DTA or custom .300wm

[generalzip]

So I'm ready to move up from .308 to a flatter shooting, hard hitting round. I'm beginning to save money for a new build and believe I've narrowed my choice in caliber down to the .300 WM. Now, my question is this. Would you spring for a DTA SRS Covert A1? Or would you build a custom rifle from an reputable smith such as GAP, SAC, SPR, etc. The reason is ask is because I LOVE the design of the DTA. Quick caliber changes, super short design, not very heavy, and pretty accurate. my only worry is that it lack the aftermarket upgrades of a 700 style rifle is terms of options should I not like something. For instance if I find the trigger not to my liking, what am I to do. In addition if I spend $4,500 on a rifle and it doesn't shoot 1/2 MOA or less I'm going to be EXTRMELY disappointing and likely immediately sell the thing. In the future, I could buy other calibers and save a ton of money by using the same scope and just recording what the difference for zero is.

On the other hand, I could build a sweet custom rifle that is VERY likely to shoot sub half-moa for this kind of money that the DTA costs 4500+. I would likely do something like a Templar V2 or surgeon action with a krieger or bartlein barrel ~23." I would probably bed it in a Manners T4A folder. This would undoubtedly be an awesome set-up, but once I decide on another caliber it will obviously cost much more for a new rifle with new glass. If I got the DTA I'd likely get a S&B, Premier, Nightforce BEAST, or Luppy Mark 8.

So my question is if you had 5 grand to blow on a rifle what would you decide to do? My priorities are accurately shooting out to 1000 with occasionally going beyond that. I know I could get a .260 or 6.5mm but I really want the added power for hunting big game with this rifle as well, although that will be a every other month deal. I understand the importance of weight, however I'm very young and in great shape. I've carried around 20 lb rifles before no problem. The long length (25+ inch barrel) annoys me more than the weight to be honest.

Thanks in advance.

-Steve

 

[Dogtown]

It's no secret I'm a DTA convert - it's displaced all of my other bolt guns over the last 4 years. That said, you'll be waiting a while (as much as a year) to pick up a new SRS, though you might find one used. Custom rifles are also going to be a wait, though not likely as long. With a custom rifle you'll be spending about the same money but you can get exactly what you want, so go that route if you are very particular about what you want. And as always, if you're new to magnums and still not 100% about them, don't rule out a factory Sako TRG-42, though they recently discontinued the .300WM version, there are plenty used .300WM out there and you could get a full setup with optic for your budget.

 

[Creature]

If I was you I'd look for a used DTA rifle. That's what I did about 6 months when I scored a gen 1 DTA SRS. There really isn't that much difference from the gen 1 rifles and the newer ones. The only thing is that they use a different barrel extension(which DTA still makes and supports). It indexes off of a pin rather than the feed ramp. The lock up is just as good.

The folks at DTA are some of the best people I've ever worked with in the firearms industry. Their bullpup design is so compact and balances so much better than my other rifles. That makes it a lot easier to shoot offhand with a suppressor.

 

[SigsauerP229]

I've shot the DTA and I like it a lot but if I were getting just one custom rifle and one caliber I'd get a custom built to my desired options.

I do however still plan to get a DTA for two reasons, I sold my 338 and my 300 WM and I want to replace both those calibers and rather then pay twice as much for two rifles and two scopes I can get one rifle and one scope. I also like the bull pup design for its compactness.

So that said unless you plan on getting more then one caliber I'd consider another rifle built to your specs.

 

[netranger6]

DTA. Trust me on this. You won't be disappointed..

 

[uafgrad]

I just bought a covert a couple of weeks ago
Now considering selling my custom bolt and buying conversions/barrels

 

[uafgrad]

Plus they guarantee 1/2 MOA, so odds are pretty good the rifle will shoot it

 

[generalzip]

The the dta seems like the way to go. At the same time maybe ill see se sweet rifles in the for sale section. I think I'm gonna have to just spring for the dta and get in line. I'm in no particular rush although sooner would be better. I feel like I'm buying a larue all over again :/

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

i have a GAP 300 and a DTA 300, both are amazing weapons. If you feel the need to go to different calibers later on the DTA offers a lot as well as a much smaller signature, my GAP 300 is everything a custom rifle should be no complaints at all just a different way to skin the same cat.

