It is unlikely Finland would allow arms exports to South Ossetia. It was probably bought on the civilian market and then exported. I cannot imagine that South Ossetia would have many snipers so this is feasible.

Their squad sharpshooters (or whatever they call them in that part of the world) are probably using the SVD.

I cannot make out if it is a TRG-21 / 22 (.308 Win) or TRG-41 / 42 (.338 Lapua or .300 Win Magnum). I have never seen a photo of a 41/42 without a muzzle break, but I think the 21/22 can have the Sako TRG muzzle break attached, please correct me if I am wrong.

Click to expand the image

H/T: MP.net

It will come in two models. The A7 and A7 stainless. Both models are chambered for .243, .22-250, 7mm-8, .270 WSM, .300 WSM, .25-06, .270, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag.

Prices:

UPDATE:

The press release:

ACCOKEEK, MD (January 28, 2008) — When it comes to buying a new hunting rifle, nothing is more important to a rifle shooter than accuracy and reliability. But equally important in today’s economy is value. The new Sako A7 meets all of these criteria straight out of the box. Available in 2008 as the new benchmark for the perfect American hunting rifle, mixing the world’s finest out-of-the-box accuracy rating with superior value, the new Sako A7 offers the rare combination of unprecedented accuracy and ultimate reliability at an affordable price.

The Sako A7 improves upon the world famous Sako 75 design, featuring a machined forged-steel bolt, match-grade hammer-forged barrel, adjustable single-stage trigger (adjustable between 2.2 and 4.9 pounds), detachable magazine and synthetic stock. The A7 also integrates the new “Total Control” Magazine Latch introduced on the Sako 85, eliminating any chance that the box magazine can come loose during operation. This new rifle is available in two finishes: blued and Sako’s no-glare Stainless Steel. The A7’s bolt offers a silky-smooth movement with a 70-degree throw. Together with Sako’s super-crisp trigger, the A7 provides an incredibly fast total lock time of less than 1.3 milliseconds.

Since 1921, Sako has led the industry in accuracy by setting the standard by which all other rifles are compared. Each rifle must place five shots within one inch at 100 yards or they don’t ship. Serious shooters know that in order to obtain consistent sub-inch groups one must start with a high-quality firearm and move forward from there. The new A7 not only holds the same level of accuracy as its brother the Sako 85, but it offers a price that makes the A7 the hands down best value in the American market.

The new Sako A7 rifle series is a superbly executed medley of tradition, technology, out-of-the-box accuracy and unprecedented value.

Established in 1921, Sako was originally created to build and service firearms for the Civil Guard in Finland. Since that time, the company has been dedicated to providing innovative solutions to shooters’ emerging needs for precision firearms. For decades now, Sako has developed world-class military, target and hunting rifles. The Sako brand offers the shooter uncompromising accuracy and reliability in a variety of calibers. Along side Beretta and its unique firearms traditions that reach all the way to the year 1526, Sako proudly carries on the precision rifle craftsmanship that has led to the success of the Sako products. Today, Sako manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of rifles. Beretta USA is the exclusive distributor in North America for Sako products. For additional information visit: www.berettausa.com.

Hat Tip: AccurateShooter.com