Report by Jason Baney, EuroOptic.com
At Media Day at the Range, some of us were privileged to shoot a very accurate new tactical rifle — the Sako TRG M10. People have been clamoring for this “bad-ass” multi-caliber rifle, which has not yet been released to the public. The M10 was one of the top submissions for the PSR (Precision Sniper Rifle) contract and we can see why. The ergonomics, function, and adjustments are very smooth and intuitive. As proof, though I had never previously handled an M10, much less practiced with one, we managed to complete our video in just one take. I was quickly able to figure out the adjustments and get shots on target. That bodes well for a serious tactical rifle designed for combat.

When compared to previous Sako TRG models, the M10 is notable for its modular construction, wide range of adjustments, and, of course, its ability to shoot multiple cartridge types (.308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Mag). As with other PSR submissions, Sako’s M10 has user-changeable barrels that can be switched easily.

Watch Jason Shoot Sako TRG M10 at 960 Yards

The M10 is currently only available to the military market, but the hope is to push it to the commercial (civilian) market after military orders are filled. When this happens, EuroOptic plans to be one of the first vendors to offer TRG M10s to civilian customers. We do not know the price of the TRG M10 at this time — we asked Sako reps but they wouldn’t even venture a guess.

This 8-minute Video Covers Sako M10 Features in Great Detail:

Sako Breaks TRG Mold with New M10
The TRG M10 represents quite a departure from Sako’s current TRG models which use a composite shell over a metal chassis which holds the barreled action. There is no outer shell or “skin” on the TRG M10. The action bolts into a rigid, exposed metal chassis to which a rail-equipped metal forearm/handguard is attached. Bipods can mount directly to a bottom Picatinny-style rail or to a metal block clamped to the rail on the underside of the forearm (See Photos).

TRG M10 Previewed in London
CLICK HERE to view more photos of the new TRG M10. These images, taken at DSEi in London, show the rifle both fully assembled as well as pulled apart into its major sections: action/barrel, folding stock, forearm, bolt assemblies, magazines. As the TRG M10 is designed to shoot multiple calibers, it employs two different bolt assemblies to fit both standard and magnum cases (of course this requires a barrel interchange as well).

For Military and Law Enforcement Only — for Now
Currently, the TRG M10 is marketed for “military and law enforcement only.” It will be interesting to see if Sako eventually decides to sell the TRG M10 to American civilian shooters. If Sako changes its mind about the civilian market, we would not be surprised if an announcement to that effect would be made at SHOT Show 2012 (to be held Las Vegas, NV, January 17-20, 2012). The TRG M10 system will next be displayed at the Milipol trade show in Paris, France on October 18-21, 2011.

There is an extensive discussion of the new Sako TRG M10 on the Snipers’ Hide Forum. Overall, the initial reaction of ‘Hide members has been positive. Quite a few of those who commented on the rifle stated they would purchase a TRG M10 if it was offered to civilians. Hopefully Beretta, Sako’s parent company, will recognize that popular demand for the TRG M10 would be sufficient to justify its release to the civilian market. Only time will tell….