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Sako TRG

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Sako TRG
File:FDF 8.6 TKIV 2000 or Sako TRG-42 sniper rifle.jpg
Finnish Defence Forces Sako TRG-42 rifle (8.6 TKIV 2000)
TypeSniper rifle
Place of origin Finland
Service history
In service2000 - present
Used bySee Users
WarsAfghanistan War, Iraq War
Production history
Designed1989 (TRG-21/41)
1999 (TRG-22/42)
ManufacturerSako
Produced1989 - 1999 (TRG-21/41)
1999 - present (TRG-22/42)
VariantsTRG-21, TRG-22, TRG-41, TRG-42
Specifications
Mass4.7 kg (10.4 lb) empty (TRG-22 black)
4.9 kg (10.8 lb) empty (TRG-22 green/tan/dark earth)
5.2 kg (11.5 lb) empty (TRG-22 fold. stock 510 mm barrel)
5.4 kg (11.9 lb) empty (TRG-22 fold. stock 660 mm barrel)
5.1 kg (11.2 lb) empty (TRG-42 black)
5.3 kg (11.7 lb) empty (TRG-42 green/tan/dark earth)
5.8 kg (12.8 lb) empty (TRG-42 fold. stock 690 mm barrel)
Length1,000 mm (39.37 in) (TRG-22 510 mm barrel)
1,150 mm (45.28 in) (TRG-22)
1,020 mm (40.16 in) (TRG-42 fold. stock 510 mm barrel)
1,200 mm (47.24 in) (TRG-42)
Barrel length510 mm (20.08 in) (TRG-22 and TRG-42 fold. stock)
660 mm (25.98 in) (TRG-22)
690 mm (27.17 in) (TRG-42)
Cartridge.308 Winchester (TRG-22)
.300 Winchester Magnum (TRG-42)
.338 Lapua Magnum (TRG-42)
ActionBolt-action
Effective firing range800 m (875 yd)
(TRG-22 / .308 Winchester)[1]
1,100 m (1,203 yd)
(TRG-42 / .300 Win. Mag.)[1]
1,400 m (1,531 yd)
(TRG-42 / .338 Lap. Mag.)[2]
Feed system5, 7 or 10-round detachable box magazine
SightsAperture rear (with flip-up open tritium night/combat sight); day or night optics

Sako TRG-22/42 sniper rifles were developed by the Finnish firearm manufacturer SAKO of Riihimäki. The TRG-22 is designed to fire standard .308 Winchester[3] ammunition, while the TRG-42 is designed to fire more powerful .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition larger bolt-action and a longer barrel as standard. The rifles are available with olive drab green, desert tan, dark earth or black stocks, and are also available with a folding stock.[4]

Normally muzzle brakes are fitted to reduce recoil, jump and flash. The Sako factory TRG muzzle brakes vent sideways and are detachable. Generally TRGs are outfitted with a Zeiss[5] or Schmidt & Bender PM II[6] telescopic sight with fixed power of magnification or with variable magnification. Variable telescopic sights can be used if the operator wants more flexibility to shoot at varying ranges, or when a wide field of view is required.

History

File:Sako TRG displayed by a FDF sniper.jpg
Sako TRG-41 rifle displayed by a Finnish serviceman.

In 1989 Sako Ltd. (Riihimäki, Finland) introduced the TRG-21 precision rifle as a sniper rifle model chambered for the .308 Winchester cartridge. A more hunting orientated variation of the TRG was later introduced as the TRG-S M995, which uses the same receiver (short action) and bolt (different bolt handle) as the TRG-21 with the exception that the receiver is open at the top rather than possessing a cartridge ejection port on the right side as found with the TRG-21. Subsequently, a second sniper rifle with a 20 mm longer scaled up magnum action emerged as the TRG-41 in order to take advantage of the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. Similarly, a hunting variant of this model, again using the same bolt (different bolt handle) and with the receiver open at the top was introduced as the TRG-S M995 Mag in magnum calibres up to .338 Lapua Magnum.[7]

Even though the TRG-21 obtained its origins from the successful Sako TR-6 target rifle, the 4.7 kg (10 lb 6 oz) TRG-21 was designed as a result of a thorough study of sniper requirements. With the introduction of the TRG bolt-action, Sako moved away from the modified two-lug Mauser bolt-actions, favoured during the past, to an action with a symmetrical three-lug bolt of 19 mm Ø, displaying a locking surface of 75 mm². The evolution of this design continues to the present and can be found in Sako's most recent hunting rifle offerings, the Sako 75 and the Sako 85.

