Desert Tactical Arms Owner

P

propulsionclimbing

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 26, 2006
780
8
Flagstaff. AZ
#1
I'm thinking very seriously about getting a Desert Tactical Arms SRS 338 Lapua and 308 barrel assembly. For those of you who either own one or have direct experience with them, what do you think of them. Specifically, how are the ergonomics? What kind of accuracy have you achieved specifically with the 338 Lapua? Is the bolt cycle smooth? Do they seem like they are tactical durable? Have you had any problems with lack of consistency due to the interchangeable barrel system? Basically anything and everything you can tell me would be appreciated. All pros and cons that you have noticed would be great. The idea of a 38" 338 Lapua with a 26" barrel is very appealing.

Also curious if any of you have run a suppressor on a 308 with one of the SRS rifles? That would be pretty cool to have a suppressed .308 that is just as compact as a conventional 308!
 
#2
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

Use the search function. There are a few rather lengthy reveiws of the DTA SRS. Even including use with a suppressor. I asked the very same questions about a month ago and I was directed to a different thread. With the search function you should find it no problem.
 
#3
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<span style="font-weight: bold">Specifically, how are the ergonomics?</span>
One of the best balanced and comfortable rifles to shoulder I've ever used.

<span style="font-weight: bold">What kind of accuracy have you achieved specifically with the 338 Lapua?</span>
1/2MOA so far with factory Lapua 250 Scenar ammo. I'm currently dialing in my own load using 94gr RL25 seated out a little ways (the SRS mag gives you lots of room for long seating) that is grouping very nicely. It's plenty accurate.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Is the bolt cycle smooth?</span>
Very

<span style="font-weight: bold">Do they seem like they are tactical durable?</span>
Yes - I would have chucked my M24 for one of these in my active duty years, without a doubt. In fact, if I was in A'stan these days, this is what I'd want.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Have you had any problems with lack of consistency due to the interchangeable barrel system?</span>
Unlike most other switch barrel systems, this one is very consistent.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Basically anything and everything you can tell me would be appreciated. All pros and cons that you have noticed would be great.</span>
Okay, but that may take a while. I've been around a long time and worked in two different careers, so I know quite a bit about anything and everything. Should we start on the math/physics stuff or just dive into the skateboarding theory?

<span style="font-weight: bold">The idea of a 38" 338 Lapua with a 26" barrel is very appealing.</span>
Not to mention a bullpup rifle with an amazing trigger.
 
#4
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

I wouldn't mind a 20 page essay on the math/physics of skateboarding theory. That would be some good reading! LOL! Thanks for the reply. It sounds like you like your DTA. So the trigger is nice? How would it compare to say a Jewell? This is bad. I'm going to have to buy one of these.
 
#7
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

Just buy it. Its less than $6K with the two barrels- pocket change.

I love mine (338 LM and 300 WM). I did have some probs with the win mag barrel fouling. I am sending it back to DTA to have them re-lap it. (I think that is what they will do.) Really a Kreiger issue. I shot a 3/8" 100 yd group with the 338 this weekend. That seems pretty good with such a large caliber. It is heavy, but it still is very well balanced.

I am getting a 22 conversion kit made for mine- should be pretty sweet.
 
#8
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dtac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I am getting a 22 conversion kit made for mine- should be pretty sweet. </div></div>

You are kidding right? 22-250?
 
#12
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

Yes, I am kidding about the 22 conversion. It would be kind of funny though. On the opposite end of the caliber scale, I do think that we should band together and convince DTA to figure out a Cheytac conversion. It just seems like there is enough metal in the huge barrel extension to handle that caliber.

propulsionclimbing- you will be really surprised by the lack of recoil with the 338LM. I don't know if it is the brake, the mass of the system, or the design. I expected a much harder kick.
 
#13
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

If they could do a Cheytac conversion, I could sell everything and just get a handful of conversion setups. That would be pretty cool! I'm getting really close to having the funds for one of these. Pretty exciting stuff!
 
#14
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

Love mine...I have the 338, 308 and 243 barrels but I seem to spend all my time with the 338. Most of my shooting is at 1k so my load is mild with a 250gr Lapua LB and I have shot many sub 6" groups at 1k. Even though my load is not well suited for it I stretch it out to a mile every now and then- here is a pic of todays target. The paper is 3'x5' and the white dot is 12". I will be working up a 300gr load which might help me out a bit.
IMG00001-20091215-1516.jpg
 
#17
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

A Cheytac conversion would be great, but I spoke with Nick at Desert Tactical a few months back and it's a no go. Concerns about safety and no plans for another build at this time from what I understand.
 
#18
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ponder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, I give up!

"...There are a few rather lengthy reveiws of the DTA SRS..."

