We got some Sako TRG 42 Black Rifle, Picatinny Rail, .338 LM, 10" Twist, 27 in stock the other day. I'm trying to decide what 338LM to get. What do you guys think? I have time.
Mike @ CST
Mike @ CST
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Thats some good shooting ^^ I almost didn't believe that that was shot at 600 yds.
I should have clarified that 600 yard group...
Each shot in the group is labeled with a letter in sharpie. Meaning the 5 shot group is ~.5moa. 3 of the shots are inside 1/8 moa, and the best two are through the same hole.
I was on the square range when I shot that, and had pit service.
Beware of COPPER FOULING!! Got a buddy that has one....and I worked on his barrel for a week and didn't even dent the copper! And I was using some good stuff! The barrel was TRASHED!!
Sharpsman,
Please elaborate. Trashed in what respect? Was the rifle still shooting well before cleaning? Apparently you didn't get much of the copper out, how did it shoot after the cleaning?
Please elaborate. Trashed in what respect? Was the rifle still shooting well before cleaning? Apparently you didn't get much of the copper out, how did it shoot after the cleaning?
Nice shooting turbo54.
I really like the feel of the stock and the trigger is amazing.
Mike @ CST
I really like the feel of the stock and the trigger is amazing.
Mike @ CST
This has to be put into some sort of context?! Trashed... what does that mean? I own 3 TRG's and they all clean with minimal effort, as do the ones my friends own (+2)
Nothing is built idiot proof, who knows what the background story is here. I would not let this statement factor into my decision to buy a TRG whatsoever, They are simply one of the finest precision rifles offered, factory or otherwise.
I have a target that I shot that shows 10 300gr. SMK's into .6moa at 220yds. While a great group, it is even more remarkable because there was 5gr. difference in powder between the first to last shot. It was a ladder test that I was not able to shoot so I shot them at 200 meters jst to chrony them.
I will try to post a pic later.
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I'd imagine mishandled, neglected, improper cleaning regimen over time, moisture, poor homegrown lapping job or other DIY coating, corrosive surplus rounds, specialty ammo, many rounds of unstable projectiles, salt spray, gremlins...its steel and doesn't just fall apart for no reason.
I bought a new TRG 42 in 338 Lapua some years back , the barrel shot good for 5 shots. After that you could look down the barrel and it looked like it was 100% coated with copper and took some 4 hours and 175 patches to clean it , also had a Lilja do the same thing 20 years ago but Dan took care of me. As for the TRG 42 after trying JB and Tubbs final finish products I sent it to GRE-TAN and he hooked me up with a Broughton. So I can relate to the othe guys experience , However that has not kept me from buying another TRG or any other Sako product. It goes back to the old saying , don't let one bad barrel turn you against a certain manufacture, You guys on this website will probally pass out when I say I have had a GA gun that would not stay inside 1 moa @ 100, but I had another that shot in the high 1's, but it wasnt anything that they did wrong and has not turned me against them its just a fact that when a 1000 barrels are made one or two of them are not hummer barrels as Tony would say. As for the original TRG42 barrel it made a good horse stake.
Interesting feedback. I love the feel of the rifle, how smooth the action works, bolt manipulation is really quick and the Trigger is amazing. The only think that has me a little concerned it how thin and light the Sako TRG is but other than this the rifle feels Amazing.
We get Savage 338LM in stock now and then so the other day I was playing with one and it did not fell as good to me. What do you guys think of the Savage 338LM Vs the Sako TRG 338LM?
Mike @ CST
We get Savage 338LM in stock now and then so the other day I was playing with one and it did not fell as good to me. What do you guys think of the Savage 338LM Vs the Sako TRG 338LM?
