Need Advice Sako TRG22, AI AE or Custom

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DRAGONSLAYER

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Hello all.

Now im not a big time rifle shooter but can hold my own.
I am thinking of getting involved in long range shooting mostly practical.
My choices of rifle will be either the TRG22, the AI AE or a custom build.
I have done alot of research on both the TRG and the AE but would like to hear what the more experienced shooters think.

My only concern with the custom build will be the turn around time on the rifle.
 
If I were doing things:

Suggest- First Buy the best glass you can afford.
Buy the TRG- in your favorite available caliber. The gun is common, accessories are available, and price is pretty good. Punch targets. If you get further into the hobby, then sell the TRG , and trade upwards to a Unique alpine, custom or AE. By then you will have found exactly what you need in a rifle that you don't have.

Just my $.02
 
Buy my TRG22.
in all honesty buy the rifle that you like based on how it fits you (if you've had a chance to try a few) and if you like how it looks. Yes, that's right, if you like how it looks. plenty of people will only apply one of the two criteria to their selection, and never be happy. Apply both. if you like the looks of an AI (I don't) get one, if you like the likes of various custom builders, get one, or if you like TRG's, buy mine. ;)
 
Sako300 said:
If I were doing things:

Suggest- First Buy the best glass you can afford.
Buy the TRG- in your favorite available caliber. The gun is common, accessories are available, and price is pretty good. Punch targets. If you get further into the hobby, then sell the TRG , and trade upwards to a Unique alpine, custom or AE. By then you will have found exactly what you need in a rifle that you don't have.

Just my $.02
Click to expand...

The rifle will be sitting under a US Optics SN3 3-17.
Like i said earlier i can hold my own with a rifle sub MOA out to 300 yards.
Just curious if a custom build is the way to go since there are rifles that will shoot just as well from the factory.
 
AI/AW's price just increased 15%. on Jan 1, 2008, not worth to buy right now. IMO.

I am getting a custom, lead time is about 8 months from a good smith.:(
 
I heard the AE's didnt increase just the AW's.

Anyways its between the TRG the AE and a custom with...
MCM A5 or AICS
Kreiger heavy Barel chambered in 260rem or 6.5x47
Surgeon or trued remmy action
Jewel HVR trigger with safety and bolt release.
Topped with USO SN3 3-17 TPAL with EREK mil elevation and a MPR or GAP reticle.
 
sorry, didnt see AE, thought its AW

I don't know the wait time for AE, but last week I checked, AW needs 6-8 month.

is this going to be your only rifle? if yes, then buy the most expensive one.

here is what I went through a week ago.

"should I buy a AW?"
no, I will regret not to get a AW, same thing for TRG or similar priced factory stick.

A5 or AICS is really a personal preference, try both if you can. A5 can be had for a lot light with EDGE fill.

AICS comes with good mag system. a plus if you don't get Vbull or badger bottom metal.

Surgeon or remm700? custom gun needs custom action.:D

I am going custom cuz I am left handed. otherwise I would get a AW.
 
IMO, once most shooters become more knowledgeable in custom options available out on the market, Then they usually go custom. Ai and sako are great rifles, but if you want something specific to your needs then you go custom, A rifle that nobody else has. A great custom rifle is usually designed for a specific purpose, so you must know what you really want. Palma , f-class, Bench light or heavy, long range short range 100, 200 yards, 300 yards, 600 yards? 1000 yards every range and style has its own (optimum rifle design)
 
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If you are seriously looking at a TRG 22 it only comes in a .308 so your choice of calibre is limited (I see your custom would be chambered in a 6.5 of some type). I have a TRG 21 (The older but almost identical version of the TRG 22) and I wouldn't trade that gun for the world. They are very well thought out and perform fantastically for a factory built, even as good or better than many custom jobs. The only problem with Sako is the price of their accessories, they are through the roof.

I also have a .300 Win Mag that started out a factory Sendero but now has an A5 stock, is blueprinted and has a Rock Creek 5R barrel on it. I mention this because it took over a year to get my rifle back from a very reputable and respected gunsmith because of importing delays. If you go custom expect delays or get all of your components from Canadian makers.

If you need any specifics on the Sako PM me as I also have a TRG 42 so I have done a lot of research.

Ivo
 
TRG 's also come in the 42 designation (long action)300 win mag and 338 Lapua. Also consider the H.S. Precision in the Heavy Tactical Rifle in several calibers. Phil.
 
Good point Phil.
Depending on what cal you are looking for, you have may have a good chance in finding an HTR in Canada. I have one on 300wsm(from P&D ;) ). Awesome rifle. If I were buying again, I would go this route if one were available in Canada.
 
There was test in Shotgun News a while ago. The basic conclusion wa that they were very similar in terms of capability so it comes down to persona; preference. Article was wriiten by David Fortier who seems pretty good. He gave thumbs up to the SAKO. Personally I than the AI looks better
 
Try the AI stock if interested. It didn't fit my hand. The TRG did.

However, they are pricey so would just build my own.

Jerry

PS the AI had the smoothest feeding mag I have ever run. Too smooth and see chambering on an empty chamber a real possibility. That is how little resistance there is. You can't tell you are picking up a rd. I had to check on every rd just to make sure there was brass in the chamber.
 
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For the money you are looking at, I'd say go custom. I know the lower models of TRG are getting close to affordable, but still very pricey. By building a custom, you will end up with a rifle that is arguably more accurate, and you can get the best of all worlds.

Surgeon Action, which includes the base, (1800) Krieger Barrel (440) , Robertson or Macmillan Stock with all the bells (800), Jewell trigger (275) and get Mick McPhee to put it all together (~500). You will be looking at a couple of weeks for the build, but getting the components for a build is where you may have to wait.
 
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