Sako
- Thread starter Dale57
- Start date
Handled one, put it back, sticking with my 75’s
I have a S20 in .308 and it performs very well.....as does my S/S Sako75 in .308 and my S/S Tikka T3 in 6.5 Swede.
There will always be those who love it, normally because they have one that they use regularly and those who hate them usually those who don't have one. I bought the hunter version and for me the best bits are the handling and accuracy. The only criticism I would have is that the hunter forend grip is quite narrow. I prefer a wider and flatter forend so I bought the precision forend which solved that issue for me. An added bonus is that the precision forend also feels more solid. However, that's quite a personal thing and some people who have used it prefer the slim forend and others like the way I have it now.
I think the biggest criticism I have heard is that it feels very plasticky. I would agree with that, it does feel plasticky but that's what it is sold as, it isn't a Blaser costing more than twice as much or a beautifully figured cabinet queen. The S20 is a chassis system and the chassis is how it gains its rigidity and strength, the plastics are just there as grips and as a result they don't feel structural. So if you are looking for an accurate rifle that is easy to use and care for and you don't mind a plasticky feel then it could be the one for you.....but if you prefer a more traditional feel of wood or a structural plastic stock then maybe look elsewhere.
There will always be those who love it, normally because they have one that they use regularly and those who hate them usually those who don't have one. I bought the hunter version and for me the best bits are the handling and accuracy. The only criticism I would have is that the hunter forend grip is quite narrow. I prefer a wider and flatter forend so I bought the precision forend which solved that issue for me. An added bonus is that the precision forend also feels more solid. However, that's quite a personal thing and some people who have used it prefer the slim forend and others like the way I have it now.
I think the biggest criticism I have heard is that it feels very plasticky. I would agree with that, it does feel plasticky but that's what it is sold as, it isn't a Blaser costing more than twice as much or a beautifully figured cabinet queen. The S20 is a chassis system and the chassis is how it gains its rigidity and strength, the plastics are just there as grips and as a result they don't feel structural. So if you are looking for an accurate rifle that is easy to use and care for and you don't mind a plasticky feel then it could be the one for you.....but if you prefer a more traditional feel of wood or a structural plastic stock then maybe look elsewhere.
The S20 is a lot different than an 85…some good and some not so.
DG
Exactly, despite what I sometimes read on forums, I have never had any problems with either Sako or Tikka rifles. Actions seem strong, bolts are silky smooth, barrels don't seem to show excessive wear or fouling despite heavy use and they are deadly accurate out of the box. There will always be things that some like and some hate but there are lots of options out there so we should all be able to find something we like in the market place.
I had an 85 in .308 and it used to randomly throw fliers. In addition to the thumb hole stock, what drew me to the S20 was the v-block bedding system - bombproof. I’ve been using mine for a year now on reds, fallow, roe and muntjac. I have never had a misfeed but my 5 rounds mags were rattily until I added some Velcro to the side - the 10-round mag does not rattle! Using a F&D FW196 now has made it even better! There are many other S20 threads here on stalking directory so plenty of advice. I’m not planning to get rid of mine anytime soon and it compliments my 75 in .243 very nicely 
CerebralDistortion
Well-Known Member
No, it has TRG stamped on it...
I have seen TRG's thrown out of the chassis and "upgraded" with a T3. Even Hakan Spuhr did that.
edi
CerebralDistortion
Well-Known Member
That's why he has kept his 42?
I've talked about it with him and if I recall correctly it was not that the TRG was bad in any way, it was that it didn't fit the purpose.
Let's see:
The T3 action is long as opposed to the TRG short. The 6.5x55 will not fit, nor the 6.5x55AI which he currently, at least as far as I know, is using (not trying out).
The TRG lacks after market support for hunting stocks. Well, compared to the T3 it lacks support from third parties period.
The T3 action is as stable as the TRG so no loss there.
You could argue that his T3 is no longer a Tikka since all that's left if the original rifle is the action.
But, that was not what I commented on.
The best thing leaving the factory is arbitrary based on how you define "best", but I believe the TRG is just that...
Having seen the S20 and owning a TRG22 the similarities in the two actions are striking
Why does one not see more of them then? I think the T3 just ticks more boxes for most. Price, weight, flexibility when rechambering, aftermarket offerings, out the box accuracy etc all play a role. If the aftermarket chooses a rifle brand or model to make parts for, then mostly the reason is trust in the design as well as marketing of that rifle. Nobody will invest in a flop. Recon the T3 outsells any other Sako product for a reason. Saying that I don't think the T3 is perfect, has little quibbles like most other brands.... maybe a few less quibbles than other makes.
edi
Probably because they are a lot more expensive than a Tikka. They are also a heavy rifle and not really suitable for hunting.
I own both. The trg has a 3 lug bolt and a smaller ejection port and feels smoother than the Tikka . The metal on the action is almost twice as thick as the Tikka.
Of course the Tikka is a lot more flexible with a great selection of aftermarket accessories and that's why I own one.
I have shot 5 different trgs and about 20 different tikkas, some in factory stocks and some in aftermarket stocks but none of the tikkas were as accurate as the trgs.
I love my Tikka but I still think the trg is the best rifle to come out of the Sako factory.
Two of my mates bought S20s in 6.5 creedmoor.
Both are shooting very well.
I like them but I don't think I would trade my Tikka ctr in a krg bravo chassis for one.
CerebralDistortion
Well-Known Member
I posted quite a while back my hope for the S20 to be the updated TRG-S (the sporterised TRG-42). It seemed to be util I handled a S20 comparing it side by side with my own TRG-S.
It fell way short.
But you are right, they are very similar.
Production numbers i.e. price. You are right on every point though. The T3 is an exceptional piece of kit for the cost.
Take a T3 action and attach a barrel and a stock/chassis of your choice and you'll get something that probably has the capability to out shoot a TRG for a lower price.
Palo has otherwise said what there is to be said I think. I could not disagree.
James P Lee is laughing his c*ck off…
Similar threads
