AX v DTA SRS

[Scotch_egg]

I am at a loss, currently shooting a folding stocked TRG. However I was set on the DTA due to it being a small package. However being a Brit I am now looking at the AX.

Both will come in at the same price point.

If only I could afford both. But I can't. Any one shoot both that can give me field notes?

 

[D_Lamz]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

Well from a very knowledgeable person.... "sell the DTA and get a real rifle, get an AI"

 

[Lofty]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D_Lamz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well from a very knowledgeable person.... "sell the DTA and get a real rifle, get an AI" </div></div>

Why do you say that?

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D_Lamz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well from a very knowledgeable person.... "sell the DTA and get a real rifle, get an AI" </div></div>

And who be this very knowledgeable person?

 

[bward]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I've owned and used both. The DTA doesn't even compare to the AX. I had several problems with mine while I owned it. I've also had several buddies that I shoot matches with get them, and end up selling them in favor of a custom rifle on a Surgeon or Bighorn. After the "cool" factor of it being compact and being able to change barrels wears off, the rifle thats left isn't that great in my opinion.

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

Just the opposite for me.....my DTA(s) are keepers and my custom rifles have hit the "for sale" ads.

Personal preference. To each his own...but no one can say that an AX or a DTA is the way to go. Try out each own and buy the one that fits you. These guns are too expensive to shoot something you don't really like.

-best of luck!

Mike

 

[excess]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I have never own an AX, but I have a DTA and a top end custom on a Surgeon action. They each have their merits, and I would not feel undergunned with either. I also trust both enough that I would show up with either to a school or competition without a backup.

 

[cav1993]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

owned both, prefer stock on the ax but easy barrel switch and short length nice on dta. still end of the day, between those two, ax!

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I agree that being able to get behind a rifle yourself is the only true way of knowing.

But this is not practical. I met a Czech sniper whose service rifle is an AW and the DTA a personal choice.

He is lucky to have both. I am not. I have only shot the DTA in truth. I have shot the AW but not the AX.

I will not go remmy clone. I own a couple of these and they do not compare to a system.

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

How is the AX on sitting positional shots?

 

[dbransco]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

Scotch egg,

What is your choice between the AW and the DTA?

 

[RollinCoal11]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotch egg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am at a loss, currently shooting a folding stocked TRG. However I was set on the DTA due to it being a small package. However being a Brit I am now looking at the AX.

Both will come in at the same price point.

If only I could afford both. But I can't. Any one shoot both that can give me field notes?

</div></div>

Just curious, How do they both come in at the same price point ? Are the ax's cheaper over there ?

 

[Dogtown]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

It's a tough call, both are great rifles. The bullpup aspect of the SRS is one of those things you'll either love or hate, so getting behind one ahead of time is important.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I think its apples to oranges really. I am lucky enough to get to shoot a nice GAP Hospitaller and a DTA covert very regularly.

I do not have an AI to compare though, but I would think it would fill a similar role to how I run the GAP.

I do not really consider them in competition with each other since they are very different animals and for me, perform very different roles.

If you have a need/want for something shorter than a typical rifle (DTA with 16 inch barrel AND suppressor is SHORTER than a rem 700 with 20 inch barrel), then the DTA is right up your alley. Hell, with a 26 inch barrel on the DTA it is pretty close to a 20 inch standard rifle. I like that I can sling up the DTA and not really even feel like I am carrying a "rifle" style weapon. It is handy in a way that my GAP (or an AI) never really could be.

There is always the switch barrel facet to consider as well. Definitely a huge plus for me. I can buy one USO, sling, atlas, mounts etc instead of several lol.

Both rifles shoot great. I shoot a bit better with the GAP, but I have put way more rounds through conventional style rifles. The bull pup takes a little getting used to, but I am getting better at it.

It is worth noting that if I have to shoot offhand or awkward positions, I will take the DTA any day of the week.

 

[bward]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

So the only two people who have actually owned both rifles so far have given the same advice. AX>DTA

 

[leadbullet]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

if you want a rifle you may not like and have to sell later get the DTA, on the other hand you'll never shoot your AI enough to satify.

