accuracy International rifles and they are about HALF the money!

Quick story; My buddy Ken Hackathorn was doing a class recently for some foreigners who were in the market for some .338 Lapua sniper rifles. They had T&E samples of the SAKO TRG 42, a Robar SR 90, and another custom bolt gun to evaluate.

At first Ken was very lukewarm toward the TRG 42 - not having any real personal experience with it, he just thought it was another 'rail' type bolt gun from europe.

By the end of the training session that week the TRG 42 had the undivided attention of everyone there - It had COMPLETELY dominated the other two guns, to the point of being ridiculous.

The finishing touch was when one of the visitors shot a 5 shot group at 300 yds that measured 1 5/8 inches.

Needless to say the T&E gun was purchased and the TRG 42 had everyone talking to themselves.

I just ordered a TRG 22 ( .308 ) complete with bipod, scope mount, and extra 10 rd magazine - I got a GREAT deal.

I can't tell you what it is but bottom line is this - this gun is an absolute DEMON - word is the factory will not ship it if it does not shoot 1/2 inch at 100 meters ( I will confirm this at the IWA show this year with the SAKO reps ) - and for the money it is the best kept secret in the industry.

Don't expect this to last forever though - I know Hilton is pissed at me because I let the cat out of the bag before he could get his.

posted 02-25-2002 22:48               

What price is the Sako TRG-22 with all the goodies that you specified running at? I really need to get a new rifle. Mines about to go into the collectors bin.

posted 02-26-2002 07:03               

Your gun will be backordered as is mine but get it before the prices go up which is inevitable

posted 02-26-2002 10:22               

However:
Sako is making their actions a little differently than they did in the old days. The recoil lugs are now a piece of aluminum angle that is bedded into the stock instead of a forged part of the receiver itself.
The receiver has a little boss of steel about 3/8" wide and .1" high that sits in a little hole in the aluminum extrusion.
This was brought about when Sako went to parts commonality (lower costs) on their Tikka and Sako receivers.

Also, Sako extractors are subject to being blown out of the bolt and into the lug race in the event of an overpressure round.
This is due to the pinless design of the extractor. Better than a Rem 700, but still fragile.

These are my only criticisms of an otherwise excellent and cost effective rifle system.

posted 02-26-2002 13:57               

TRG 42 with green stock

TRG 22 with (optional) stainless barrel

TRG 22

posted 02-26-2002 14:19               

The TRG was one of the first along with AI AW rifle which were specifically made for sniping, not just customized from other weapons or weapon actions.

The prices for the Sako rifles rose considerably more than Tikka rifles after the Beretta purchase of Sako, atleast here in Finland.

The Finnish army adopted the Sako TRG42 as the Kiv2000 (Rifle 2000) with a Zeiss scope.

Mr Vickers, for what its worth, i can truly say you will not be disappointed with the TRG rifle.

posted 02-26-2002 18:15               

This information about the Sako TRG rifles doesn't surprise me although I was unaware of specifics on the TRGs.

I bought my first high power rifle for hunting more than 20 years ago and it was a Sako in .270 Win. That rifle was extremely accurate. I never shot it beyond 200 yards, however, I remember several practice groups at 200 yards that I could cover with a half dollar. I didn't measure groups back then, but I will never forget that rifle.

I saved and scraped up enough to buy it as a young Air Force service member. After almost 10 years of hard use, sadly, I lost the rifle when I was burglarized while out for a pizza. As a side note that can't be overstated, gun safes are more than worth their cost and trouble.

posted 02-27-2002 07:11               

Bottom line to all you Kmart shoppers, BUY ONE ASAP - the price WILL go up and in 2 years or so from now they will be alot more money - hide and watch.

posted 02-27-2002 13:08            

Larry the Prophet ...

posted 03-03-2002 21:37               

Wilson2

posted 03-05-2002 10:30            

MSRP (and product codes) for the Sako TRG series:

TRG-22 in .308 Win with phosphate finish and black (JRSM316) or green (JRSM216) composite stock: $2,898

TRG-42 in .300 Win Mag with blued finish and black composite stock (JRSM131): $2,829

TRG-42 in .338 Lapua Mag with blued finish and black composite stock (JRSM135): $2,829

TRG-42 in .338 Lapua Mag with phosphate finish and green composite stock (JRSM235): $3,243

Those are the only combinations brought into the US, so please don't e-mail me asking for "phosphate .338 with black stock" or other combinations not listed above.

Stay safe ...

posted 03-09-2002 10:38               

I myself, have decided to hold out for the phosphated, green furniture version which I should receive sometime later this year, hopefully.

Thanks a bunch to Todd G, for his assistance on getting my order into the queue.

posted 03-10-2002 08:43               

I was in your Counter Sniper I class at Thunder Ranch many years ago. I was the guy a few points over shooting the SR-25. You are seriously upgrading your hardware.