Hi All,
New to the forum. I could probably find my info with a lot of web-crawling, but am hoping some of the Sako-aficionado experts here might save me time with some 'one-stop shopping'. I'm contemplating a med-bore mag project - a long-range hunter/shooter rig (something like a tactical approach without the typical tac look) - possibly a 300 RUM, but more likely a 338RUM, 338-300RUM or 338 Lapua. The typical approach of using a Rem700 action for the basis seems a bit light for this app, and it would appear the Sako actions have a larger bolt dia (haven't come across any dimensions) and thus, would be a better action. Obviously, a long magnum action is called for, with good magazine length for something like an RUM case with SMK-type bullets. Since actions aren't as easy to find as they used to be, I'm guessing I may have to watch for a decent deal on a whole rifle and recycle it. I looked at the TRG-S and it seemed like maybe the best candidate, but I could be overlooking other models that are equally viable? So, I'm seeking your input on:
1. What Sako action models would be suitable candidates for the above project? Accuracy is a prime criteria. It would be nice to reuse the factory trigger too, so any input there on differences/quality would be appreciated (understand the TRG-S's have a single-set trigger as std?). I kinda like hinged floorplates from an aesthetic standpoint (esp. if I used a wood stock), but could probably live with a detachable box magazine too (esp. if a syn stock is used) - I know the TRG-S lacks a floorplate. I'm less familiar with the newer model Sakos than the old ones (for ex., saw a decent L61R in 7mmRemMag in a local shop and didn't have my measuring tools, but was wondering if the action would work OK for the longer/larger cases noted above).
2. I see the TRG-S lists a diff extractor for the 338LM vs. the large-head Wthby - anyone know the story there? From looking at SAAMI specs, I'm guessing some metal removal on the Wthby extractor might make it work OK for the 338LM, but that's a bit of speculation. May be easier to just replace such a part IF you could find it.
3. A std mag bolt-face should work fine for the RUM's if the magazine is long enough? I presume the bolt-face could be opened if one wanted to do a 338LM - anyone done that? On what action(s)?
Guess that's it for the moment - thanks in advance for sharing your advice/experiences!
New to the forum. I could probably find my info with a lot of web-crawling, but am hoping some of the Sako-aficionado experts here might save me time with some 'one-stop shopping'. I'm contemplating a med-bore mag project - a long-range hunter/shooter rig (something like a tactical approach without the typical tac look) - possibly a 300 RUM, but more likely a 338RUM, 338-300RUM or 338 Lapua. The typical approach of using a Rem700 action for the basis seems a bit light for this app, and it would appear the Sako actions have a larger bolt dia (haven't come across any dimensions) and thus, would be a better action. Obviously, a long magnum action is called for, with good magazine length for something like an RUM case with SMK-type bullets. Since actions aren't as easy to find as they used to be, I'm guessing I may have to watch for a decent deal on a whole rifle and recycle it. I looked at the TRG-S and it seemed like maybe the best candidate, but I could be overlooking other models that are equally viable? So, I'm seeking your input on:
1. What Sako action models would be suitable candidates for the above project? Accuracy is a prime criteria. It would be nice to reuse the factory trigger too, so any input there on differences/quality would be appreciated (understand the TRG-S's have a single-set trigger as std?). I kinda like hinged floorplates from an aesthetic standpoint (esp. if I used a wood stock), but could probably live with a detachable box magazine too (esp. if a syn stock is used) - I know the TRG-S lacks a floorplate. I'm less familiar with the newer model Sakos than the old ones (for ex., saw a decent L61R in 7mmRemMag in a local shop and didn't have my measuring tools, but was wondering if the action would work OK for the longer/larger cases noted above).
2. I see the TRG-S lists a diff extractor for the 338LM vs. the large-head Wthby - anyone know the story there? From looking at SAAMI specs, I'm guessing some metal removal on the Wthby extractor might make it work OK for the 338LM, but that's a bit of speculation. May be easier to just replace such a part IF you could find it.
3. A std mag bolt-face should work fine for the RUM's if the magazine is long enough? I presume the bolt-face could be opened if one wanted to do a 338LM - anyone done that? On what action(s)?
Guess that's it for the moment - thanks in advance for sharing your advice/experiences!
. I have more than I can shoot now and a bunker full of all kinds of ammo.