 

[Adam B]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

if you can, get behind both guns, I have owned both and prefer the AX.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I would love to own both, but have currently owned only the SRS. While I agree it is up to each individual to decide which fits better, I have seen accuracy from DTA' s that simply cant be beat. Im sure the AX is the same way, so its simply a choice of what suits you.

 

[D_Lamz]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotch egg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D_Lamz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well from a very knowledgeable person.... "sell the DTA and get a real rifle, get an AI" </div></div>

And who be this very knowledgeable person? </div></div>

Same person who runs a well known precision rifle course in my area......

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

i have both a AI and a DTA they serve diferent purposes. anyone who says the DTA isn't a "real rifle" is ignorant plain and simple.

 

[excess]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I just looked at an AX online. I had no idea they were that expensive - looks like you could a DTA with three conversion kits for the price of the AX.

I'll also point out that the trainer that was just mentioned is using a Surgeon action in an AX chassis in his latest video, not a complete AX.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

some people just don't like the system, its not for everyone. neither is any chassis. The ergos are unique and you have to go in with a open mind. try goin from a AR15 to a aug, its the same concept you are changing your manual of arms completely. the DTA is an amazing system. i have one and 7 barrels, i have a HTI incoming. i also own AI's, surgeon, m2008's etc. The SRS isn't goin anywhere and sees a good portion of my rounds.

 

[Shoottothrill]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I see the DTA coming in at around $4200 and the AX coming in right at $7000 so you must get a really good deal on the AX across the pond. Can you Send me one please for $4200???

What caliber are you interested in? If I missed it apologies.

 

[ChrisF]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

Actually , its the reverse , i think , the SRS is priced at basically the same price as a AX , so its the SRS that is higher price than in the US , by a large margin .


When the SRS 1st came out it was priced at around 3.5k , almost 1/2 the price of a AI AWSM rifle , and at that price point it was to me interesting , however out side the US the rifle is much more expensive than that , and it for the most part is very close or the same as a AI rifle , and as such , I think its over priced for what it is , so in short IF a AI rifle & a DTA rifle are simialr price to one another , then its easy decision for ME , its the AI I would be buying , END of story .

The AI riles use a steel receiver and to me thats more expensive to make/machine than a Aluminium receiver .

I see the DTA rifles as some thing different & interesting for that reason mainly , BUT if I want a rock solid rifle , then its a AI by a country mile , forget all else.

I have a range of rifles , from Parker Hale M85s , to AI AWs , TRGs , Badger 2008s , Surgeons etc , Steyr SSGs , and the only ones I would pick IF I had to narrow it to one or two makes , It would be AI then followed my Parker Hale , all else would be LEFT in the safe .

Of those two , AI & Parker Hale , only the AIs are still in series production , so if you want a new rifle then , for me its know down to one , Opps , AI , end of story .

Later Chris

 

[redbullitt]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

The higher price point is interesting to toss in there....
Accuracy wise the DTA does all I ask of it. It seems pretty damn solid and it is one hell of a rifle. The AI is amazing as well... At the same price point it would just come down to what I wanted it to do.

Either rifle would shoot as well as we would ask it to, so it is just going to come down to what the OP wants to do with the rifle (as always).

How would customer support be for the DTA vs the AI being that the OP is across the pond?

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

Scotch, you can get behind both before you buy in the UK. Ewen on here (or at Bench Grade) can help with the DTA and Graeme at Sporting Services for the AI. Both are great but it depends on your need and for those two it comes down to two things IMHO 1) how important it is to have a small compact rifle and 2) how often do you intend to change calibre.

The cost is close....GBP4k for a covert and a basic AX is the same. Add barrel change kit and the DTA goes up as does the AI if you want folding stock, butt spike etc.

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I have shot Ewan's rifles. Hence my initial interest in the DTA. I have no worries about being looked after on this side of the pond.

Chris has kindly identified it is when the DTA gets to the UK with import tax at 20% it jumps to the same price as the AX.

I don't know any one with an AX, a friend has one on order with a December delivery date. It's the fact there is a 6 month wait that makes me want to get an order in on either rifle.

The general consensus is that they are both great systems. I'm going to have to try an AX and DTA side by side.

 

[bm11]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bward</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So the only two people who have actually owned both rifles so far have given the same advice. AX>DTA </div></div>Make it three.

