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TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

M

MJY65

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 4, 2011
418
2
Minnesota
I'm really close to purchasing a SAKO TRG as my next rifle. As I looked at the caliber options, I had pretty much settled on 308 until a friend suggested the 338 LM. I'm wondering if any of you have purchased a TRG22 only to regret not getting the 42.

My analysis favoring .308:
1. Much less expensive ammo-I do reload, but even components are more.
2. Less recoil- I realize that some shooters are more recoil sensitive than others, but I doubt many people really shoot better with a heavier recoiling rifle.
3. Longest shooting range within 200 miles is 1000 yards. 500-600 more common.
4. Beyond SHTF fantasies, no real need to shoot through armored cover

Am I missing anything? Given my parameters, any reason I would regret the TRG22?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

If 1000 is your max, a 338 is totally unnecessary. Since you reload, may I suggest a trg22 in 260. You would then have a gun that costs the same as a 308 to shoot, less recoil, and ballistics that blow a 308 out of the water. My 260 is supersonic to 1600 yards. I can't say enough good things about the 260 round.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I didn't see that the TRG22 is made in 260. Is that a custom rifle?
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

They are not a standard option, it was a limited run, and I don't think anymore are available unless you happen across a used one.

I have a TRG-22 and love it, you will not regret getting one. You can if you choose have it re-barreled in .260 if you want.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I have seen them in 260 from the factory before... Hmmmm I think euro optic had them.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Mike, the two rifles are absolutely apples and oranges.

If you want a rifle to shoot a lot and be your "go to" rifle, the TRG22 is a nice choice.

If you want to (and WILL) spend a lot of time at 1000 yards and beyond, the '42 is a better choice.

I doubt anyone in the market for a "well rounded" rifle (260,308 etc etc etc) regretted not getting a super magnum instead.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I'm going to take a stab at something. This your first "real" higher-end precision rifle? If yes, skip the 338. Especially if you can'y easily get to a VLD range.

Let's not forget, you might find you want to do some position shooting as well. In many ways, THAT is more important that just prone. You really need a heavy rifle that is also expensive to feed?

With my assumptions (and you know what that gets you), I say get the 308.

TTR
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GUNENTHUSIAST</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have seen them in 260 from the factory before... Hmmmm I think euro optic had them. </div></div>

Yup they did. They are all out last I checked and they said they won't be doing anymore per Sako. Which really sucks as I would have bought one
smirk.gif
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticaltshirtsREP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm going to take a stab at something. This your first "real" higher-end precision rifle? If yes, skip the 338. Especially if you can'y easily get to a VLD range.

Let's not forget, you might find you want to do some position shooting as well. In many ways, THAT is more important that just prone. You really need a heavy rifle that is also expensive to feed?

With my assumptions (and you know what that gets you), I say get the 308.

TTR </div></div>

This would be my first "real" higher end bolt action. I do have a JP LRP-07 (308), but obviously that is a slightly different animal. At 16 pounds and a gas gun, recoil isn't really a factor.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Skip the .338 for sure. You have no real need for one over a .308. Had you access to 1500+ and/or planned to hunt at extended range, it would be something to look at.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

TRG22 is no brainer, cut your teeth and build skills with it then get a 42 later if you really need to have one.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Don't forget that there's a 300WM option for the TRG-42 as well, also in limited supply. Both the 300WM-42 and 260-22 cost a bit more due to limited numbers that they were sold.

The only benefit to the 42 IMO is that they are priced such as they are. The 308/338 are priced the same new, mostly because the 338 isn't nearly as popular.

That being said, I chose the 22/308 after looking for a 300WM because I knew I could rebarrel to 260 rem (or whatever else on the same bolt face for that matter) for a relatively low cost.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I have a TRG 22 .308, TRG 42 300 win mag, and a TRG 42 .338. With the ranges your shooting at the TRG 22 .308 is perfect. Right now I am loading a 155gr hot trying to burn the barrel out so I can rebarrel it. I have a long way to go on that.