 

[biffj]

I've had a DT SRS for a few years now and I'm quite happy with it. I shoot suppressed almost all the time and the length of the rifle in .338 LM with a suppressor is still less than a SAKO TRG42 without a muzzle brake. I've got 4 different barrels for it so swapping cals is simple and quick. If I want a short range light gun I just put a different barrel in, if I want the long range heavyweight I can do that too. I can set it up for a near zero recoil round like the 6.5X47 Lapua or go with the .338 Lapua Mag. I use the same suppressor on both and it works very well. My other 2 barrels are mainly for shooting very quiet subsonics-300gr sierra matchkings in the .338 BR or 750gr Hornady AMAX in the 12.7X48. It has an outstanding trigger so you won't need to deal with aftermarket stuff. All in all its a very versatile rifle that you can fit into most any task you have. The only thing I would say is that it isn't very light but I've fired it offhand and it can be done....I like the bipod better and the monopod is worth the cost. Mine is a fairly early rifle with the pin located barrel. I've yet to break the locating pin and have never had any problems with the gun. If you can find an early gun there is no reason not to go for it. There are guys selling their earlier versions to "upgrade" to the A1 and waiting a long time to get the new rifle. I don't see most of the A1 upgrades as being worth the wait if you can get an earlier one cheaper and sooner. Don't pass one up because you think you need a buttpad or cheekrest.
Just my opinion of course....

Frank

 

[generalzip]

Ok you guys have sold me on dta. I will definitely order one. I don't care about te butt pa but am a huge fan of the adjustable cheek piece as cheek weld of very important to me so I will wait for the a1. Couple more questions. Is there any reason I shouldn't get a covert model? I plan on running a s&b 5-25 or a premier 5-25 or similar high end larger scope. I wanna like the march but I need a better exit pupil. Anyways, talk me out I the covert. For now I'd like a 26" .300 barrel and a 16" .308 barrel for plinking and hunting out to 200 yards.

 

[lte82]

Steve you know my thoughts already lol.

 

[Masked]

I just went through this, myself...

I have a 308 AR, 308 custom and a bunch of other big calibers already that are safe queens.

I think if I could have found the DTA, itself, used, I would've sprung for that but, I didn't and threw together my own custom 300wm.

In truth, if you get the right action, swapping barrels is just a trip to your smith.

I ultimately went with a Tac 300 stiller, AI AX, Bartlein M24 30cal and a custom brake. -- It's doing better than 1/2 MOA if I do my part...

As another member said, "just another way to skin the same cat".

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

if you get a covert and run a 5-25 you may run the risk of the scope being past the muzzle. if you got a full size you can always get a covert conversion later as a added option. thats what i did and have the 22" and 16" 308 barrels mine usually sits as a full size SRS though

 

[high right]

Didn't see one D.T.A. at the steel safari this year. Im just sayin! See guys at Raton havin trigger trouble with em.
They are a cool package though.

 

[Prophet78]

I'll toss in my opinion just to up my post count. I don't know much of anything about DTA. Someone I know "loosely" has a DTA 338 LM. He can convert it to .308 and the .338. He offered to let me send some rounds down range with it. I've NEVER had a gun ring my bell like the DTA. I put 2 rounds down range and I said, ok, that's enough and he was like, send some more! I said.... Umm... No. They all had a good laugh on that. So, saying that, I wouldn't buy one. I'm not a fan of the bulpup design. Small caliber semi auto's, hell yes. I would kill for a Tavor.

Given that, that was the first time I've shot a .338. It was set to shoot 1K yards and both times I hit steel. Pretty sweet gun, but I wouldn't do it. If I had the coin, I would go with an aftermarket action and custom rig or buy a AI or a TRG. Personally I would go with the AI. You can switch barrels pretty easy with that rig as well and move between 2 calibers and only have 1 chasis and 1 scope.

 

[high right]

I shoot suppressed with a 27" barrel and we do a lot of walking between stages. Im also 6'2". If I were vertically Challenged, I would go with a D.T.A.
I carry muzzle down due to carbon issues with a suppressor.

 

[Rockfish Dave]

My .o2 is either of your options sounds like a great choice. The new GAP Templar v2 actions or similar tactical action with the integrated recoil lug is very easy to use as a switch barrel. The Big Horn action sounds great because you can change the bolt face between the magnum and regular with minimal hassle (definitely leaning that way for a future rifle).

I use a Brownells Barrel vise BARREL VISE | Brownells with old business cards between the bushing and barrel to prevent any marks.