Edit, missed this one: <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you can, get behind both guns, I have owned both and prefer the AX. </div></div>
I have had an AX since they came out. I had a DTA for a bit and it is a really cool system. Much better balance for seated shooting, to answer to the guy who asked. But the AX just plain shoots better, easier, at least for me and guys who I have put behind both.

 

[DeSnifter]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

Here is one thing to consider. If something goes wrong with your rifle, are you willing to have to wait for it to be shipped back to the US? That is a lot of downtime for warranty service.

 

[Kevin_Deaton]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I have owned both as well and prefer the AX. The difference for me is in the details. I prefer a two stage trigger to a single stage even though the single stage in the DTA is very nice. Also, the AI double stack mags are easier to load and hold more rounds. The biggest issue was I never got really comfortable with the bolt location on the DTA and found myself short stroking the bolt causing jams. I'm sure this could be overcome with training, but I decided to stick with what I'm comfortable with.

I do miss the compact size of the DTA. I shoot suppressed most of the time and my 308 DTA with 22" barrel and Tiger Shark can was barely longer than my 20" barreled AX with no can. The quick change barrel setup on the DTA can be a plus for some shooters.

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kevin_Deaton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have owned both as well and prefer the AX. The difference for me is in the details. I prefer a two stage trigger to a single stage even though the single stage in the DTA is very nice. Also, the AI double stack mags are easier to load and hold more rounds. The biggest issue was I never got really comfortable with the bolt location on the DTA and found myself short stroking the bolt causing jams. I'm sure this could be overcome with training, but I decided to stick with what I'm comfortable with.

I do miss the compact size of the DTA. I shoot suppressed most of the time and my 308 DTA with 22" barrel and Tiger Shark can was barely longer than my 20" barreled AX with no can. The quick change barrel setup on the DTA can be a plus for some shooters. </div></div>

Gotta hate when you short stroke it. Sorry couldn't resist.

Time for me to chime in. I'm not sure if the Gen 1 DTA's have single stage triggers, but my Gen 2 DTA has an all adjustable 2 stage trigger, or I can make it a single stage. Tension/sear/pounds are adjustable. You can even position the trigger wherever you want it within the trigger guard.

I agree with the mag issue, 6 rounds is it with the current mag. Maybe someone can design a 10 rounder. HINT! HINT!

I'm with some of the above comments, Both the DTA and AX have there own desired aspects about them. As for ergonomics go, there is no in between with the DTA. Either you love it or hate it. If you love it, it is an awesome platform. If you hate it, you end up talking bad about it, as seen in above comments.

I have multiple barrels for mine, and just one scope. So the cost is cut in the long run, and I have tons of room in the safe. I do want to note, that I have never owned an AX, nor do you see anywhere in this post were I'm talking bad about them. I have shot one before and it was a good platform. I would still prefer my DTA over it, but I'm one of the ones that love the ergonomics. Just my .02. Hope it helps.

 

[bward]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

I didn't know that the Gen 2 had a 2 stage trigger. That is a major improvement in my opinion as I was never satisfied with the trigger in my Gen 1. I may have just gotten a bad one but it never felt as nice as even a factory rem 700 trigger. With the 2 stage trigger available, and if someone could make a nicer mag that would hold 10 rounds I would probably give one another try.

 

[Mile High Shooting]

Re: AX v DTA SRS

You didn't mention calibers, but for magnums I've played with both.

I haven't had a lot of time with the DTAs but know of many good shooters that have done great things with them. However, I must say for a magnum rifle the AX in .338 Lapua is one of my favorite all time rifles to shoot. Maybe I'm a little weird on this one, but I like shooting the AX .338s more than most 20" .308 bolt guns. They're great when new, but a nicely broken in AX is just awesome.

The AX is definitely comfortable in the prone position and I believe that the new chassis seems to soak up the recoil a smidge better than previous versions, is going to work literally anywhere in the world, has an easy bolt throw, has a 10rd capacity for either the short action or magnum action calibers, isn't too hard to change barrels with the proper tools and just plain shoots well.

Either way, you should end up with a great rifle. For the money you're going to spend, definitely take into consideration operation, ergonomics, accessories, optic mounts, barrel length, etc and be sure that you get what you want.

-Sean