I shout the TRG 22 a lot more than the TRG 42 .300 and I have never shot the TRG 42 .338. Two reasons for that work has been taking up a lot of my time and so has the farm; also I just don't have availability to the land I need to shoot the .338 more than twice a year.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chris@SportOptics</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go with the 22 and never look back. I've had mine going on about 5 years now and don't for a second regret not going with a magnum option. </div></div>

Same here but about 4.5 years.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

It's a Sako, whatever you choose you will be happy. I dig my TRG 42.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Buy the 308 and be done with it, resale is easier on it than a 260 or 338, I know as I've had them all
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Get the 22 and shoot the hell out if it. I still love mine like the day I got it. It holds tighter groups than I can shoot after about 4100 rounds.

I have thought about trying to pick up a 42 in 300 but have no need for the 338.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Get the TRG-22 in .308, I have a 20inch one and love shooting it. I also have a TRG-42 which I also enjoy quite a bit too but I shoot the .308 way more. The .308 is also very forgiving when it comes to reloading and is not very picky in terms of bullet choice.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I have a 700PSS in .308, TRG-42 in .338 Lapua, and a 50 BMG on order as well as an SPR. By far the one I shoot the most often is the 308 even though it's the worst of the guns. I suggest getting the TRG-22. My 42 is amazing but it's not practical to shoot when I only occasionally have access to 1K and up shooting. It really shoots lasers though and is such a perfect design.

You will love love love your TRG-22. Also notice, there is always TRG-42's up for sale but rarely 22's in the classifieds. I think that says something.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

You won't regret the TRG-22. You will shoot it a lot more...

As MStang says above... you can always find used 42's. They are expensive to shoot, people buy them for the .338 wow factor... but then can't afford to feed them.

The .308 will be as good as the best custom rifle out there... and it's a lot more pleasant and inexpensive to shoot than the Lapua.

Had a TRG-22 as a duty rifle since 2008. It's as good a rifle as anything out there. You will have no regrets.

Cheers,

Sirhr
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

TRG 22 For Sure...

It's has been my Dream Rifle ever since I started on this site...Gone through several Very Good Factory .308s (Tikka Scout in a KRG W3, Remington 5R) and at the end still couldn't fix my thirst and hunger for the TRG 22. Found a Hell of a Deal on a 20inch one here on the Hide, it was and still is the BEST Money I've ever spent on a single firearm. Shoots like a Dream and would probably last me for a life time.

I don't think there's anything more I can say about it's Accuracy/Track Record/or Reliability. There were Several Great Deals on the TRG42s a couple of weeks ago that almost had me getting a big bro for the 22, but after seeing the price of ammo alost $100 per box of 20 rounds, I just can't justify shooting $5 Bills just for fun...Maybe if you're wealthy, or a pro with a good reason for it.

I Also have a .260 Remy and now a .300 WM 5R. The .260 is a Fantastic Round but for factory ammo the .308 is still the best deal out there. Good Luck and I've yet heard a single TRG Owner Regret getting their rifle regardless of caliber...

Cheers!
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I got a 22 and rebarreled it to 6.5CM. Thing was a blast til I sold it. Now I'm looking at rebuilding it... stupid me
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Thanks for all the great feedback. It sure looks like a 22/308 is the way to go. Now I just need to decide between the 20" and 26"!

Mike
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Sako stopped making the TRG-42 in 300WM. You could always do what I did if you want a 260. Take a TRG-22 and rebarrel in 260.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Get the TRG-22 it will do just fine. I have two TRG-22 (20” and a 26”) plus a TRG-42 in 300WM. The 338 will cost you, even if you reload. The 300 WM is no longer imported by Sako; they can be found used at a reasonable cost and the 260 also. At 500 to 600 yards out the TRG-22 will be perfect. I think I am spoiled, 5 minute drive from my house, I have over 3000 yards available to shoot on public land no fees, no crowds and no driving for hours on end. Good luck.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alexander</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get the TRG-22 it will do just fine. I have two TRG-22 (20” and a 26”) plus a TRG-42 in 300WM. </div></div>