If you use a long action for all of your calibers you can tweak the AI 300WM mags to feed just about anything. The magazines are plentiful and fairly affordable. I have used the MAGAZINE FEED LIPTOOL | Brownells to adjust the magazines to feed 308 out of my long action. That said I have more barrels spun up in different calibers for my short action than the long action. The long action definitely allows for more flexibility in seating bullets, but I like the shorter bolt throw of the short action.

As a switch barrel it is not as fast as the DTA, but I pretty much set it up for what I want to use for the current shooting session well in advance.

The DTA is much shorter. I get a similar compact package for transportation with my Manners TF4 with mini chassis and the McRee folding chassis. My personal experience is once I am actually shooting the extra length is not that big of a deal.

Just some thoughts, and another way to skin a cat.

 

[phxfa]

Definantly get behind one before you buy,,I tried to like mine, but between the typical shit bullpup trigger, ergonomics of running the bolt, HAVING to run a can because the muzzle is so close to your head,,,,5 rd mags,,,popping primers with 2 different barrels (FGMM) the list goes on and on, I dumped it. Of the 4 we bought at SHOT, only 1 guy kept his and he hasent shot it in a year,YMMV

 

[generalzip]

Definantly get behind one before you buy,,I tried to like mine, but between the typical shit bullpup trigger, ergonomics of running the bolt, HAVING to run a can because the muzzle is so close to your head,,,,5 rd mags,,,popping primers with 2 different barrels (FGMM) the list goes on and on, I dumped it. Of the 4 we bought at SHOT, only 1 guy kept his and he hasent shot it in a year,YMMV

I've heard the triggers were awesome? I don't think running te bolt would be of concern to me for the type of shooting ill do. Not to mention if I shoot this weapon as much as I think I will I doubt ill have problems getting used to it. Running a suppressor isn't a problem. I have a tbac on order now already. 5 rounds mags also isn't an issue. Also I heard they are making larger capacity mags. As far as the primers what's the reason for that? Is t that more of a load issue not barrel issue? Ill be reloading for this rifle as well.

 

[phxfa]

Like I said, get behind one. You've 'heard' a lot on this thread/forum, nothing beats experience in this case.
primer/pressure issues were with factory FGMM in .308. Black Hills and Corbon in 260. 2 different guns. Took over a month to get new barrels.
In regards to the quick change barrel, I found it more as a novelty then a need, but thats just me. I change out my AX barrel in about 15 minutes which includes removing the forend and the scope/mount combo. Fast enough for me,,, I still prefer a dedicated rifle that I dont have to fuck with

 

[generalzip]

Fair enough. Well if anyone in the Houston area would be willing to let me take a few shots with one I'd be more than happy to give you some money for your ammo and time!!! It would really help me make my decision on this one. I feel wait times on the dta and building a custom rifle at GAP are at least comparable enough for me to live with either so that's not a huge issue.

 

[Dogtown]

Ok you guys have sold me on dta. I will definitely order one. I don't care about te butt pa but am a huge fan of the adjustable cheek piece as cheek weld of very important to me so I will wait for the a1. Couple more questions. Is there any reason I shouldn't get a covert model?

The cheekpiece is a nice option, but not vital at all. Lots and lots of people have been shooting these rifles for the last few years without a cheekpiece and it hasn't come close to being a show stopper. It was a requirement of the PSR solicitation so DTA had to develop one and there were a minority of customers who had issue with the rifle not having one. I just think people have gotten used to having them and so they kept asking for it.

As for Covert vs Full length - it doesn't matter as you can swap handguards. That's what I did in the long run, as initially only the full length handguard was available. Swapping them out isn't something you can do in the field so you have to plan to do it ahead of time for a shooting session. It requires a mounted vice and a tool that comes with the handguard; the first time you change it out it's a bitch, but after that it's easy. Personally, I like having the bipod out farther on the full length handguard, but prefer the versatility on the short handguard as I've now got a couple shorty barrels. Basically, 16" barrels go right to the end of the short handguard and 21" barrels on the long handguard.

ETA: it is NOT a typical shit bullpup trigger like you'd find in an AUG. It's very much a precision quality trigger and highly adjustable - that's the second biggest surprise most people find when shooting them (the first being how accurate they are).

