Exactly ten years ago, we were able to extensively test a Sako TRG M10 in both .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Magnum calibers and were enthusiastic about the performance. For example, at the short 100-meter distance in the standard .308 Winchester caliber, we achieved groups of 6 mm (Federal 168 gr HPBT), 9 mm (Sellier & Bellot 168 gr HPBT) or 11 mm (Hornady 110 gr TAP). In the .338 Lapua Magnum caliber, short-range results were just as respectable: 12 mm (RWS 250 gr HPBT), 13 mm (Hornady 285 gr BTHP), and 14 mm (Lapua 250 gr HPBT). However, not only the shooting performance, but also the overall concept of the Finnish shooting machine is ok.
Sako TRG M10 – A sniper rifle with caliber change option
The Sako TRG M10 was developed for the USSOCOM PSR (Precision Sniper Rifle) tender and performed very well in trials, although it is known that the Remington MSR (Modular Sniper Rifle) was ultimately procured. As with the classic in the form of the Sako TRG 21/41, which was introduced to the market in 1991, the multi-caliber SSG, which can undergo a caliber conversion in a short time, is built on a light alloy chassis. The TRG M10 is offered in a variety of configurations with different barrel and handguard lengths and finishes. Here, the hammer-forged match barrels with four-groove internal profile, external fluting, M18x1 muzzle thread and muzzle flash hider compatible with silencers feature twist lengths of 11" (279 mm) in .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum and 10" (254 mm) in .338 Lapua Magnum.
Sako TRG M10 – Flexible for every field of application
The barrel variety – in .308 Win. for example, four lengths are available, from 16"/406 mm to 26"/660 mm – combined with a long STANAG 4694 NATO optics rail on the receiver and handguard top with various pre-tilt options (0 and 30 MOA as standard), as well as the free-floating handguard in short and long versions with all-round M-LOK interfaces, ensures maximum flexibility in all conceivable deployment scenarios. For example, the Sako TRG M10 in .308 Winchester could be used for comparatively low-cost training or with a short barrel and handguard for short-range urban use. In other configurations and in .300 Wincester Magnum caliber, it is the suitable tool at medium rangees, and in .338 Lapua Magnum, it can then be used for long distances up to 1,500 meters. In this case, the maximum barrel length of 27"/686 mm and the optics rail with 30 MOA pre-tilt are recommended in order to be able to exploit the performance potential to the maximum and not to come up against the limits of the scope reticle adjustment due to the bullet trajectory drop in long range use.
The Torx screwdriver integrated in the large bolt handle knob can be used to loosen the locking screws of the handguard as well as the fixing screw of the inconspicuous tool compartment positioned in front of the magazine well. Removing the handguard exposes the solid barrel locking system, which can be released with a lug attached to the bolt handle, with the bolt acting as a spanner wrench. Now the barrel can be pulled out of the action, a new barrel inserted and secured again. For a complete caliber change, all that remains to be done is to insert a matching bolt and magazine – and that's it! A simple coding system prevents mix-ups when changing calibers. The breech, barrel and magazine have visible and tactile circle and ring markings. On the magazine base plate you will find one circle (= .308 Win.), two circles (= .300 Win. Mag) or three circles (= .338 LM) as well as corresponding milled rings on the bolt and barrel. The Sako TRG M10 also features a folding, versatile adjustable stock, a refined, equally adjustable two-stege trigger, and controls on both sides. On our test gun at the time, we measured a trigger pull weight of 1,450 grams.
Tender 1: Sako TRG M10 for the Finnish Army
As the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced on February 20 of this year, they would like to procure the Sako TRG M10 sniper rifles in .338 Lapua Magnum with .308 Winchester interchangeable system. The order is worth 11 million euros, although the exact SSG quantity was not available. The action in 7.62x51 mm will probably be used for training purposes. As is well known, the Finns are currently introducing the semi-automatic Sako M23 rifle system (technically based on the AR-10) in the latter caliber. This rifle, in sniper and DMR versions, covers the medium combat ranges of 600 to 800 meters. The value of the initial order corresponds to about 10 million euros, although later procurements and the overall package could be worth up to 525 million euros.
Tender 2: Sako TRG M10 for the New York Police Department
In addition, Beretta USA announced that the New York City Police Department's Emergency Service Unit (ESU) will be equipped with compact Sako TRG 10 precision rifles in 7.62x51 mm before the end of 2023. In doing so, the arsenal's armorers will also be trained by Beretta USA in gunsmithing operations around maintenance and repair of the new NYPD ESU rifles. The ESU is a SWAT-like special unit that has been active since 1930. It operates around the clock in the "Big Apple", comprises about 500 police officers and is also used, for example, in hostage rescue operations. Here, too, there was no concrete information on the volume and value of the contract.
Further information can be found at: www.berettadefensetechnologies.com and www.sako.fi.
