Questions about buying a used TRG-22

[MG-70]

I'm debating on buying a used TRG-22 .308 from an individual and confess to never having fired one, and not having seen the one being sold. Supposedly 40 rounds fired, comes with 30mm medium-height optilok base and rings, factory muzzle brake, “'22'” barrel, phosphate finish, and black stock.

My research has turned up only 20” and 26” versions, and am told that newer 20” versions come with a picatinny rail that has been bonded to the 17mm factory rail. So, if it's a 20” barrel (22” with muzzle brake) and doesn't have the picatinny rail, then it has to be an older one. Not sure when the “newer” ones came out...anyone know?

Now, I've been collecting firearms for over 20 years and can probably inspect this TRG-22 fairly well, but would appreciate pointers on what to look for other than than the obvious bore, chamber, muzzle, bolt locking lugs, bolt face, etc.

Also, are the barrels threaded or pressed on, and what would a rebarrel from a competent gunsmith cost, approximately? I'd love to hear rough estimates for both parts and labor. Replacement barrel can be a stainless, straight taper.

Prices for a new rifle with no accessories run between $2700-$2900, shipped.

Now for the questions:

When these come up on the used market, what do they usually sell for, ball park figure or price range?

Are bolts serial-numbered to receiver? Any other numbered parts?

What, if any, accessories come standard with the rifle?

Thanks in advance

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

First... won't matter if it's 1000 rounds through it... it's going to be a tack driver unless it's completely shot out... unlikely w. a .308.

Few accessories come with it... and Sako accessories are expensive. Bipod $500. Magazine $175. Check w. Eurooptic and you can get a complete price list. The accessories are expensive, but are made to the same amazing standard as the rifle.

The bolts are fitted to each rifle, for headspace. I think mine is numbered, but not sure. The odds of having a bolt mixed up or swapped are low. Don't worry about it.

Newer ones came out a couple of years ago. They are just as accurate as the older ones, from what I am told. I run the 26" version. There are people on SH who run all different lengths and all sing its praises.

For info on barrel changing, etc., get to know Massoud here on this site. He is the Sako Technical guru and has done a lot of intersting accessories, including aftermarket folder and AI mag conversion (see $175 mags above!) and knows them inside and out. There will be no need for a barrel swap under 10K rounds... or more.

For inspection, if you have been collecting 20 years, do nothing different than you would usually do. Bore scope, wear on bolt, etc. But some of these were bought by people who never shot them, so it's not odd for them to come up with 'low mileage.'

For price... it's all over the map. But w. 40 rounds through it... it's still new as far as most of us would be concerned. Get the best deal you can. It's going to be more accurate out of the box than some customs costing twice as much. If shooting holes in holes is your goal, you can't go wrong even at retail... Check Gunbroker.com and look for 'completed listings' to see recent auction price. It's the best way to see what people are really paying. But I would say for a gun w. all its papers and box, $2000 - 2500 is not out of line.

Hope this helps. There is a strong coterie of Sako TRG shooters here who will sing its praises. Do a search on TRG and you will find everything from a picture thread to groups and some good technical discussions.

The TRG is not quite in a league by itself... but it's in a league with very few other out-of-the-box rifles. Buy it. You won't regret it for a second.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[MG-70]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

Thanks for the detailed reply! I confirmed it's a 26" barrel and accessories are factory. I'm not interested in the Optilok but seller doesn't want to split the package...

Trying to see if I can pull this off.

Cheers

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

you won't be disapointed with the TRG, i was a little sceptic myself but after shooting one, I quickly became a TRG owner, several other "first time TRG shooters" have suffered the same addiction
enjoy.

 

[reloader-1]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

Been there, done that. Sub-MOA no matter what you do. I swear Sako has some sort of target seeking technology in these

 

[Furtaker_.223]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

I just got my first. Actually I bought it for the wife to shoot with me in matches. She has never fired a rifle bigger than a 22 LR.

Her first group was a one holer at 100 yards. The trigger is a 2 stage match, AWESOME. The bolt, it glides like butter, Freaking sweet. I want a second one now.

If you do buy the one you are eyeing up, you will absolutly love it.

Let us know if you make it to the TRG club.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

money well spent.

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Re: Questions about buying a used TRG-22

It will be money very well spent.