 

[biffj]

I'm with Dogtown on this. I bought my rifle with the full length handguard as the covert wasn't out yet. I have since swapped the long handguard for the short and I'm happy with it. You don't really gain anything with the long handguard if you're not mounting a bunch of crap out there. Even if your scope overhangs the end of the handguard you should be fine with any barrel over 16" or so. I normally shoot with a suppressor so I've not had any thoughts about that myself but a friend shoots his with a brake and hasn't had any problems either. Normally the sunshade is the part hanging out and what can happen to it??? The short handguard is fine and I prefer it as I can put short barrels on and use my suppressors. With the long handguard you can't put the can on.
As for the trigger I can't believe anyone would think they were typical bullpup crap. They are far from it. They may not be a Jewell trigger but they weren't meant to be. It is like anything else in this world. Some like em, some don't. The advice to try before you buy is extremely good advice. For the cash you're looking at laying out it doesn't matter if you're talking DTA or any other rifle. I take my rifle to machinegun shoots here and there and frequently let others have a go with it. I've yet to hear anyone complain about the trigger or recoil. Most of them want to know how its possible to shoot such a big round (.338 LM or 12.7X48-510W) with such low recoil. Even my little wife will shoot this rifle without a second thought. She's just a girl.....
As with everything else, recoil is something we all have different opinions on and I only find the .338LM annoying when we shoot without the brake or the can. With either of them installed its a peach. Shoot one and see. I'm not anywhere near houston but if you come through indiana check in. I'll be happy to let you shoot mine in any of the 4 cals I've got.

Frank

 

[generalzip]

Thanks for all the input guys. Ill be ordering my dta covert soon. Lets see what wins. The thunder beast suppressor or the rifle...

On the 26" .300wm does it always come with the brake? Can the brake come off? Reason I ask is I got the 30ba model of suppressor which is brake attach. Or by some miracle will the dta brake accept te thunder beast 30ba?

 

[bas402]

I have a DTA SRS and a Covert and have several barrels/calibers for each and I love the platforms tremendously but given the supply issues that are going on at DTA I would go with GAP,SAC or another good builder and build a custom. A year even for such a good platform as DTA is to long of a wait IMHO.
Sully

 

[biffj]

Thanks for all the input guys. Ill be ordering my dta covert soon. Lets see what wins. The thunder beast suppressor or the rifle...

On the 26" .300wm does it always come with the brake? Can the brake come off? Reason I ask is I got the 30ba model of suppressor which is brake attach. Or by some miracle will the dta brake accept te thunder beast 30ba?

As far as I know the brakes come off....it does on my .338LM but the newer brakes are different. The guns use a 3/4-24 thread and I don't know what thread the 30ba uses. You might need some barrel work to rethread an maybe some turning to fit the 30ba brake....

Frank

 

[Dogtown]

TBAC makes a brake with 3/4-24 threads - not a problem.

 

[MikeD987]

Yes, That is the brake I ordered with my TBAC 30BA. Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is 3/4-24 thread is also the for the .308 right? I ordered my Covert and my can back in April. DTA said my rifle would be ready around November and then I hear January. The ATF says my can be ready in March............ It would suck if DTA and TBAC came out with new models A2/31BA next year.

*10 mins later after looking on TBAC website*

30BAS

https://thunderbeastarms.com/products/30bas

 

[TheBelgian]

I was in the same situation and decided to go for a DTA! I've placed my order back in April and should get it by November... It's quite the wait but all the reviews point to this amazing rifle. I love the flexibility of the conversion kits too!!

Whomever gets it first should make sure to post pics

 

[Lofty]

The DTA is definitely a love it or hate it rifle.

Even its detractors cant say anything about its accuracy though. Out of the box, factory barrel....theyre as accurate as any custom gun. If you want a custom barrel though, just buy the chassis and a bolt with a barrel extension. Then order a blank from Bartlein, Schneider or whoever else can spin one up in the DTA profile and have it chambered by your favorite smith in whatever caliber you chose.

The biggest draw back for me is mag capacity. I would love a 10 round option. I shoot tactical matches and the difference between a 6 and a 10 rounder is a big deal on a lot of stages.

The trigger is crisp and clean. Its not a bench rest trigger but neither is it supposed to be....its a tactical gun.

Ive heard a lot of negatives about their customer service but frankly I have experienced just the opposite.

Ive got a factory barrel in .243 (shoots lights out), a Schneider chambered in 6.5 CM by Predator Custom Shop (laser beam) and a 7mm Bartlein I am gonna have done by RBros in their 7mm Rogue. There is no other rifle platform that can allow that kind of versatility nor can one do it in such a short and compact package.

Its unique attributes far outweigh any negatives I have found.

