Introduction
The Sako TRG is a family of precision rifles designed by the Finnish company Sako Oy, renowned for its expertise in high-precision weaponry. Developed in the late 1980s and still in production today, the TRG is widely used by armed forces, special units and marksmen around the world.
Its rigorous design, incredible precision and modularity have made the TRG one of the best bolt-action precision rifles of its generation.
Background and development
In the late 1980s, Sako developed the TRG as a precision shooting platform for military and civilian use, starting from scratch and not based on any pre-existing hunting action.
The objective: to create a modular, robust, reliable and precise weapon, capable of meeting the demands of elite shooters and long-distance shooting competitions. Since its launch in 1989, the TRG has distinguished itself by its ergonomic and mechanical innovations.
There are several versions of the TRG range, adapted to different calibers and uses:
TRG-21: chambered in 7.62×51 mm NATO (.308 Win)
TRG-22: evolution of the TRG-21 with mechanical improvements
TRG-41: .338 Lapua Magnum version
TRG-42: a more advanced replacement for the TRG-41
Technical data (TRG-22 & TRG-42)
| Element | TRG-22 (.308 Win) | TRG-42 (.338 LM) |
|---|---|---|
| Calibre | 7.62×51 mm NATO | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Barrel length | 660 mm | 690 mm |
| Total length | ~1,150 mm | ~1,200 mm |
| Weight | ~5.3 kg (without bezel) | ~5.4 kg (without bezel) |
| Capacity | 10 shots | 5 shots |
| Mechanism | 3-pin bolt | 3-pin bolt |
| Accuracy | Less than 0.5 MOA | Less than 1 MOA |
Design and ergonomics
The Sako TRG is designed from the outset as a professional precision shooting tool. It includes:
Length and height-adjustable stock to suit every shooter
Ventilated handguard with accessory mounting options
Picatinny rail for mounting high-precision optics
Effective muzzle brake (depending on version), especially on models chambered in .338 LM
Adjustable bipod (often supplied as standard or recommended)
Cold-forged floating barrel for excellent precision and durability
The TRG has been ergonomically designed for long, prone shooting sessions, with a vertical pistol grip and adjustable trigger.
Variants and evolutions
In addition to the TRG-21/22 and TRG-41/42, the range has evolved with :
TRG M10: multi-caliber version, introduced in 2011, enabling rapid caliber changes (from .308 Win to .338 LM). Today, it’s the most advanced model in the range.
TRG-S: civilian bolt-on version, designed for hunting
The TRG M10 is used by several armed forces, including :
british special forces
certain US army units
European intervention groups
Military and sports use
The TRG is used in many countries because of its reliability and accuracy:
Finland (armed forces and marksmen)
France (GIGN, RAID)
United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, Australia, etc.
In the sporting world, it is also highly prized for long-range shooting (PRS ) and Benchrest competitions, particularly in its civilian configurations.
Comparison with other precision rifles
| Model | Caliber | Effective range |
|---|---|---|
| Sako TRG-42 | .338 Lapua | ~1 500 m |
| Accuracy AXMC | .338/.308/.300 | ~1 500 m |
| AI Arctic Warfare | .308/.300 | ~1 200 m |
The Sako TRG competes directly with the best modern precision rifles, including those from Accuracy International, while offering excellent value for money.
Conclusion
The Sako TRG has established itself as a world reference in precision shooting. From the TRG-22 for medium ranges to the TRG-42 in .338 Lapua for shots beyond 1,500 meters, the TRG family combines surgical precision, advanced ergonomics and Nordic ruggedness.
Still evolving with models like the TRG M10, the TRG remains a preferred choice of elite shooters and competitors worldwide.
