Does anybody own or shoot a Sako TRG-S? I have a chance to buy a couple and don't know anything about them. Are they a good hunting rifle? Caliber is 30-378.

Re: Sako TRG-s (Model 995).

I have three, 7mm STW, .338 Win, .375 H & H. Actually, they are lighter, on average, than most conventional rifles, most especially the one in .375 which is the lightest of the three (having the same barrel contour but a larger hole in it). In fact, I suspect this is about the lightest .375 H & H factory rifle on the market. The recoil-absorbing aspects of the synthetic stock certainly are appreciated with this gun. I don't know if the .30-338 has a heavier contour barrel or not.

The action is very slick, perhaps one of the slickest made. The bolt will slide out all by itself just by raising the handle and tilting the muzzle slightly upward.

If you like a detachable magazine, this is one of the best, being center feeding and holding four shots in a belted cartridge (but like any detachable is subject to falling out when the catch is "bumped" or the shooter fails to fully insert it).

The trigger seems not quite as good as the standard Sako, but since all of my other Sakos are pre-1972, it actually may be the same as all other of today's production.

I happen to like the stock, which has some adjustment in the length and pitch due to two removable spacers. Others have panned it, but for a synthetic, it's at least par for the course.

The big apparent weak point is in the bedding. The recoil lug is actually a small recess milled or cast into the underside of the action ring. A "bump" molded into the stock channel fits into this recess and serves to absorb all of the recoil. As weak as it looks, it has been just fine on my rifles. Some shooters with .416's or large custom calibers have reported trouble and have fitted a Remington-type washer between the barrel and action to serve as the recoil lug, or alternatively have pressed a steel lug into the recess and then cut a lug recess in the stock.

My 995's are accurate and in every way very serviceable. I think I'll keep them.

I have one in 30-378. It is not an above average shooter. I found it likes lighter bullets and a 150 barnes xbt has been a decent one for that gun.
I can get 3-4" groups out of mine at 300 yds. Not excellent but definately huntable. The stock is very slippery--expecially with wool gloves. When I bought it the 300 rums weren't yet out. If I could do it over I'd wait for a rum--I think it's just as good ballistically and built for more accuracy than the trgs. In general it seems like there are plenty of non-accurate 30-378's out there unless you are willing to load them down to 300 wby speed (Which is still more than enough for anyone. I just don't see the point of burning all that powder. I wish someone would put a good recoil lug and stock on the aftermarket. I wonder how lazzeroni sets up his warbirds in the trgs?????

P.S.--I think I paid about $625-650 for mine brand new--don't be duped that they are an expensive "sako".

Kraky, we were talking about these rifles on another thread. Apparently a gent in Montana is making bottom metal for them, and MPI and David LAke are making stocks. The bottom metal guy is Jack Sturgis, ph.- 406-755-8701, 1221 5th Ave. Kalispell MT 69901. I got the address from Rod at MRC. I have no idea how to get in touch with Mr. Lake. Perhaps another poster can fill us in. - Dan

[ 11-21-2002, 22:39: Message edited by: dan belisle ]

I wrote about the stock issue. I have TRG-S in 338 Lapua and really enjoy it. It shoots considerbly better now that I lapped the barrel. Anyway David Lake's website was www.compositeguns.com But for some reason I can't get it to open now.

FWIW,

Jim

Slippery stock: The plastic in the TRG-S checkers beautifully. I had mine done at 20 lpi, four panels for about $70.00 at a local checkering shop. The guy who did it, Charlie Kuter, said it cut like fine old english walnut.

The trigger is the same trigger used on the Finnish TRG-21 Military Sniper rifle. In fact, the TRG-S is a sporterized version of that action. It is adjustable for let-off, overtravel and creep. Mine (in 8mmRem) is just superb. The rifle is capable of 2" groups at 300 yards, but you have hold it like a 20" rainbow trout that just got off the hook - meaning firmly - or it will horizontal string.

Horizontal stringing has been the problem on mine too. Much about the gun is nice. Maybe it would be a nice platform to turn into a custome 338-378 some day!!

I think horizontal stringing can come from recoil unless the back muscles are firmly braced. The recoil pulse is tangent to the center of mass (shooter and rifle) and swings you to the right unless you control it.

Watch your rest walk to the right when that puppy goes off. In 8mm its noticable. In .375 H&H more so. In the .416, control is critical.