DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

[GunDudeUSA]

Have read up all about the technical differences between the SRS vs. SRS Covert. So I understand the hardware difference between the two.

If you've used both, and you had to choose one in the end, from a real-world experience standpoint, which would you go for and why?

 

[Dogtown]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

They are identical with the exception of the handguard length (which can be swapped out for long or short), so it's kind of irrelevant which one you choose. The short Covert barrels are awesome, making the rifle extremely compact but still very capable. For example, I added the short handguard and 16" .308WIN barrel recently as an option. During two different desert sessions I just stuck with the short handguard as I cycled through 16" .308WIN, 26" 6.5x47 & .338LM barrels. They all run just fine with the short handguard, the only downside being a bit of extra stability you gain with being able to put the bipod out farther on the longer handguard. That and in the odd chance you want to run a clip-on NV rig, you'll want the long handguard.

The short Covert barrels are seriously rigid and accurate - I'd say hands down the 16" .308WIN is my favorite combo right now. It shoots like a laser up close and it's 1:8 twist stabilizes the heavier bullets nicely. The first time MV from Viperskins saw my Covert setup he thought I'd broken the rifle

 

[GunDudeUSA]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

When you switched barrels on the field, did you have to re-zero or you just trusted it would go back to what it was?

 

[vinsonr]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

DTA has a video about that: return to zero

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

You can read through the DTA thread at the top of the bolt action page.

 

[GunDudeUSA]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

Thanks!

 

[Dogtown]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

Yeah, bottom line on POI shift in conversions: it is repeatable. For all of my conversions it's within a mil of elevation/windage, so I either dial the adjustment as an offset or reset the turrets depending on how I'm using the rifle in that session. Sometimes the shift can actually be pretty handy. For example, using my .338LM as the baseline, when I switch to the 16" .308WIN I dial .2 L windage and hold 1 mil over the center line for 100 yards, which means 200 yards is my actual zero. This has been super handy as I like to take the .308WIN out pretty far.

 

[GunDudeUSA]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

Thanks for the info! Is it the same with suppressors as well? If I add/remove suppressor on the SRS, it will offset but its repeatable.

 

[Dogtown]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

I think that depends on the suppressor.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

In my experience, with or without suppressor they are very repeatable.

 

[biffj]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

I started out with the full size SRS and ended up putting the short handguard on. There is no real advantage to the longer handguard other than putting the bipod further forward. The short handguard allows a wider range of barrel length to be used. I can run anything from 16" on up with a suppressor with the covert handguard. With the full length handguard the barrel has to be at least 22" to get out far enough for the can to be mounted. On the other hand I can put my 26" .338 Lapua barrel on the gun with the short handguard. As others noted the only real difference between the 2 is the handguard. . .


I shoot a number of oddball subsonic cals like the .510 Whisper and .338 BR. With the subs there isn't any advantage to more than 16" barrels. With the 4 barrels I've got I have had no issues with the zero being inconsistent. Each barrel has a certain number of clicks to go to zero. Adding the suppressor is the same, it requires the same number of clicks each time its installed or removed. Each barrel is unique in its own setting and it hasn't changed since I've been shooting the rifle. Swapping the handguard from long to short hasn't changed any of the settings in any way.

Frank

 

[GunDudeUSA]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

Thanks Frank!

Sounds like folks seem to prefer the newer Covert after playing with both. Yes I know I can inter-change one for the other. But I have to start with one first!

Did you at any point (practical standpoint) felt that putting the bipod further back disadvantage you? Or is it just theoretical inconvenience?

 

[biffj]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

I have never had any issues at all with the bipod mounted the small distance back from where it was with the full length handguard. About the only thing I can think of that would make the full length handguard more appropriate is if you need the more rail out front of the scope to put a night vision add-on in front. It does look a little odd to have the 26" barrel hanging out of the short handguard especially with the suppressor hung on there too. On the other hand it allows better cooling and the mirage seems a bit less....for a little bit. The lapua heats things up quick and the can has some heatwaves coming off it in just a few rounds....


Frank

 

[Lofty]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

If you shoot in tactical matches the short hand guard can be a liability.


Most matches have stages utilizing barricades and portals. If you try to shoot through a portal and the rail is too short, either your resting the barrel on the barrier....which is no good, or your scope is hitting the barrier.

I would have prefered a covert but an SRS suits my needs better.

 

[GunDudeUSA]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

That's a great point for the SRS instead of the Covert.

 

[sib1948]

Re: DTA SRS vs. SRS Covert Experience

Good question. Don't forget the new A-1 version of both versions with the adjustable cheek rest and better butt pad.