TRG-41 Info

[Arbiter]

Anyone here have any hands-on experience with the TRG-41? Are there any significant downsides to buying a 41 as opposed to a newer 42? Do they use the same magazine? Would the KRG folding stock fit the 41? Given that the 41 comes with a non-threaded muzzle brake, does it kick considerably more than a 42?

I've been trying to find a decently priced Sako .338, and have a line on a relatively cheap unfired TRG-41, but haven't had any luck on a decent 42, and wondering if I'll regret going for the older rifle. Any information is appreciated!

 

[Sako TRG-22]

There are only minor changes from the 41 to the 42 series, and I'm pretty sure you can use the new stock on the older 41 frame. The older magazines does not have the small knobs on the side, and this is the most signifikant difference. You can have the barrel threaded if you want another brake.

I think that the older 41 should be regarded as a semi custom because Sako took much pride in manufacturing these rifles! I would expect that a 41 is more nicely finished than newer production 42 series. I have had an early 22 and compared to a newer production the difference is pretty obvious.

However the TRG series will ofcourse go through design changes based on input from users and continually improved.

 

[Layton]

Basically the same rifle with cosmetic changes as mentioned above. If it's cheap I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Everything is interchangeable between the 2. Part are interchangeable with the TRGS M995 (open receiver vs hooded on the 41/42) as well which is also discontinued but a fine rifle in it own right. The M995 version never really caught on in the US but was quite popular in Europe. If you don't buy it and it's that cheap please send me the contact info of the seller. Seriously. Oh and yes it will fit in a Whisky 3.

L

 

[Arbiter]

Basically the same rifle with cosmetic changes as mentioned above. If it's cheap I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Everything is interchangeable between the 2. Part are interchangeable with the TRGS M995 (open receiver vs hooded on the 41/42) as well which is also discontinued but a fine rifle in it own right. The M995 version never really caught on in the US but was quite popular in Europe. If you don't buy it and it's that cheap please send me the contact info of the seller. Seriously. Oh and yes it will fit in a Whisky 3.

L

How is recoil with the early-style two-port small-diameter muzzle brake?

$2600 plus tax is asking price (with an included Sako throw-lever scope mount). For an unfired TRG-41...I'm not sure whether it would be worth spending a few hundred more to get a standard TRG-42 or not. Thoughts?

 

[Layton]

Never shot behind one so can't help but from what I understand it's pretty effective. And I agree with the statement that it seems the older TRGs were a little more 'refined' that the current generation. May be I'm just biased though. lol $2600 NIB I'd jump on it. Some may argue but put 2 the beside each other NIB, ask $1k more for the 42 and try to explain that extra grand to the potential buyer.

L

edt: BTW, if you end up with it I'll send you a TRG42 bolt knob and then I'll be not many will know the difference when they look at it. lol

 

[Arbiter]

Never shot behind one so can't help but from what I understand it's pretty effective. And I agree with the statement that it seems the older TRGs were a little more 'refined' that the current generation. May be I'm just biased though. lol $2600 NIB I'd jump on it. Some may argue but put 2 the beside each other NIB, ask $1k more for the 42 and try to explain that extra grand to the potential buyer.

L

edt: BTW, if you end up with it I'll send you a TRG42 bolt knob and then I'll be not many will know the difference when they look at it. lol

I'm torn. It's $2750 out the door, without a box. Supposedly unfired. Including the TRG-41 clamp-on muzzle brake, a very curious older Versapod-style bipod (I suspect it might be this bipod - possibly old factory model?: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v179/Catch22/Zielonka240904/Trg21.jpg), and a Sako 30mm clamp-on scope mount. No paperwork or other accessories. Getting magazines will be nearly impossible, so it's going to be necessary to upgrade to a take-off stock set from a 42, and eventually add a KRG folding stock. Long term I'm unsure how effective that brake is, so I might have to spend another ~$250 to have it threaded and a new brake added...or maybe just shoot the barrel out and then get a new 1-10" custom barrel spun on. I don't mind the appearance of the finish, but surface rust is a bitch in Florida, so it's going to need to be Duracoated (cost: nearly free, but I hate destroying the original configuration of a weapon permanently). In the short term it would be in shootable condition for the $2750...and need another $400 bipod, $1000 stock, $250 brake, and $100 scope rail to be in ideal configuration.

On the other hand I've got an offer for a brand-new 2012-model fixed-stock TRG-42 in green with phosphate finish for $3100 shipped. Still needs a $400 bipod, $100 brake, and $100 scope rail to be shootable. No need to refinish, already has the desired twist rate. That's going to cost more in the immediate future, but have more potential in the long run...

Thoughts?

 

[MattyG]

You also need to account for the different twist rate. The older rifles were slower than the 42. The bolt is chromed and the bolt handle was different although everything is interchangeable.