What velocity are you getting from the 20 vs the 26?
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I have a related question if considering the purchase or build or a 338 lapua is there more value to purchase the Sako trg or build from a custom action, if money the same? or if you purchase the Sako trg what bedding, other triggers, etc must be upgraded to get acceptable 1500m accuracy? or are they great as made? This question not about optics or those accessories, just any upgrades that might be necessary on factory sako TRG in 338 lapua. thanks
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

The TRG is pretty much going to be "as is". Customs you can do what you want to with/to them. Both are completely capable of 1500 yards (providing you're using good ammo and the "custom" is done by somebody that knows what they are doing).
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quietbullet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a related question if considering the purchase or build or a 338 lapua is there more value to purchase the Sako trg or build from a custom action, if money the same? or if you purchase the Sako trg what bedding, other triggers, etc must be upgraded to get acceptable 1500m accuracy? or are they great as made? This question not about optics or those accessories, just any upgrades that might be necessary on factory sako TRG in 338 lapua. thanks </div></div>

It will be good to go out of the box. I have yet to see a trigger that is the equal of the TRG trigger. I would recommend foregoing a rail and rings and just getting a spuhr mount.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It will be good to go out of the box. I have yet to see a trigger that is the equal of the TRG trigger. I would recommend foregoing a rail and rings and just getting a spuhr mount. </div></div>

That's actually the mount I had in mind. Do you happen to have a photo of your rifle with that set up?
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MJY65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the great feedback. It sure looks like a 22/308 is the way to go. Now I just need to decide between the 20" and 26"!

Mike </div></div>

The real answer here isn't how many FPS people are getting out of their 26. The answer is to your questions: what are all the possible things you will want to do with this rifle.

Don't get suckered into the trap of I want the longest range possible so I can use it for everything. We already answered that question with the 338. You aren't shooting that far.

And if you do, it's once in a while. Nothing wrong with getting dope confirmed on your 308 out to 1000 yards. Do it once in a while so you have the data and experience should you need it.

But you have already established you aren't living and dying in a 1000+ world. So my advice would not to be suckered into doing that.

For my all-around uses 24" barrel 308 is about the max. Again...I stress THE MAX Length. And an argument can be made that I could cut down to 20 and rock-out with it. Do a search. There are lots of guys going out pretty far with 20" 308s. And we aren't talking world-class secret squirl types. It's a proof of concept. The gear WILL do it. So don't buy into the shorter barrel limits you on range. It doesn't. NOT in 308.

If it were me, in 308, I would stay the hell away from 26" barrel. Now there could very well be guys coming in behind me who can make the argument for 26" with a certain load, etc, etc, etc. But....are those guys basically prone or bench-rest shooters? A lot of the VLD people basically are. Not all. But a lot.

It's a 308. It's not a wind-cheater. It's not a 1500 yard rifle. For the price of admission on the 20" barrel, you get lighter weight, center of gravity closer to the shooter, faster on-target point-ability, and a MUCH smaller and handier foot-print to carry around.

A 20" 308 you can shoot itty-bitty groups at 100 yards. Work up and test loads to keep that mythical 1/4 MOA or better out to 600. And....And....you can carry it, hump with it, crawl with it, position shoot with it, shoot tactical matches / training with it and basically get enough experience with it you actually accomplish something.

That's the goal, right? To actually shoot. Not just buy gear?

Again, my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

TTR
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

My first TRG was a 338. I had already been shooting the 308 out of Rem 700's and M1A's for some time, and wanted to stretch it out a bit more. I fell in love with the ergonomics of the TRG, and how it fit me perfectly, I then went out and bought a TRG-22 with 26" barrel. It also was a dream to shoot, and couldn't believe how accurate it was with factory GMM. First time shooting it at 800-yards, I was shooting 1/2-moa when I did my part.
Then I got the chance to handle one with 20" barrel, and felt it was really well balanced. A few months later, I had money burning hole in my pocket and picked up a slightly used one. It shoots just as accurate as the 26", and have shot it out to 1200-yards. I ran the 20" in a multi-gun comp this last Summer as my carbine, and smoked the course. I just picked up a TRG in 300WM a few days ago, and plan on shooting that this afternoon.

