Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

[WildBill3/75]

I've been debating my next rifle purchase a lot lately and I think I have it narrowed down to a DTA SRS Covert. I'd like to get it with a 26" 6.5x47 barrel and another barrel in either an 18" 7.62x51 or another 6.5x47 at 20". My BIG issue sofar seems to be barrels...since 6.5x47 shares the same bolt face as 308 all I would need is a barrel and on DTA's website http://www.deserttacticalarms.com/dta-srs-replacement-barrel.html they want $1100-$1200 for JUST a barrel!?!? I really can't imagine myself paying that much for a barrel when equal/better barrels ready to go sell for standard actions around $700. Has anyone found a solution to this? Are smiths making drop in barrels for the DTA at a reasonable price?

 

[excess]

Re: Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

Wow Bill you really did a lot of research didn't you!? If you look at DTA's own website they list Freedom as a source of aftermarket barrels. Short Action Customs probably does more aftermarkets than anyone else, but he is priced similarly to DTA. Yes, you can probably order a blank, wait 6-9 months, order the ~$300 barrel extension from DTA, and have a smith of your choice fit it.

 

[WildBill3/75]

Re: Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

I guess anyway you look at it a new barrel is around the $1200 price point...In hindsight I guess the price is justifiable because you could say that you get multiple rifles out of one chassis but on the other hand if you got a shotout barrel you got one expensive rebarrel on your hands.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

Wildbill3/75 -

A good portion of the cost of a complete DTA barrel is the $300 barrel extension. If you happen to shoot out a barrel, you can have a smith spin you up a barrel and use the barrel extension off of your old barrel to cut down on the cost of a new barrel.

I have been shooting DTA rifles for a while and would be happy to answer any questions that you have on the srs/covert platform.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

They are a bit pricey sure, but just the fact that I can just drop a new one in whenever I want AND have it be repeatable is worth it IMO. For what it is, the setup will save you cash overall... lol. Think about it. ONE USO scope instead of 4. It's nice to run the same system all the time too.

Better barrels? eh maybe. Mine has done all I have needed it to, no complaints on that.

Hell, today I packed up the 260, short and long 308 and 338... In ONE bag.

Reusing the barrel extension does help mitigate the cost, but just like anything else you gotta pay to play.

Trust me man, buy it and you won't be disappointed.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

When you get into the world of exotic rifles, the truly great ones like the DTA SRS Covert often have an appropriate price tag. This also applies to the rifle and its associated accessories. Heck, just look at the cost of SAKO TRG magazines and bipods. As they say, "buy once, cry once". You'll find that most owners say that these rifles are worth every penny. Those that feel otherwise pass their rifles on recovering a very large percentage of its initial cost. It's a win-win anyway you cut it. Once you actually own the rifle and experience it's capabilities or go to resell it, will you really understand what a value it is.

 

[femadog]

Re: Barrel Question for those that know the DTA SRS

I can only speak of my experience. I bought a DTA 6.5 Creedmoor barrel for mine as part of a recent group purchase. First day out, the worst group was .65". Cleaned and shot it this past Saturday and the worst group was .44". (all with factory Hornady ammo.)

It is fun to have a gun that just shoots well without any fuss or muss. I did that for too long on a "precision rifle" that was custom made but never shot consistently. I have to assume that there are other barrels that work just as well for less but everything from DTA has worked great for me.