To make the TRG system more suitable for military use, Sako upgraded and improved the TRG-21/41 design in the late 1990s. Some TRG accessories like the muzzle brake and bipod (that lets the rifle swivel or "hang" near its bore axis offering a more stable shooting position with large and heavy aiming optics mounted) were also improved. This resulted in the TRG-22/42 rifle system.

Sako never totally forgot the target rifle origins of the TRG system. The necessary accessories to attach sighting components such as match grade peep sights or target aperture sights and a mirage strap are all available. Equipped with these accessories the TRG can be used for non military or law enforcement tasks such as 300 m UIT standard rifle competition, CISM competition or other kinds of full bore target shooting. The rifle is commonly seen in long-range competition where it has done very well.[8]

The TRG system’s purposive design features, reliability in adverse conditions and consistent accuracy performance (a capable marksman can expect ≤ 0.5 MOA consistent accuracy with appropriate ammunition) have made it a popular, though expensive, sniper platform.[9]

Design details

Sako TRG-42 rifle.

The TRG system is almost unique in being a purpose-designed sniper rifle, rather than an accurised version of an existing, general-purpose rifle. The rifles can have a matte or manganese phosphatised finish.

Features

The heart of the TRG system is a cold-hammer forged receiver and barrel. Both provide maximum strength for minimum weight as well as excellent resistance to wear. The "resistance free" bolt has three massive lugs and requires a 60-degree bolt rotation and a 98 mm (3.86 in) bolt throw for the short and 118 mm (4.65 in) bolt throw for the long bolt-action; these features should be appreciated by the shooter during multiple firings that require rapid projectile placement on the target. The bolt handle is the appropriate length and sports a large synthetic bulbous knob that provides a firm, positive grip. On top of the receiver a 17 mm (0.67 in) integral dovetail rail with shape connection drillings for one or more recoil lugs provides for fixing mounting components to accommodate different types of optical or electro-optical sights. Folding iron sights can be obtained for secondary or emergency use.[10]

The receiver's large bedding surface is mated to an aluminium alloy-bedding block by three screws for maximum stability. This combination ensures an unusually high degree of stability.[10]

Barrel

The free-floating, heavy, chrome moly barrels (chrome moly barrels resist throat erosion better offering a longer accuracy life than stainless steel barrels[11]) for the available cartridge chamberings all have a different length, groove cutting and rifling twist rate optimized for their respective chambering and intended ammunition. The .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Magnum chamberings are available with barrels of common length for sniper rifles and relatively short 510 mm (20.08 in) long barrels. On special order TRG rifles can also be supplied with stainless steel barrels.Two types of flash eliminator/muzzle brakes are available as an accessory with one being threaded to accommodate a sound-suppressor.

For the .308 Winchester chambering the 280 mm (1 in 11 inch) right-hand twist with four grooves was selected over the 305 mm (1 in 12 inch), traditionally found for the .308 Winchester, as a compromise when switching between supersonic and subsonic cartridges.
The .300 Winchester Magnum chambering also has a non-traditional 280 mm (1 in 11 inch) right-hand twist rate.

For the .338 Lapua Magnum chambering a non-traditional 305 mm (1 in 12 inch) right-hand twist rate was selected to optimize the rifle for firing 16.2 gram (250 grain) .338-calibre very-low-drag bullets. As of 2009 .338 Lapua Magnum barrels can also be supplied with a 254 mm (1 in 10 inch) twist rate optimized to stabilize longer, heavier very-low-drag bullets like the Sierra HPBT MatchKing and Lapua Scenar .338-calibre 19.44 gram (300 grain) bullets. The traditional 254 mm (1 in 10 inch) has since become the standard twist rate for the .338 Lapua Magnum chambering.

