Re: All new TRG
One important consideration when considering old TRG vs new TRG M10 (as it was briefed to me) was that the TRG M10 was specifically configured to meet eligibility requirements for the PSR solicitation and its amendments. As a result from those specs, engineers had to figure out how to evolve the TRG to address such things like the Multi-Caliber requirement. I need to get my nomenclature tightened up tomorrow before I just start attempting to describe it, but the caliber swap is simple and produced repeatable results.
The PSR solicitation requires a left handed version, so Sako has developed three variants of the M10. One has the stock folding to the right, one to the left, and another with a fixed stock. They all utilize the same spring-loaded adjustment features. For example, a button on the stock will pop out the buttstock, and another will pop up the cheek piece. Hold in the buttons, and you can adjust the settings while in position. Release the buttons and each adjustment locks into place.
The rifle features an interesting on-board tool kit. For the most part, the user can disassemble almost every major component of the TRG M10. There is a reversible/adjustable hand stop/hook support attached to the rail under the forend that contains three Torx and spanner wrenches, for example. Further, the bolt can be removed and used to tighten the barrel screws (the bolt body is held in the hand for leverage). One tool is located at the ball of the bolt knob (if that makes sense). Pretty clever actually.
The trigger on the TRG M10 has been redesigned, something that I was told will be used on TRG 22/42s going forward. This one has only one adjusting screw. However, sear engagement can't be adjusted with one of the on-board tools. This was intentional because they don't feel the sear engagement should be adjusted in the field.
The safety lever on the TRG M10 has been redesigned to addressed a common criticism of the TRG series in that many users don't like that they have to put a finger inside the trigger guard to engage the safety. It's still in the traditional TRG position, but it's wider so that it can be flipped forward or back on the outside of the trigger guard.
On the TRG M10, ammunition within the rifle can now be removed without having to take the rifle off of the "Safe" position.
Also interesting is that the bolt release lever can be flipped to shorten/lengthen bolt thrown depending on choice of caliber. When going from a .338 to a .308 for example, you don't need such a long bolt throw, so by flipping the bolt release lever 180 degrees, you can reduce the distance of travel when cycling ammunition. Another clever design treatment.
I could go on and on, but I'll save a little for another post here on SH. There are things like the new wire management system integrated into the receiver design, new helical screws that attach any configuration of rails to the forend, 60-degree bolt angle, and the fact that Sako will manufacture barrels as short as 14 inches for the .308 and as long as 27 1/8-inches for the .338. The bolt remains traditional TRG with dual ejectors for every caliber, however the extractor on the TRG M10 is wider than the older TRG lines. There are four-inches of overall length within the magazines, which means that the .338 will accept 325-grain ammunition (I did not have 325-gr. ammunition to verify this).
More information to come.
Best,
Eric
Eric R. Poole, Editor
SIP Division, InterMedia Outdoors