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Both Sako and AI provide single-piece scope mounts to connect the scope directly
to the receiver without a separate rail and rings. Unfortunately, neither
company offers a 35 mm ring option, and a separate rail is a notorious failure
point which affected the Sako in our trials.
Which rifle is better? There is no definitive answer. Both rifles shoot so well at extreme ranges that their accuracy is limited only by the shooter's data-book, wind-call, and ability to hold the cross-hairs steady while pressing the trigger. The TRG-42 is lighter and easier to carry, however, if both rifles were run over by a truck and I had to make a critical shot, I would choose the AWSM; it's the tougher rifle. For the money, the TRG-42 is cheaper at $4018 for the rifle with bipod and muzzle brake, compared to $5530 for an AWSM configured the same way.
 * The author would like to thank Janne Pohjoispaa and Ray Sanchez for assistance with this article. * TABLE 1 AI-AWSM TRG-42 Caliber .338 Lapua Magnum .338 Lapua Magnum Weight 15.1 lbs 11.25 lbs Overall Length 48.5 inches 47.25 inches Barrel Type Stainless, Cold-hammer forged Cut-rifled 5R Barrel Length 27 inches 27.125 inches Twist 1:11 1:12 Magazine 5-round single-stack 5-round double-stack single-feed single-feed Action 60-degree bolt 60-degree bolt 
Although the two rifles have stark cosmetic differences, their designs are
remarkably similar.
The .338 Lapua splits the difference between .50 BMG and .308 Winchester. Left
to right: .50 BMG, .338 Lapua, .308 Winchester, 5.56 NATO.
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