 

[sib1948]

I had the same delima earlier and found someone to let me try a DTA. We met at the range and I enjoyed one of the best days of shooting I have ever had. He's a local DTA distributor. We shot the SRS (non A1). he said in his experience that the balance and bipod placement is much better than the covert. Many of his covert buyers will later get the SRS forend for that reason! I ordered a DTA SRS A1 in 308 22" March 1st with bag, wrench, etc. and have a March F 3-24 42mm and March FX 5-40 56 mm and haven't decided yet which one I will use.

Two days ago I purchased a Turn Key A1 SRS with Vortex Razor HD 5-20 with ERB2 reticle and Suphr 35mm mount from Rex here on the Hide. I should have that in 2weeks. It came in 308 and 260 conversions with case etc. I still need to get the 338 26" conversion and waiting on my TBAC 338BA and 30BA suppressors. The options for the DTA are unlimited!!!

I'll probably start selling off some of my dedicated single caliber rifles and ARs, but plan to keep my MRAD 338LM for now!!!

 

[generalzip]

Haha sib I was watching that rifle! I'm really looking for an a1 covert with monopod. Local dealer said 2950 plus 8.5% sales tax for the chassis with monopod. Extra 1295 for a conversion kit. Not a bad deal but the wait I killing me. You think I'd be better of stalking the for sale section for a couple months or just go ahead an place an order with my dealer. A year is a damn long time to wait for a rifle. I wouldn't mind paying an extra 300 bucks to get what I want right now and not wait a year.

 

[sib1948]

Haha sib I was watching that rifle! I'm really looking for an a1 covert with monopod. Local dealer said 2950 plus 8.5% sales tax for the chassis with monopod. Extra 1295 for a conversion kit. Not a bad deal but the wait I killing me. You think I'd be better of stalking the for sale section for a couple months or just go ahead an place an order with my dealer. A year is a damn long time to wait for a rifle. I wouldn't mind paying an extra 300 bucks to get what I want right now and not wait a year.

I'd stalk the Hide For Sale section for several months before buying locally. I purchased the rifle in March locally, since Scott let me shoot with him all day and decided that was the gun for me, so I felt he deserved the sale. That being said, the AZ sales tax with the gear was an additional $650!!!

You don't have much to lose waiting. The A1s should start rolling out soon and I'm sure some will decide they don't like theirs, but I would expect to pay full price. I saved about $400 on the rig I bought from Rex and NO tax. Even if you order in 2-3 months I don't think your wait would be much longer than it is now. Just have the cash and be ready to pounce at a moments notice. I have already picked up extra magazines from EuroOptic, since they have some now. Even 338, but haven't found a 338 conversion yet! Also DTA scope mounts are unobtainable now, but purchased one with my 2nd rifle.

 

[sib1948]

One just posted today with the 300 Win conversion. Time to pounce. I hope you're ready!!!

 

[VKC]

If you have the DTA bug and are open to learning new ergonomics, go for it. I had the urge to get a DTA but the wait was too long, got a few custom rifles in the meantime but then saw a DTA for sale here l and bought it. Now I mostly shoot my DTA. My other rifles sit in my safe unless I want to try something different. The only major disadvantage is it's heavy weight but most precision rifles are heavy too.

 

[MikeD987]

[MENTION=83668]TheBelgian[/MENTION] Deal!

 

[Cncjerry]

I suggest you get a .300 and shoot the first barrel out then go upscale. My .300 has a nasty push that takes some getting used-to, brake or not. Also, the .300 burns barrels so you get maybe 800 shots before it starts to degrade. So it took me time to dial it in, followed by load development and a scope problem (maybe from the kick?) and after two months I have 700 rounds thru it. So now I need a barrel or will shortly as I've been told 1500 rounds is the upper limit with degradation noticeable at 500 or so.

 

[sib1948]

People talk about the weight of the DTA, but the SRS is about the same weight as my custom 308 and less that my MRAD. Also much shorter. The A1 will be lighter still with the new forend. If you like the feel and fit of the DTA, you won't ever have to buy another rifle and scope. Very economical for a great precision weapon over the long run! I agree, it's not for everyone, but after shooting one, I know it's the perfect rifle for all my needs. I only plan shooting targets recreationally and occasional matches. My local matches don't allow muzzle brakes or suppressors and are only 500 yds. I plan to shoot mostly from 500-1500 yds with varying calibers. If it turns out you don't like the DTA, you can sell it for what you paid fairly easily at this time, but that may change in a year or two.

 

[culater]

DTA needs to make a carbonfiber forend or have some else do it.That would be COOL