Does anyone have the url of a few reviews of the Desert Tactical Arms SRS? </div></div>

Welcome to the big leagues and as a slight modification “go south young man” (take a trip to SLC and take a look). Sometimes you need to do some of the heavy lifting for yourself. Find posts by Ratbert, Later, SR90 (albeit he is a bit biased), etc in large part the reviews have been glowing. The system has some very distinct advantages and few detractors. Spend the time, it is worthwhile.
 
#19
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

The ONLY thing that is keeping me from buying one is the thought of 65k PSI letting go under my cheek. I have the order form filled out and ready to fax but I can't get past that. Someone talk me into it.

If one were to blow, what would happen?
 
#20
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

Some of us have shot some pretty stiff loads in our .338LM SRSs, but do you have the same reservations about Barrett M99s?
 
#24
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

Spoke with someone at DTA today regarding a 408 Cheytac. He said they do not make a conversion because the resulting barrel wall would be too thin. It would have to be a single shot.

He did say that someone who bought the SRS was trying to camber a 408 with the help of a gunsmith.

I pressured the guy about a larger SRS and he said there maybe something at the shot show!!! but would be 12 months before we see it for sale.

Could it be a 50 cal switch barrel SRS?
 
#27
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

As far as your fears of firing with the bullpup action it is actually much safer than with a conventional rifle. On a conventional rifle if the bolt lugs fail the bolt goes through your head, on the SRS the bolt hits your shoulder, which would you prefer? One of our customers accidently loaded 92 grains of pistol powder in his SRS, the powder company estimated the PSI to be around 200,000 PSI, it doesn't get any worse than that. He ended up having a swollen face and three stitches, obviously the rifle was destroyed, he ended up buying another SRS and he testifies that the SRS's design saved his life, the bolt was lodged in the aluminum buttpad, were it a conventional design it would have been lodged inside his skull.

Ponder,
I will take a stab at answering your questions.
smile.gif

SHIPPING-PACKAGING
The Pelican deployment case is great. Most guys opt for the Pelican. Those that don't get a box.

SLIDE SAFETY FUNCTION
This can easily be adjusted if it is too stiff.

ASSEMBLY SCREWS ? Not sure what the question is here ?

NON-FLUSH QD SLING POINTS, QD SLING ATTACHMENT POINTS We sell high quality flush QD sling swivels, don't use the junk that Uncle Mikes sells they suck.

MAGAZINE FIT
Are you saying mags are too tight or too loose?

BIPOD ATTACHMENT
We sell a picitanny rail adapter for Harris bipods, which also works with standard sling swivels.

SCREW TORQUES
We sell a torque wrench

Unfortunately most dealers do not sell the rifle as a kit, which is too bad because all of the gun owners are going to be buying a case, sling, scope, rings, bipod, and cleaning kit anyway; many customers call us to get the kit after wards or they get kit components that is substandard.
 
#31
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr90</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 338LM surefire breaks fit fine on SRS barrels.</div></div>

While on the topic of brakes for the SRS. Has anyone tried the PWS precision rifle comp on the SRS in .308 or to replace the .338 that comes standard? http://primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=127&idcategory=6
 
#32
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ponder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chiller, I have read all 48 pages of your REPLYS.

Thanks for the detailed explaination of the DTA-SRS safety problem. </div></div>

Link Please
 
#33
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

The safety slide issue that they speak of is that there was a select few stock panels that rubbed on the safety slide making it very stiff or impossible to engage. Very easy fix and covered under warranty.
 
#34
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr90</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 338LM surefire breaks fit fine on SRS barrels. </div></div>

Can I get you to install one instead of your brake though? I have installed SF adapters before but I don't like doing it. Would be ideal if I could have the rifle come set up to take the can.
 
#35
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ponder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chiller, I have read all 48 pages of your REPLYS.

Thanks for the detailed explaination of the DTA-SRS safety problem. </div></div>

Cliff,

I would recomend you take a drive south and go down and see the people at Desert Tactical.

Call Roy Woodall with SOT Consulting. Look up Later, Hydro, etc here on the hide.

The information is out there. You have some specific concerns that may require you to go to extra lengths to answer. Just a thought.
 
#36
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

I have had mine for a little over a week and logged 160 rounds through it, I know it isn't much. I did all my shooting in 20 degree weather, with it snowing on and off. The gun performed just as advertised and I have yet to find a flaw with it. It would be nice if the mags dropped free but I can live with that. The only other thing I wish were different would be to have a larger/longer mag or even a double stack mag.
 
#37
Re: Desert Tactical Arms Owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ponder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chiller, I have read all 48 pages of your REPLYS.

Thanks for the detailed explaination of the DTA-SRS safety problem. </div></div>

I do admit I like the way you go to market.
 
#38
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