[SHOT 2018] SAKO's new TRG22 A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor and VICTRIX Armament Sniper Rifles at Beretta Defense
Over at the BDT booth, I got to check out the new SAKO TRG22 A1. This iteration updates the venerable TRG22 with the same innovations and features found on the TRG M10, minus the caliber-swapping ability. The stock folds and adjusts the same as the M10, and the TRG22 A1 now comes with an m-lok fore-end, full aluminum middle chassis, and a bolt with dual ejectors. The model I got to handle was in 6.5 creedmoor, and the TRG22 A1 also comes in .260rem and .308. The TRG42 A1 has all the same updated feature sets, but comes in .300win mag and .338 lapua mag. Another cool feature that I noticed was a notch cut on the front of the barrel for attachment of the same iron sight that comes on the Tikka T3X Arctic. BDT’s Finnish rep explained that this was included at the request of numerous militaries that have an iron back-up sight requirement for their sniper rifles. Be ready to pay dearly if you want one, however: commercial models run around $6000.00.
Also seen at BDT’s booth were rifles from Victrix Armament, the Italian precision riflemaker. TFB’s Pete reported last year on the acquisition of Victrix by Beretta. I got to handle the following model from their “Minerva MilLe” line: Tormentum (.408 CheyTac), Scorpio (.338 Lapua), and a very compact 16″ Pugio (.308). All seemed very well built. The Tormentum was a bit of a heavy beast, but that’s to be expected with such a caliber as .408 CheyTac. The Pugio was really nicely balanced and would make a great LE sniper rifle. The curved D-shaped carry handles on the bottom of the foreend of Victrix’ rifles feature:
- Tripod attachment point
- multiple QD sling attachment points
- Front hook for “helisniping” support on a cord run across a helicopter door
- optional attachment of a rear bipod mounted closer to the magazine well
There were other shotguns and rifles in configurations that I had not seen before in person, including:
- Benelli M3A1 with 14″ Barrel, stand-off breaching brake, and adjustable stock
- Beretta ARX 200 with slim keymod fore-end
Having always had a passion for firearms, Rusty S. has had experience in gunsmithing, firearms retail, hunting, competitive shooting, range construction, as an IDPA certified range safety officer and a certified instructor. He has received military, law enforcement, and private training in the use of firearms. Editor at Outdoorhub.com
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I really like the TRG series, but Sako has always thought their stocks were made from solid gold, the old style folders were over $3k as a part. This appears no different. It's just a TRG 22 ($3000 stock included) with a new stock and a $3000 price increase. Let's say you felt the non-folding standard stock was worth $500 (it's probably closer to $1000 if you had to buy one). So that's $3500+ up charge just for their new chassis. $1000 maybe.....$3000 ridiculous.
I'm also weary of the barrel index cut, depending on how it's done. Unless it's done before the barrel is stress relieved and rifling cut it can cause accuracy issues in the heat cycle during shooting through uneven expansion. You see this on barrels that have been cut as an afterthought for dovetailed sights etc. It's the same issue with fluting, and the reason most barrel companies won't warranty accuracy on any barrel that's been fluted. I can see why the military wants it, but it's almost never a good idea to make a non-sysmetrical cut in a barrel after it's been rifled and stress relieved. Now perhaps Sako is doing it at the first stages and it's a non-factor. It might not make a huge difference, or none at all, but for $6k I want all the accuracy potential.
Wow, nobody is complaining about keymod on rifles they're never going to buy and that even if they did buy, wouldn't even be used hard enough to take advantage of the higher resistance to being ripped off or whatever the latest reason to dump on keymod is. I'm proud of you TFB commenters. *wipes away tear in left eye*