Guess I will be in the one dissenting view in this TRG love fest...
There are indeed weaknesses in the TRG that shouldn't be over looked. Mainly the stock. First, the butt stock isn't held in place by a threaded screw. Instead it's held in place by friction. Yep, you read that correctly only friction. I've never had it fail, but a single 1" long by 1/2" piece of metal is all that holds the butt stock in place. It's far from an ideal solution. The fore end is better attached as it's held in place by 3 T-bolts riding in a slot on the metal backbone and a screw threaded through the fore arm into the backbone. These t-bolts are fine for off hand shooting, but if you attach a bi-pod directly to the fore end no t-bolt has a chance to withstand the force of a loaded bi-pod and recoil. Instead the full force of the beating is transferred to that single small screw threaded into the backbone. Again, not an ideal solution. Oh and don't forget the rail under the forearm isn't the popular Anschutz type... nor is it the other popular type Freeland... nope it's a UIT rail. There are very few UIT rail accessories available so most use Anschutz accessories which kinda work, but the spec difference is not ideal. Whatever coating they use on the stock is prone to chipping and pealing (older versions far worse than newer).
I agree the stock material is easily chipped and less than ideal, but to be fair I think it keeps from getting too cold in freezing conditions too. The bipod issue really isn't either because you should be using the TRG bipod anyway. I'm not sure the rear stock is that much of an issue unless you break it. Then my complaint is the ridiculous price Beretta wants for a replacement piece.
Beyond the stock, the complaints diminish though don't disappear. Fire checking on the bolt is fairly common, but will eventually self limit. You could have the bolt face ground flat again, but it will negatively impact head space. Swapping barrels is fairly easy with an action wrench, but there aren't any cheap pre-fits like you'll find available for others. Also understand TRG's are derived from and still are essentially still a UIT rifles. They simply don't handle dust and dirt as well as some others (AI & Bighorn for example). Also be careful when adjusting post '13 triggers. Adjusting the pull weight too far causes it to become really funky and the only way to fix it will be to send it back to Sako/Beretta.
Not sure what you mean by fire checking. Please elaborate.
Don't be fooled by all the negatives, I still own and immensely enjoy TRG's! The UIT heritage shows through pretty clearly in operation. The smooth and solid bolt throw exudes quality target rifle. Unlike the "sloppy smoothness" that seems to be current theme among current custom actions. The trigger is simply excellent. Nice and crisp with very little over travel. Personal preference puts it number 3 on my list only slightly behind the Anschutz 5018 and Trigger Tech Diamond, but well above AI. AI's although good have too much over travel for my taste. Some if not all of the fore end issues on the stock can be over come by directly attaching the bipod to the backbone. The TRG bipod is by all accounts an excellent bipod and attaches directly to the backbone. Though you can use any bipod your heart desires by attaching them to a spigot mount from KRG that bolts to the backbone. TRG mags are easily among the highest quality and most reliable available. No doubt they are expensive, but quality is never cheap. AT/AX mags are the only real rival in my opinion. Despite my complaints about construction choices the stock ergonomics are excellent. It's a stock that is very easy to get comfortable behind all day long.
Some personal notes. I preferred the blued vs phosphate finish. Not only does it look better in my opinion, but the bolt throw is smoother as well. The pre '13 vs post '13 trigger is over blown. I don't disagree the pre'13 is slightly better however you would never know there is a difference besides pull weight adjustments unless handled both side by side. Both are still excellent. The KMW hardware is a nice upgrade over the cheek piece spacers, but you loose horizontal adjustment. For what it's worth I actually like the TRG action better than all current customs, but the TRG stock isn't as sturdy or well built as current after market stock/chassis options.
Holy cow that got long winded...