Which ever model/caliber you end up with, the only regrets you may have is not having more then one TRG.

My suggestion is, if your shooting out to 1K, and don't care about weight or portability, go with the 26" barrel as you will be getting free velocity with the longer barrel, and that will make a differeence at distance with the wind. If you plan to carry the rifle, or maybe someday get a can for it, then go with the 20" barrel. Either way they are awesome rifles.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quietbullet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a related question if considering the purchase or build or a 338 lapua is there more value to purchase the Sako trg or build from a custom action, if money the same? or if you purchase the Sako trg what bedding, other triggers, etc must be upgraded to get acceptable 1500m accuracy? or are they great as made? This question not about optics or those accessories, just any upgrades that might be necessary on factory sako TRG in 338 lapua. thanks </div></div>

It will be good to go out of the box. I have yet to see a trigger that is the equal of the TRG trigger. I would recommend foregoing a rail and rings and just getting a spuhr mount.</div></div>
THIS. Spuhr Mount is awesome on my TRG-42 and the TRG trigger is amazing. I have mine with an SWFA 5-20x50. It's the bottom rifle. Yeah, yeah, I need lower rings on my 700P.

I'd also suggest the 20", I don't really like the 26" on my 700 and feel that I would get most everything I need out of the 20" after doing a lot of reading.

Just an FYI, if you ever do decide to go 338 Lapua make sure you learn to reload. It brings it down from about $5.00 to around $1.30 assuming 10 firings on the brass.

 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Shot my TRG-22 a lot, as .308 was cheap to reload. My cost to reload the .338LM is $1.10/round (not counting brass costs) so I still wanted a good .338 for a long range steel gun that bucks the Kansas wind. I tried a guys TRG-42, and was ready to order a new one. Ended up buying a Savage 110BA, and will honestly say the recoil on this rig feels the same as my TRG-22 in .308. The TRG-42's recoil is stiffer than the 110BA.

I now shoot the .338LM more!
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

I really like the look of that Spuhr mount.

I've been looking at some of the options on Euro Optic and debating between the factory phosphate finish and the Cerakote. the phosphate model I saw at my local store didn't seem to be applied very evenly. Anyone done a hands on comparison to the Cerakote?
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

A followup question for the responses that mention the .260. Is this a reasonable round for someone who is not going to be reloading? Or given the greater availability of .308 commercial ammo, is that a more realistic calibre?
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Get a 20" then install the KRG Folder stock and you'll have yourself one Hell of a Kit for anything and anywhere! There's just something about a TRG Folder that is so intriguing...
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?


My buddy and I both shoot suppressed 20" TRG-22's out to 1000 no problem. These rifles are absolute tack drivers!
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Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?


YEAP ,

I look at the whole package , NOT just the calibre , as such of the 22 & 42 models , I strongly favour the 42 in 338LM , it rocks , from the OAL of the ammo you can use to the way the mag loads & is mcuh smoother when chambering a round , not a fan of the way TRG did the double stack , single feed mag on the 308 model .

I have had jams with the 308 rifles and put it down to the rifle/mag design , no such problems with the 42 running 338LM .

So for me the best TRG rifle is the 42 .
In 308 I tend to favour the AI AW & PH M85 series rifles .

Later Chris
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

Can anyone comment on ejection with a TRG22? I've heard conflicting reports about if it's an issue or not and would be interested to hear from a couple of those who actually use them.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

The analogy may be a bit of a stretch when comparing rifle ammunition to motorcycles, but I'll give it a try.

When riders want to get on the motocross track or the road course for the first time, they all want the biggest, baddest thing the latest star is riding. I've found that 100% of the time that better, safer riders learn faster when they start small. The power isn't overwhelming, the speed doesn't come on as fast, and you have to learn to use your body and suspension to its fullest to get the most from the machine. The best MX riders all rode 125s and they're still being used as training tools to get new riders to push as hard as they can and learn to use their body, the machine, and the track.

Now, wouldn't we all be better marksmen if we applied the same principles to our shooting, by using less than we need to accomplish more? You'd have to use your scope, your ammo, and your skills to the fullest to get the most from your tools. Imagine then, what you could do behind the bigger cartridges when it was needed.

