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Originally posted by mnmark:
Stonecreek,
I went and looked at a TRG-S again today and noticed that it requires dovetail rings. I was wondering if you've ever had any problems with the scope rings loosening up. Was also curious about the quality of the trigger (which I heard is adjustable from 2-4 pounds). I also read that the stock is adjustable. Can you fill me in?
Thanks, mnmark.

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The Sako dovetail is a very, very strong mounting system. Because of the taper, with each shot, the mount grips tighter. Redfield even dropped the set screw from its later model Sako mount bases, recognizing that it was superfluous.

The trigger on one of my TRG-S's seems to have a tiny amount of creep, but the other two are just as crisp as the Sako trigger on the old L-61R series, which is excellent.

The butt plate comes with two tapered shims installed. You can remove both to reduce the length of pull, or you can remove just one to change the angle of the butt (pitch) to better suit you. The change is very small, but may be worth it if your individual needs require it.

Have fun!

Tonight I was looking at SAKO's catalog thinking of the TRG-S in .338 Lapua, perhaps even rebarreliing for a .375-338 Lapua and 495 A-Square as I beginning to play with BIG BORES.
What is your impression of these stocks and weight for 5,000-6,000#?
I have not seen one of these, but have been a SAKO fetishist for decades. I assume that the same ring mounting system is used on these actions.

I really like the TRG-S action and like the detachable magazine better than I thought I would (one advantage is that in jurisdictions where you are not allowed to carry a loaded gun, the pre-loaded magazine can be popped into the gun quickly, putting you into near instant action when needed.)

If rebarreling to a true big bore, I would definately use a heavier contour barrel than the factory barrel as the weight will be needed. I assume that a competent gunsmith could easily relieve the factory stock channel to accomodate the replacement barrel. I would have no qualms about the stock being able to take the recoil without damage. You might also want to weight the buttstock with a mercury recoil reducer, which would not only dampen recoil, but would help balance the heavier barrel.

Although I'm not particularly recoil-shy, I think the factory-weight .338 Lapua would be pretty tough on the shooter. I had a .340 Weatherby in this gun (which I traded for a .338, mainly because I prefer the conventional shoulder). In an extended sighting session with the .340, I actually damaged my shoulder and it took several months for the discomfort to go away! My recommedation would be that if you get a .338 Lapua, be sure to use a recoil-absorbing rest when shooting from the bench. Occasional offhand shots, as in hunting usage, should present no problem.

Any scope ring/base which fits the conventional Sako will also fit the 995, just be aware that the distance between the rear bridge and front ring is longer on the 995, making short scopes difficult to mount without extension rings.

Good Luck!

My .338 is the Winchester, not Lapua. Don't know if I made that clear. It has a 24" barrel, and although I don't have it here with me to measure, I believe it runs about .600" at the muzzle. My 7mm STW does have a 26" barrel, and I think it has a similar contour. In fact, all of the 995's I've seen have a similar, relatively slender contour, even in .416 Remington!

My pre-'72 (pre Garcia) Sako L-61's have about the same barrel contour, while I have an early post-garcia AIII .30-06 with a barrel more like your .65". I have just purchased another early Garcia in .300 Winchester which has arrived at my dealer's shop, but I haven't had a chance to pick it up, so don't know its barrel dimensions. I generally prefer the slimmer contours, but that's with sub .30 caliber chamberings.

I used to use sissy bags, but quit after I designed and built a very simple benchrest made out of a piece of channel iron. I've even considered trying to have it manufactured and marketed, but haven't seemed to get around to investing the time, money, or trouble.

Thanks for your reply. I prefer the heavier ~#4 barrels, and as I move into Big Bores, I think I'll mock up barrels to get the feel of .375s and .510s to minimize a $1,000+ custom mistakes. I'm fancying building a SAKO/McMillan stocked 495 A-Square generating a modest 6,500#, which at the bench may knock all my testerone out of me.
Dakota and H-S Precison use heavy barrels on their .338 Lapua rifles. I think I'll contact SAKO to get the data on the '41 and 'S.
I intend to get into 1 km plinking. Since I don't lift weights like I used to, I'll be shy about factory-S and get them for the actions and "spare" barrels and stocks.
Hope you and yours had a safe 4th, Independence Day.

Since the TRG-S is several hundred dollars cheaper than the other Sakos, I'm not sure why more people haven't tried it in a custom gun. Good luck with your project.

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Originally posted by mnmark:
I was curious to see if anyone out there has had any experience with the Sako TRG-S and .308 Warbird combination. Am particularly interested in accuracy, quality, shootability, etc. Any comments are welcome, either about the rifle, cartridge, or both. thanks in advance.
-Mark

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