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Sako, Barrett, or AR30

S

savageman

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
May 31, 2010
65
0
39
#1
I have read most threads on this site about these guns using google search. Even after that Iam still having trouble deciding what gun to spend my hard earned money on. I would appreciate some of you guys with more experience than me to give me your opinion.

I have a Savage 12 F/TR .308 with a Sightron 8-32-56 that I have been learning with. I want to shoot 1500+ which is getting outside of the range of a .308.

I bought an IOR 3.5-18x50 for this rifle. I also handload.

So any info would be appreciated.
Sako trg 42 .338 or .300

Barrett 98b only .338

or AR30 .338 or . 300
 
#3
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

Something to consider...
300WM will get you there and won't cost you $3-5 a shot like 338 and 50cal will. BTW reloading is a must, not sure if you roll your own 308's but it is almost a necessity with the bigger calibers.
 
#4
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

My budget is tapped with either the Sako or Barrett ( AI is just to much to swing). A similarly equipped Sako is just as much as the 98b. If the AR30 will hold Half MOA ( better would be nice for the long ranges Iam tring to reach.) I would like to save the money.

I would like to buy American, but I have heard so many good things about the Sako.
 
#5
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

The Sako is really nice, the barrett and AR-30 are ok. I would get a DTA SRS or AI AWSM and be done. With the DTA you wouldn't even need your 308, you could get a 308 conversion kit and have 2 nice rifles in one.
 
#6
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

A .260 with 139's to 142's will get you that distance with about the same ballistics with quite a bit less recoil than even the .300WM and without the belted brass. And EuroOptic has a special Sako build going on now for a TRG22 in factory .260. Just a matter of waiting for delivery.

If you want more FPE energy on target well then that's a different story.

To the OP: I've read several posts by members here that have good accuracy out of their AR-30's. I've shot the AR30 and Sako TRG42, I prefer the Sako. You don't have to go with their pricey bipod or rail.
 
#7
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

savageman

All 3 will shoot well,

The AR30 will be a little less money

I shoot the Barrett, and of a few friends, one has the TRG42 and another shoots the AR30.

I won’t comment on what gun shoots better, because it could be invalid due to loading and shooting skills acquired by shooter which in turn could alter the rifles true ability for that given day.

I will say, I have no problem grabbing the 98B, just a rock solid piece that’s dependable and shoots very well at the extended ranges.

My favorite, 300 grain Scenar’s.
 
#8
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

That DTA look nice but what is the price tag?

Mavrick, yes I would like a little more ass than a .260


Oneshot does your 98b hold half MOA or better with those scenars ( I shoot 155 scenars in my .308 and they are awsome)
 
#9
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: savageman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> That DTA look nice but what is the price tag?

Mavrick, yes I would like a little more ass than a .260


Oneshot does your 98b hold half MOA or better with those scenars ( I shoot 155 scenars in my .308 and they are awsome) </div></div>

You'd be looking at around 5k now for the .308 DTA unless you find one used.
 
#10
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30


I've shot the Barrett, I've owned an AR30(1/2 moa) and I own a Sako TRG42 in 338 LM. For me and my purpose, I chose the TRG.

I felt the ergonomics of the TRG to be much better. Mine, fully outfitted with NF 5.5-22 and a bipod tops the scale at 16.9 lbs. I can carry it up a hill, on a hunt, etc.. without breaking my back. Its kinda hard for me to explain, but I just feel like the Barret and the AR30 have too many sharp edges. The Sako has the best feel of a hunting/sniper/tactical rifle all in one. I also have, and have had, several, custom rifles. The TRG is hands down the best quality, finish and ergonomics than anything I've handled or owned. Just installing the magazine, is like butter, and so on... Don't even get me started on the trigger, do some searches, some say its one of the best triggers ever made. All of my other rifles have custom triggers, and the TRG is still better.

Accuracy, mine is .375" right out of the box, first day.

Just my 2 cents
 
#14
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

Something to consider IMO...

Get a rifle with 9.5-10 twist barrel to stabilize the 300 grainers if you decide to go with 338L.A friend of mine is having phenomenal success with the 300 Bergers.Big difference in wind drift at a mile compared to the 250's.That means more frequent hits!
 
#15
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

Out of the 3 suggested, I would go with the TRG in either caliber, depending on what your budget is for ammunition.

If you just want to get a little further than the .308, you can try a .260 rem barrel for your current action for giggles.

Any reason why not go with a some flavor Savage 11_ in .300wm? It'd certainly be more inexpensive, even with any massaging required.

But then again, there isn't anything quite like the out of the box solution a TRG is.
 
#16
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

I have only owned a TRG and played with an AR-30. The Sako can be purchased and you need to do Nothing to it after that other than shoot it. Maybe adjust the trigger to your likng. It and the AI's I have owned have been the hands down BEST out of the box rifles I have ever owned and fired. When you compare the price of a TRG to a custom rifle, you are much better off with the TRG most of the time. Resale for a TRG is excellent also. Like a previous poster ssid...just don't get the pricey TRG accessories. A harris bipod is fine and there are aftermarket scope mounts, rings and muzzle brakes that will accomplish the job that are much cheaper. The mags are pricey, but how many do you really need? I never heard of anyone saying they are sorry they went with a TRG.
 
#18
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T-Hoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also go with a surefire brake on the TRG. </div></div>

Why? Just use the Sako brake, it is very effective.
I am using my TRG brake on both my .300wm and my .308.