Mike @ CST
Mike,
There are probably thousands of guys on this site with more experience with both TRGs and other .338s but I'll give you my limited experience anyway. I have to be careful of a flinch due to many thousands of rounds of of shotgun rounds. Between the trigger, ergonomics, and factory brake, my TRG is one of the easiest rifles to shoot I've ever owned. Do not let the comparatively light weight dissuade you. Reloading has been similarly simple. The first load I tried shot to my limits which is about an half inch. The next load I tried was with a lighter hunting bullet and the same powder charge. The group sizes were the same and the point of impact varied by about 1/4". The one negative is that firing more than fifteen rounds in a sitting will leave me with a mild headache.
If there was another negative it would be that the rifle is boring. I'll correct that by stretching it out this summer.
There are probably thousands of guys on this site with more experience with both TRGs and other .338s but I'll give you my limited experience anyway. I have to be careful of a flinch due to many thousands of rounds of of shotgun rounds. Between the trigger, ergonomics, and factory brake, my TRG is one of the easiest rifles to shoot I've ever owned. Do not let the comparatively light weight dissuade you. Reloading has been similarly simple. The first load I tried shot to my limits which is about an half inch. The next load I tried was with a lighter hunting bullet and the same powder charge. The group sizes were the same and the point of impact varied by about 1/4". The one negative is that firing more than fifteen rounds in a sitting will leave me with a mild headache.
If there was another negative it would be that the rifle is boring. I'll correct that by stretching it out this summer.
Sako/Tikka anything is usually better than anyone else's factory rifle and not that far from custom. I have had several that were amazing shooters as shipped, and when it was time for a new barrel, we never got the same accuracy standard. Sako knows how to make a barrel.
I have shot a lot of rounds in my TRG-22 and have never cleaned the copper from the barrel. It shoots sub 0.5MOA. In fact, it came from the factory already fired and dirty with copper in it. I figure the copper wants to be there so unless there is a specific problem that I'm certain is due to copper fouling and not operator error, I would leave it alone.
I don't especially like the Sako factory muzzle brake. It kicks up a lot of dust at the shooter's position. The gas ports should maybe point up a little more and away from the sides. Some third party options may be better in this regard.
The weight of the TRG-42 is good with the .338 and has a good balance (maybe not as good as the .308 though). But I have shot the TRG-42 and it is extremely accurate and has identical ergonomics to the TRG-22 (which is to say they are excellent).
I don't especially like the Sako factory muzzle brake. It kicks up a lot of dust at the shooter's position. The gas ports should maybe point up a little more and away from the sides. Some third party options may be better in this regard.
The weight of the TRG-42 is good with the .338 and has a good balance (maybe not as good as the .308 though). But I have shot the TRG-42 and it is extremely accurate and has identical ergonomics to the TRG-22 (which is to say they are excellent).
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I saw the holes in that 600y group and thought you had a new 600y benchrest record haha
Mirrors my experience to a "t".
Advil BEFORE shooting and you never notice a headache.
I agree, there's some serious voodoo in a Sako TRG barrel.
My TRG22 shoots the same size groups whether it has 300 rds through it or if the barrel is squeaky clean. In my experience they are the most accomodating un-particular rifles out there. In an internet reality where everyones gun seems to shoot bughole groups, this is one gun that I would never question the validity of that claim.
I have such reverence for the TRG platform that when an opportunity came up last week to pick one up for a great price I did so and rushed it to my gunsmith in time for him to commence my 6mmSLR build on it. He handed me back my McMillan A5 and Rem 700SA and these will be happily listed and sold off.
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And did the rifle stop shooting after those 5 shots? Did it suddenly start throwing shots an inch or two to the side? Or did you just flip out because it's "full of copper!" and decide that it can't possibly shoot well with that much copper in the bore?
Thanks for all the great info. If I go with the TRG I will us another break SureFire, AAC or Badger.