Safety

The safety lever is located in front of the trigger inside of the trigger guard and can be operated without producing mechanical noise. The two-position safety locks the trigger mechanism, locks the bolt in closed position and blocks the firing pin. The safety is on when it is in its rearmost position. It is off when it is pushed to its most forward position. When the weapon is cocked the firing pin protrudes 1.6 mm (0.06 in) from the rear of the bolt-action, making it possible to feel if the weapon is ready to fire or not in poor visibility.[10]

Trigger

The two-stage trigger mechanism displays an adjustable trigger pull weight of 1 to 2.5 kg (2 to 5 lb) and can be adjusted for length, horizontal and vertical pitch. The advantage of these features is to prevent trigger movement in an inappropriate direction that would cause the rifle to move off target. Trigger travel is short with no noticeable over-travel. As a safety factor, a safety notch is incorporated into the trigger in order to prevent discharge resulting from a strong impact on the rifle. The smooth operating safety lever is located inside the trigger-guard. It locks the trigger mechanism in addition to locking the bolt in a closed position and to blocking the firing pin. The firing pin travel is 6.5 mm (0.26 in). A major advantage of the TRG is that the trigger mechanism can be removed without additional disassembling of the rifle.[10]

Ammunition feeding

The detachable box magazine is based upon centre feeding for maximum reliability as well as precise positioning of the cartridge into the chamber.

Stock

A great deal of creative thought was expended for the TRG stock design. In addition to sniping requirements, the TRG is designed to conform to both UIT and CISM regulations. Sako offers black, green, desert tan or dark earth coloured stock variants and the green, desert tan or dark earth stock variants are 0.2 kg (0.4 lb) heavier than the black variants. The base of the ergonomic injection-moulded polyurethane forestock is made of aluminium and encompasses the bedding block with the bedding block serving as a point of attachment for a bipod. The polyurethane buttstock with its pistol grip and integrated aluminium skeleton to add strength, is designed for right- and left-handed shooters. The rear of the buttstock possesses a series of spacer and angle plates to regulate the length of pull and curvature adjustments that can be tailored for the individual shooter. The buttplate is adjustable for both height and pitch. Finally, the cheek-piece is adjustable for both height and pitch as well.[10]

The stock features two steel sling swivel attachment sockets positioned at the right and left rear sides of the buttstock. Forward sling attachment is achieved by inserting and fixing a metal sling mount into a metal rail which runs under the forestock or fore end. This forward sling attachment point can be (re)positioned along the length of the rail for right- or left-handed use and is fixed with a screw. The factory carrying/shooting sling itself features quick mountable and detachable metal swivels. The swivels are mounted by pushing them into an attachment socket and detached by pushing integrated buttons in the swivels and pulling them out of the attachment sockets.[10]

Sako TRG rifle with optional folding stock.

A folding skeleton type buttstock designed for right- and left-handed shooters is also available. The folding stock is 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) heavier than the non-folding green, desert tan or dark earth stock variants and is hinged behind the pistol grip; it folds to the left side and locks into position. When folded, the rifle becomes 250 mm (9.84 in) shorter. The steel parts of the folding stock are manganese phosphatised and the polyurethane parts are coloured olive drab or desert tan. The rear of the buttstock is adjustable for length of pull and height. The cheek-piece and rear support are also adjustable for height. These adjustment options allow shooters of various sizes and shapes to tailor the TRG folding stock to their personal preferences, which is an uncommon feature for folding stocks. The pistol grip body has a steel loop for a hook type military sling swivel. Sako TRG folding stock rifles are supplied with a Picatinny rail for mounting aiming optics.[12]

Accessories

Sako accessories[13] for the TRG system include auxiliary iron sights for emergency use, a muzzle brake/flash-hider, match sight mounting set, telescopic sight mounting sets, STANAG 2324 (Picatinny rail), accessory tri-rail for TRG forestock (top), accessory rail for TRG forestock (bottom), night sight adapter, silencer (sound suppressor), muzzle thread protector, various slings and swivels, cleaning kits, soft case, and a heavy-duty transit case.

Variants

Sako TRG-42 with optional folding stock in desert tan, integrated extended rail system and 510 mm (20.08 in) barrel.
  • TRG-21: .308 Winchester calibre version
  • TRG-22: Upgraded and improved version of the TRG-21 with new stock design (maximum cartridge length 75 mm (2.95 in))
  • TRG-41: .338 Lapua Magnum variant, there is also a version that fires the .300 Winchester Magnum round.
  • TRG-42: Upgraded and improved version of TRG-41 with new stock design (maximum cartridge length 95 mm (3.74 in))
  • Beretta TRG-42 Sniper: In October 2008 the Beretta TRG-42 Sniper, which is essentially a TRG-42 with a short barrel and folding stock with an integrated extended rail system, was presented by Sako importer Beretta USA at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition as a possible platform for fulfilling United States Military .338 calibre Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) solicitations.[14][15][16][17][18]

Users

"FinDot" reticle
Swiss Army 8.6 mm Sniper Rifle 04 (TRG-42 chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge).

