I have used the search function and have found out that Sako rings hold the best on Sako TRG-S rifles. However, are Sako Optilock rings (with the plastic inserts) known to hold well? Are these the same as the 'regular' Sako rings?

Also, would it be possible to just tap the Sako for Leupold Bases and get a better/more solid scope mounting platform?

I'm just looking for some rock solid rings that will not move on my TRG-S rebarreled to .510".

Although they look a little frail, my experience is that the Leupold ringmounts for the Sako dovetail is a tough and clean mount. I have them on a TRG-s in .375 H & H; as you know, it has a rather slender barrel and the weight of the gun is on the light side for a .375, but no problems.

I also have two TRG-s's mounted with the Millet conversion. This uses a small base which fits on top of the dovetail, allowing the modified claws of the Millet Angle-loc rings to grasp the dovetail. Each base has a small tab which catches the back side of the dovetail to prevent forward creep. One of these is on a .338 Win and the other is on a 7mm STW -- both have worked flawlessly. The Angle-loc ring is the same system as the old Weaver (but in a much nicer looking ring), and those were hell-for-stout.

Either of these mounts is less expensive than other competing mounts (including Sako's own), so it makes sense to try them. If there's something you don't like about them, you haven't spent much finding out. The "low" Millet will fit any scope up to 40mm (plain) objective, and the "low" Leupold fits up to 33mm (plain) objective (provided your barrel is the same diameter over the chamber as the original TRG-s).

By the way, did you do anything to "beef up" the recoil lug (groove) on the TRG-s? While it seems to work fine, it certainly looks anemic.

I have Redfields on several Sakos. The rear ring adds no recoil resistance, so I wouldn't recommend them for heavy-recoiling rifles.

As far as plastic bushings, I just plain don't trust them. Lots of bad things can happen with them, and I don't want to mess with the consequences.

Also, I think Franklin actually said it the other way around: Those who would sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither. At any rate, I agree with him.

[ 07-02-2002, 01:20: Message edited by: Stonecreek ]

Stonecreek,
Yes, the Sako is currently being rebarreled and glass bedded with a Holland recoil lug added. Thanks for your info.

I have 2 TRG-S, 375 H&H and a custom 450 Ackley. I use the Sako originals with the plasic insert and have had no problem.

Mike