Mike CST
Mike CST
Trashed!! Just exactly what I typed! I didn't start this schitt last week; was probably messing with rifles while you were just a gleam in your Pappy's eye!! I KNOW the procedure for removing copper fouling from a barrel and have had to do many rifles this way over the years for various people! The original barrel was removed and another installed! I agree with your statement reference the quality of the TRG-42 as it's one of the most highly engineered production rifles made today...bar none! This does not preclude the fact that with that being stated.....sometimes errors can be made in production processes! I know the man that owns this rifle....and he's not an idiot and didn't do anything wrong to harm the barrel....other than shoot the pizz out of it!!
Reply wasn't intended as a personal slight. "Trashed" is a strong word when used to describe a barrels condition, so was looking for some context here. Put it this way, If you put 200rds worth of Barnes X, or Swift Scirocco's, Etc. down the pipe (pure copper as opposed to gilding metal) you're going to be cleaning copper out of that barrel for a week. Yes, I realize they are not the typical Match type bullet these guns see a steady diet of but you can only guess as to what the backstory is when the details aren't presented.
If the gun had a bad barrel then so be it, it happens. But to imply that one should beware of all TRG's because of one persons experience is is not a fair statement to make, particularly considering the exemplary reputation these rifles have earned.
Marcoman said exactly what I was thinking......I've owned 3 TRG's( still have 2), and have always been amazed at how LITTLE copper fowling they experience. YMMV.
Mike, I have a TRG-22 and a TRG-42. If you are worried about recoil in the 42 the Sako muzzle break works extremely well. It is very comfortable to shoot in that configuration and it is comfortable to shoot with out it IMO. Mind you that I also shoot a .50 BMG so recoil is all relative. To put it in perspective, my TRG-42 in .338 Lapua does not recoil IMO as bad as my .300WM Sendero did. I am running a 1-10 barrel on it and not the older 1-12. You will be happy with a Sako.
Aggred. The original break of the 42 is very efficient . Felt recoil is stonger with a suppressor.
Original brake is indeed very good. It does make shooting next to it a tad difficult, but for the shooter it works well. Heh, one time I managed to shoot in the back of a van with it, rear doors open and myself on my belly in the back, something like IRA style. The owner of the van said he thought the windows would be flying off, I felt like punched in the nose. Magnificent.
Otherwise, when using the Ase Utra suppressor for it, SL7 S Series SL7 sound suppressor | Ase Utra, it is entirely possible to go without any hearing protection, from my experience. True, the plugs do help, but the the rifle is not very loud. It is a good Thump, but nothing sharp.
And lastly, older TRG 42 folding stock was a bit on the flimsy side for the 338 LM caliber, the folding mechanism wore out faster and started to rattle a bit, at least in here at this part of the world, but the factory made some improvements and new ones should be good to go. The grip on the fixed stock seemed to be too wide (or the circumference was too big) for me, I would prefer a bit slimmer one (somehow the folding stock's one seemed to fit perfectly). But it is a good solid piece of weaponry, something that the Finns seem to be able to do extremely well, does what is asked and hits where aimed. Depending on the shooter, of course.
I have to look at the target pics, but I've seen that rifle do about 0,4 MOA at 903 meters, and headshots (on cellulose-made soldier, of course) at 920-30 m.
Otherwise, when using the Ase Utra suppressor for it, SL7 S Series SL7 sound suppressor | Ase Utra, it is entirely possible to go without any hearing protection, from my experience. True, the plugs do help, but the the rifle is not very loud. It is a good Thump, but nothing sharp.
And lastly, older TRG 42 folding stock was a bit on the flimsy side for the 338 LM caliber, the folding mechanism wore out faster and started to rattle a bit, at least in here at this part of the world, but the factory made some improvements and new ones should be good to go. The grip on the fixed stock seemed to be too wide (or the circumference was too big) for me, I would prefer a bit slimmer one (somehow the folding stock's one seemed to fit perfectly). But it is a good solid piece of weaponry, something that the Finns seem to be able to do extremely well, does what is asked and hits where aimed. Depending on the shooter, of course.
I have to look at the target pics, but I've seen that rifle do about 0,4 MOA at 903 meters, and headshots (on cellulose-made soldier, of course) at 920-30 m.