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Sniper rifle: Maximum effective range
  2. ^ Ballistic performance of the .338 Lapua Magnum
  3. ^ Sako never mentions the military equivalent of the .308 Winchester - the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridge (that has slightly different chamber specifications and a lower maximum chamber pressure compared to the .308 Winchester) - as a chambering option. For more information about the differences between the .308 Winchester and the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridges read the .308 Winchester Cartridge Guide: .308 Win vs. 7.62x51 - The Straight Scoop by AccurateShooter.com article.
  4. ^ SAKO TRG sharpshooting system specification
  5. ^ Zeiss: Telescopic sights for handheld weapons
  6. ^ Schmidt & Bender PM II
  7. ^ SAKO TRG-S specification
  8. ^ accurateshooter.com: Gun of the Week Collection, Week 69, TRG-22 for Competition - the Dutch Perspective by Jim de Kort
  9. ^ A standard factory TRG-42 .338 Lapua Magnum user from Finland has reported on successfully hitting 45 x 90 cm (17. 7 x 35.4 in) reactive army targets from 1,600 m (1,750 yd), 1,800 m (1,969 yd) and 2,008 m (2,196 yd) before a group of witnesses. The shooting area air density ρ was 1.228 kg/m³. This is slightly denser than International Standard Atmosphere sea level conditions (air density ρ = 1.225 kg/m³). Besides the rifle, ammunition (in this case handloads with GB488 16.2 g (250 gr) Scenar projectiles) and skill of the marksman, the employed sighting components, fire control software calculations and favourable atmospeheric conditions are also important to hit point targets at those ranges. See Amazing Trajectory
  10. ^ a b c d e f Owner's and maintenance manual for the SAKO TRG-22/42 sharpshooting system
  11. ^ The Finnish Army found out during a test/trails program and 7 years of actual service that the barrels of their Sako TRG-42's lasted 4000 to 5000 rounds with Lapua Lock Base B408 factory ammunition before showing impermissible accuracy decay. The Finnish Army consistent accuracy requirement for these rifles is ≤ 1 MOA at 1000 m. If this requirement is not met the TRG-42 gets a new .338 Lapua Magnum barrel. This is normal practice for active high performance precision rifle operators who regard barrels as expendable items. The continuous use of very powerful handloads (which results in higher muzzle velocities) resulted in much quicker throat erosion reducing the TRG-42 barrels accuracy life to 1000 to 2000 rounds.
  12. ^ SAKO TRG folding stock specification
  13. ^ Pictures of several TRG accessories
  14. ^ New Mission Gear Beretta TRG-42 Sniper
  15. ^ SOCOM PSR Contenders by Tom Beckstrand
  16. ^ US Special Operations Considers A ".338" Sniper Rifle
  17. ^ Precession Sniper Rifle - Solicitation Number: H92222-09-PSR
  18. ^ Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) - Solicitation Number: H92222-09-PSR2
  19. ^ RUČNÍ ZBRANĚ AČR (Czech)
  20. ^ a b worldrifles.com
  21. ^ a b c d Finland's Sako Targets Nordic Rifle Sales on www.defensenews.com
  22. ^ http://forsvaret.dk/HOK/Materiel/Documents/Finskyttevaaben_Fakta.pdf
  23. ^ Estonia to buy sniper rifles from Finland
  24. ^ Finnish Army webpage on the 8.6 TKIV 2000
  25. ^ Image collection of a 8.6 TKIV 2000/TRG-42 with a FDF Zeiss FinDot telescopic sight
  26. ^ Sako TRG-42 - colmoschin.it
  27. ^ Shea, Dan (Spring 2009). "SOFEX 2008". Small Arms Defense Journal, p. 29.
  28. ^ Snajper a sprawa polska (Polish)
  29. ^ Sako TRG (Polish)
  30. ^ Serbian Armed Forces SNAJPERSKA PUŠKA SAKO TRG-21
  31. ^ "Web Del Grupo Especial De Operaciones (GEO)" (in Spanish). http://www.policia.es - Official Website of the Spanish National Police Corps. Retrieved 2009-06-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ Finnish Government
  33. ^ Swiss Army Infantriebrigade 7 - Wettkampf der Scharfschützen (German)
  34. ^ YLE Nyheter 5.12.2007
  35. ^ YLE Uutiset 6.12.2007
  36. ^ Second annual report according to the EU code of conduct on arms export 1999
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