I would suggest the .300WM. Ammunition is cheaper and more readily available.

I also suggest the TRG. The action is phenominal and the trigger is great (you just have to maintain it). There are many upgrades available for the TRG but it is spendy.

 
#19
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

I live in Brazil and here in my country there are no dealers of any brands, to import only with permission of the army, so I had to search far. After studying for several months, consult a wide range shooters in several places in the world, I came to this conclusion, if I'll have to suffer through the bureaucracy of the Brazilian army will suffer buying what is most functional after more than a year left commitments and bought the following parts:

1) - Sako TRG 22 - Alex - eurooptics - Premier 5x25-56

2) - Model AW 97 - Stacey - S & B PMII 5x25-56

3) - DTA - S & B PMII 5x25-56, with barrel spares in 338LM

Today I can say I love the SAKO and love the other two, its ergonomics are almost unbeatable, its settings are perfect (trigger, stock, magazine), besides being a rifle with the face of simplicity, light and very well finished, I have achieved excellent groupings with it up to 600 meters.

These parts cost me a lot of money and patience, had to wait (forever) the authorizations, and went to get personally.

If you can, buy a SAKO without fear, I am absolutely sure will be very satisfied. (not gain anything from finland to advertise, eh).
smile.gif


When in doubt, go to some gun clubs, and try .....

After purchasing let us know your opinion.
 
#21
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: savageman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sako is sounding good to me. Is eurooptics a good place to buy?
</div></div>

Yes! They are good folks and a Hide Vendor. That is who I'd deal with if you're going the Sako route. www.eurooptic.com
 
#22
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

I tend to gravitate to the AR-30, 300WM or 338 Lapua will get you where you want ot go, but the 338 will stretch things out a bit farther for you whe nyou decide to shoot that far. I'd say stay away from the 50, I have a turnbolt gun that although accurate, costs way more than the 338 to hanload.
 
#23
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

I've got a ar-30 and it does extremely well half moa or better out to 800 yards anyway with factory hornady ammo. For about 3200 dollars you can get the gun, a 1300 dollar scope (which I got the mark 4), and a bipod. So you will definetely save money because the price of the gun can be had for around 1700 dollars. Accurately I believe them all to be good, I've seen and handeld both the m98b and sako trg-42, never shot either, but I did like the sako alot. Do I like my gun? Of course!! If you want to save money and have something that shoots really good, then stick with the ar 30, if the style and the gun absolutely sickens you then go with a sako. I personally like the look of the gun and it's built like a tank, plus a lifetime warranty. Don't know what sako and the others have.
 
#24
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

So both of you guys say the ar30 is a half MOA rifle? I like the way the AR30 looks. For you guys with the Sako do you feel its worth 1200-1300 more than the ar30?

Guess iam just leaning toward the Sako with the buy once cry once mentality.

Also forgot to mention Iam a lefty. Always have shot with right handed rifles. Would the ar30 be lefty friendly? Sako too. I looked at the AR50 and that is not lefty friendly at all.
 
#25
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

My AR30 was .5" most days to .625 other days. My TRG is tighter. But I think it depends on what you want to do. If you're looking for a bang bang gun that awes the crowd, you just want to smack rocks and 18" of steel at or around 1000 yards, and not break the bank, the AR30 is great. I miss mine.

I think if you're serious about shooting past 1000 yards a lot comes in to play with the rifles capabilities, your ammo and your skill, every Lil gain in accuracy helps.

One could argue you need a 30" custom barrel, and so on for 1000 yard sub moa hits, etc

I think the TRG is the happy medium between AR30, Savage 110BA and rifles from AI and custom builds.

But, it really depends on what you want to do with it.

As far as good for a lefty, Id never given that any thought, the one advantage I can think of is the cheek riser is adjustable to the left side and the right equally, and I tend to run mine slightly towards my cheek side for proper cheek weld. Oh , and I guess another Trg plus for a lefty, the safety is right in front of the trigger, making it ambidextrous.

BTW, the comparably priced Barret is single shot. Again, in my opinion, the Barret or the AR are not the rifles you mount a sling on and hike to the top of the hill to shoot ridge to ridge.

There are also some customs out there in the $3500 range that are sub half moa. I've got a 338 Edge coming but that's a whole other debate.
 
#27
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

All three are top notch shooters

The AR30 would be less money and a great shooting gun for the money

The Barrett and TRG are both comparable in price once you add a few pieces to the TRG42 that are standard on the 98B – yet there are always sales that prove to differ.

The TRG 42 been around a while thus more popular.
The Barrett 98B is only a few years out with a strong price tag but yet as a package. Both the TRG42 and the Barrett 98B are precision rifles and built solid that shoot lights out.

I have handled all three and have seen how consistent the three can be, I just favor the Barrett 98B – that’s my favorite

The Barrett 98B is a bolt with a 10 shot mag. not a single shot, and it is shipped with 2 mags.


Just my opinion you can’t go wrong with any of the three
 
#28
Re: Sako, Barrett, or AR30

I have a TRG-22 and I'm using it as a target/hunting application, the trigger is hands down the best I've tried and the overall design of the rifle (stock, action) is great. Its around 17lbs with a NF 5.5-22x56 scope, bipod and break so it won't trash my back if I need to walk with it on a hunt.
Accessories are quite pricy. I wouldnt get the TRG bipod, the harris is just fine.
 
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