Of course, that's if you have a plan to actually use it often and learn to improve your skills from it. If high end rifles are toys in your collection, I say go whole hog, you'll never be happy until you do. That's not mockery! Seriously, if you just want another toy, spend to the upper limit of your budget; you may as well have the best toy you can get.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyanMcIntyre</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The analogy may be a bit of a stretch when comparing rifle ammunition to motorcycles, but I'll give it a try.

When riders want to get on the motocross track or the road course for the first time, they all want the biggest, baddest thing the latest star is riding. I've found that 100% of the time that better, safer riders learn faster when they start small. The power isn't overwhelming, the speed doesn't come on as fast, and you have to learn to use your body and suspension to its fullest to get the most from the machine. The best MX riders all rode 125s and they're still being used as training tools to get new riders to push as hard as they can and learn to use their body, the machine, and the track.

Now, wouldn't we all be better marksmen if we applied the same principles to our shooting, by using less than we need to accomplish more? You'd have to use your scope, your ammo, and your skills to the fullest to get the most from your tools. Imagine then, what you could do behind the bigger cartridges when it was needed.

Of course, that's if you have a plan to actually use it often and learn to improve your skills from it. If high end rifles are toys in your collection, I say go whole hog, you'll never be happy until you do. That's not mockery! Seriously, if you just want another toy, spend to the upper limit of your budget; you may as well have the best toy you can get. </div></div>

I'm not quite sure if you are suggesting the 308 over the 338 or a cheaper rifle over the TRG. I tend to agree on the caliber, but have a fair number of less expensive rifles already. I'd just like to add a really nice one to the collection.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can anyone comment on ejection with a TRG22? I've heard conflicting reports about if it's an issue or not and would be interested to hear from a couple of those who actually use them.</div></div>

It's not as forceful as some other rifles...But then again these are used as Sniper Rifles by many arm forces and if the ejection was a issue I doubt it would've been this widely accepted and used.

Also, for using it as a sniper rifle you don't really want your brass to FLY Across the ground or the room. You want it to clear the action but Not So far so that it'll draw attention or make a loud noise. My TRG 22 have not had any failure to eject yet and I like the idea of keeping all my empty brass close for ease of recovering when the range session is done.

The Extractor Setup for TRG is much better design compare to some other rifles out there. I know a lot of the Custom Remington Shops actually convert to TRG Extractor Setup for that exact reason.

Last but not least, if you're going to spend that kind of coin on a Nice Rifle, I'd get a hold of one in person and test it out before you drop the coins on one. FWIW just my 2 Cent.

HOG
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

If you're ever in central Oklahoma holler at me and you can come test mine. As far as ejection issues are concerned, I have only had an issue once or twice in over 2500 rds I've fired and it usually occurred when I was gently and very slowly pull the bolt back. I would not let that stop me from owning one of these rifles. I absolutely love mine.
-Dutch
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MJY65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not quite sure if you are suggesting the 308 over the 338 or a cheaper rifle over the TRG. I tend to agree on the caliber, but have a fair number of less expensive rifles already. I'd just like to add a really nice one to the collection. </div></div>
I guess what I was saying is if you need a tool, get the right one for the job. If you want another toy, get what makes you smile.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can anyone comment on ejection with a TRG22? I've heard conflicting reports about if it's an issue or not and would be interested to hear from a couple of those who actually use them. </div></div>

Well, you can't be tentative when pulling the bolt back - all that will get you is the extracted case rattling around on top of the magazine or halfway out the ejection port. I don't know how this compares to other bolt rifles, since I don't have any, but if you were hoping to be stealthy while extracting, or not have it throw the spent case a short distance away but instead drop it right on the side of your rifle, cease that hope. You must pull the bolt back smoothly and swiftly.
 
Re: TRG 22 vs 42 regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyanMcIntyre</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I guess what I was saying is if you need a tool, get the right one for the job. If you want another toy, get what makes you smile.</div></div>

+1 Perfect!
 
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