I really thank you all for the great feedback. I will be going with the Sako TRG 338 for sure.
Mike @ CST
Mike @ CST
Mike, you'll be extremely happy with it!! Remember when installing the trigger group the bolt needs to be removed.
My TRG-22 had the trigger set screws walk on me slightly because they are not Loctite in position. I have not had the problem with my TRG-42 but if I do I know what the issue is. They are slick shooting rifles, truly a joy to shoot!
My TRG-22 had the trigger set screws walk on me slightly because they are not Loctite in position. I have not had the problem with my TRG-42 but if I do I know what the issue is. They are slick shooting rifles, truly a joy to shoot!
Thanks.
Now a scope. I'm thinking of using a Kahles with the MSR.
Mike CST
Now a scope. I'm thinking of using a Kahles with the MSR.
Mike CST
I own a TRG22 and have about a 1k through it, only cleaned it twice so far and cleaning hasnt affected accuracy at all before or after it just shoots the same. love the rifle so much i bought a trg42 in 300wm to get better balistics and stay cheap on reloading components. TRG is an Awesome platform and couldnt be happier, such a great value.
CJG
CJG
You want to keep the copper in there, it's the other shit you need to get out. The Copper fills in all the little imperfections in the barrel and makes things more accurate. Now, if your looking at the end of the barrel and copper is starting to spill out, well then your in trouble. You keep on cleaning out the copper and your cold bore will shift every time you do.
The carbon will interfere with accuracy after a while, clean that out.
Obviously as the name states I have a Sako (TRG 22) with a surefire on it, better than stock break at curbing the recoil, but that said stock break is good. My TRG is a .25 gun. Now, anyone who know this stuff will understand that .25 is a steep claim. I have tons of targets that have groups even as low as .17 to .19. The TRG will shoot 155 grain scenar as well a 175 grain SMK. An amazing gun that is super fun to shoot. That said I have never shot a 42, and am very curious to do so.
Attched image has 5 rounds in that one hole.
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Funny, I recently did a load development session with only 155's. Lapua Scenars, Sierra 2156 Palmas, and Berger Fullbore's. Six out of seven loads tested were under .5" and the Bergers produced a group of .179" at 100 meters. Same load at 200m shot .459" at the next session. These guns are just un-holy!
Now I need to find AMMO...
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
What do you think of this setup? Sako TRG42 338LM with Kahles 624i MSRII Reticle.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
Looks like it all finally came together and it definitely looks like it will be a fun gun to take out and push the limits with. Now the real question is, how does it shoot?
get behind that thing and start playing with the adjustments the butt plate offers,
you should be able to get it to fit your shoulder like its a extension of your body
and the recoil will seem even less and your shoot to shoot consistency will be better.
and once that thing fits you like a glove, all your other rifles wont feel so good.
at least that is my experience. enjoy that thing.
you should be able to get it to fit your shoulder like its a extension of your body
and the recoil will seem even less and your shoot to shoot consistency will be better.
and once that thing fits you like a glove, all your other rifles wont feel so good.
at least that is my experience. enjoy that thing.
Thanks for the feedback guys.
Great looking setup Kreeper.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
Great looking setup Kreeper.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
I also own a TRG22, have put who knows how many hundreds of rounds down the tube and the gun is still as accurate as ever. Cleaning is easy. My TRG has an ITRS accessory rail I'm planning to remove and sell, so if anybody is interested PM me.....
I agree, $450 for a Bi-Pod is a little hard for even me to swallow but I will get one.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
I've had a 42 for a few yrs now. I outfitted mine with a near 25 moa rail and muzzle brake. In my opinion, I truly believe to get the full TRG experience, you need to shoot it with the sako bipod. It seems crazy overpriced, but it is truly awesome
We have the Bi-Pods on order.
We have more TRG 42 338 in stock so if anyone is looking for one let me know.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
We have more TRG 42 338 in stock so if anyone is looking for one let me know.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
