Sako TRG-42 finish question

Extorris

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Minuteman
Dec 29, 2009
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North Georgia
Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find anything with a search. What is the difference between the "matte" and "phosphate" finishes on the TRG rifles? I ask because I see the matte is approx. $700 cheaper.
 
Re: Sako TRG-42 finish question

Matte is blueing not high polished, kind of dull "matte". Phosphate is dull and grainy like parkerising. I don't know where your seeing the $700 difference in the TRG. It's usually $250 max and if you shop hard $150 or so more for phosphate.
 
Re: Sako TRG-42 finish question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Matte is blueing not high polished, kind of dull "matte". Phosphate is dull and grainy like parkerising. I don't know where your seeing the $700 difference in the TRG. It's usually $250 max and if you shop hard $150 or so more for phosphate. </div></div>
Correct. The blued (matte) version is your common rifle blueing. The grey parkerized versions have a rough, textured feel to them. I personally like the black models much better.
 
Re: Sako TRG-42 finish question

Yep,

Also the only part that is finished different between the two is the barrel itself on the newer ones I've seen. The action is still "parkerized" or phosphate on either model, and as I understand it the factory brakes, bipod, mounts are all the "parkerized" finish.

Personally I think the matte or blued barrel is a nice contrast with the other phosphate parts.

The price difference is significant but very very confusing.

Some places the difference in the matte to phosphate is about $200-300. Other places it's as much as $900.

For example Alex's webpage at europtics lists prices that are completely inconsistent for the TRG series.

For example the TRG 42 in 300wm in a black matte stock is $2500, but the phosphate version black stock is listed at $3200.

If you go to the TRG 42 in 338 in a black stock it's $3100 for matte and $3400 for phosphate. Yet in the green stock it's $2500 for matte and $3400 for phosphate.

Other versions (TRG 22, dark earth or tan stock) seem to have more or less variation between the matte and phosphate, but for what reason I have no idea.

I've wondered if there is a difference in the stocks between the phosphate and matte models beyond the barrel coating. There are many old posts saying the green stocks were for military contracts and were stronger/heavier/more reinforced than the black stocks (sakos specs would confirm this as the green stock version is listed as about 1/2 lb heavier than the black, but this has been reported as a simple specification typo as well so who knows) The problem is as far as my research could find no one has ever been able to get a clear answer on this issue, or exactly what stocks/models might be stronger/heavier and why the large price difference between the matte and phosphate models. The new tan and dark earth stocks only confuse this issue even more.

Some people have said their green stocks are simply black stocks painted over, others seem to be green all the way through. So there's the possibility that perhaps the matte models are using the lighter/weaker black stocks simply painted over, while the phosphate models are using the heavier stocks. However, again no one seems to be able to get a strait answer from either beretta or sako on the issue. It would be interesting to see if the green stocks that are black painted over green are on just the matte versions of the rifle and the phosphate versions are green all the way through. It would also be interesting to weigh various stocks to see if there is any real weight difference between them.

 
Re: Sako TRG-42 finish question

I am also looking at the TRG-42 (300WM), just can't figure out why the price differences, talked to several large Sako dealers and can't get an answer. I just can't believe that no one knows what the heck the differences are, it just can't be possible that the only difference is the barrel finish, wouldn't make any sense to charge $700 to $800 more for just a parkerized barrel.
 
Re: Sako TRG-42 finish question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Doug308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am also looking at the TRG-42 (300WM), just can't figure out why the price differences, talked to several large Sako dealers and can't get an answer. I just can't believe that no one knows what the heck the differences are, it just can't be possible that the only difference is the barrel finish, wouldn't make any sense to charge $700 to $800 more for just a parkerized barrel.</div></div>

The green stock is about 1/4-1/2 pound heavier due to some added reinforcement, vis-a-vis the black stock. There are a lot of variations to the TRG series, especially the 42 when you throw in the SS barrels and bolts, with the parked action/barrel and the black bolts. Now you have tan and FDE, too boot. It's worse than a women's shoe store.

Go Green, all the cool people have them and it's the new mantra for 2010, after all.

MeSakocloseup.jpg


Black is for ARs, accessorize and be happy!

Chris