Famed Finnish gunmaker Sako was awarded a contract in April 2023 from the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) to supply its military with bolt-action TRG M10 precision rifles chambered in 8.6×70 mm (.338 Lapua Mag.). They will replace an aging fleet of Sako TRG 42s in the same chambering. Value of the seven-year agreement is roughly 40 million euros.

“The Sako TRG M10 is well known and widely used around the world, including our neighboring countries,” said Ramil Lipp, ECDI armament category manager. “For example, Sweden recently announced the purchase of a similar configuration, in addition to Sako’s other weapons. Therefore, this is a mature and experienced system in active production.”

The rifles will be fitted with thermal and optical sights, as well as suppressors, when issued to Estonian precision shooters and snipers. Estonia, which covers 17,463 square miles on the Baltic Sea, became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 2004. It has roughly 1.4 million residents and its military numbers around 7,000.

In March, Finland also agreed to purchase Sako TRG M10s in 8.6×70 mm. Value of that contract is estimated at 11 million euros.

The first precision TRG rifles rolled out Sako’s factory in 1989—the TRG-21 and TRG-41. The TRG M10 was introduced in late 2010. The ability to easily change calibers is an integral part of it modular system, a versatility enhanced by the fully adjustable stock, adjustable trigger and ambidextrous fire controls. They wear a Picatinny rail atop, feature an M-LOK interface system and the three-lug bolt has a 60-degree bolt throw for faster cycling.

“Our great thanks for the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments for the trust we have received,” said Juha Alhonoja, general manager of Sako. “We are honored that the ECDI has selected our rifle to meet the end users’ exacting requirements. It is important to Sako that our products are widely appreciated around the world and this framework agreement proves it once again.”

Article by GUY J. SAGI