From AI to DTA?

[Aznisegi]

Still relatively new to this site. Figured I'd drop the question. I know there's a DTA thread already, but my question doesn't exactly fall under just DTA. I've been closely (as close as anyone can get without getting to fiddle with one) at a DTA SRS. As a result, I'm thinkin about moving away from my AI. It's an AI AE Mk3.

The AI (surprise surprise) shoots remarkably well; however, I do like the idea of a shorter system, and I'd like to be able to move to a 338LM with relatively low cost. Buying another AI in 338 LM and another one in 300 WM would inevitably cost me closer to 14K after it's all said and done. The allure of the DTA comes from its interchangeability.

For the record, I do have 3 scopes available on different mounts. I managed to move two other rifles in the last 5 months and the AI is the only thing left. All the prior rifles were 308 however the scopes and their respective mounts are more than sufficient to handle higher calibers and magnums.

First question: Do you think I should liquidate my AI/trade in order to fund the DTA SRS and its conversions OR do you think I should just go ahead and pick up two more AIs

Second question: For those DTA SRS users out there,how much does the bolt position affect bolt manipulation when you're cycling the bolt without losing your cheek weld. Is it something that I have to get used to, or is it something that I need to try for myself? Just in case, I am a right handed shooter.

Third question: Anyone near the Dallas, Fort Worth Area have a DTA SRS where I can get a feel for the rifle?

As much as I would like to keep the AI, I'm thinkin 3 caliber conversions on an SRS Chassis would provide a more consistent experience for me when shooting. However, we all know the real reason is... the woman.

 

[Dogtown]

Re: From AI to DTA?

The third question is the most important one. You really should get behind one before you commit for simple fact that some people just have a hard time with the bullpup configuration. There's no rhyme or reason to it but just a personal preference thing. I love my SRS - it quickly replaced a number of my rifles and now stands to use 5 conversion kits. That's a lot of rifles in one and it's easy to change out at the range.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I figured that would be the case. Anyone have a DTA SRS near me in the DFW, TX area, preferably near Arlington, TX ?

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Agree that you need to get behind one.

Additionally you should compare the cost of:

DTA w/ desired conversions
AI SA + AI LA + desired conversions for both
AI PSR


Good luck

 

[culater]

Re: From AI to DTA?

You might want to take a look at the H-S Percision Tactical takedown rifle.I have had mine for last ten years. I enjoy it for the ease to change calibers.I have mine in 308 and 300 mag.I have 2300 rd in 308 and still 1/2 min and my 300 has 1200 and can still hold 1/3 min as long as I do my part.the forend come off with ease and I belive that if you shoot a suppressor you will have no POI change do to the fact that the barrels are glass bedded into the forend and are rock solid.It act like a rail gun their will be no flex to the barrel and chassie.Be sure to put treads on your barrels when you order one. I didnt do mine because in mi 10yr ago we couldnt use suppressors. Now we can and I sent mine out to get threads which would cost me $250 per barrel now it will cost me double. O well live and learn.
Take a look at this http://youtu.be/bPhULbybFcw

 

[hypno02]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Coming from a aemkIII owner:

The bullpup system is very different to run than a 'normal' rifle. I've shot bribri's DTA 6.5lap/338lm. The fact that it's so short is awesome. The switch barrel feature is awesome. It's very repeatable between both barrels.

With the DTA, bolt manipulation is 'different'....but, then again I haven't had enough time behind the rifle to get used to it.

Triggers: Both awesome
Stocks: Equally comfortable to me
Actions: AI is an AI. DTA: no issues that I've seen. I do not like the position of the safety, and love the 3pos on the AI.
Weight: Both really heavy rifles
Modularity: DTA has rails, AI doesn't

Thats all I can think of right now

 

[jasonk]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I've owned both, have a few AIs and sold the DTA. It wasn't for me. I guess just shooting prone it's ok, but I didn't like barricades or positional stuff with it. Working the bolt while in any position but prone was really not natural for me.

 

[Dogtown]

Re: From AI to DTA?

That's interesting because I think the bullpup's shifted center of gravity makes it more balanced and easier to maneuver for barricade or offhand shooting.

Like I said, there's no rhyme or reason to it - it just isn't for everyone, so it's best to get behind one.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: From AI to DTA?

To go along with everyone's suggestion to get behind one, I'll suggest you fill out your profile. There are a lot of us DTA guys and while I don't speak for all of us, I know that if you're near me I'll let you get behind mine to see how it fits you. I'd wager there's a nice guy around you too.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Seems to me .300 Win AND .338 Lapua are close enough together that if you have one, you don't need the other.

I hate selling good shooting guns. I usually end up trying to replace them down the road, often without actually getting another unit as good. I would strongly consider keeping the AE and getting either a .300 WM or .338 LM and call it a day. With some of the new high-BC 230-240 gr .308" bullets, the .300 doesn't give up much to the .338 LM.

Had I three scopes, I'd keep the AE, pick up an AX338, and use the other on a good gas gun in 5.56 or .308.

 

[sdman11890]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I just sold my DTA to get a custom built... it was awesome. Really, really awesome. I just couldn't justify the cost since I only could afford one conversion kit.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I have to say... I'm not too fond of the HS Precision take down model. Anyone have any other good modular systems in mind that have sufficient caliber support?

So far, out of the modular rifle group, the DTA is the only one I've seen with a wide selection of calibers. Granted, it's likely I won't use all of them, and probably only 3 of them, but the ease of changing rifle calibers coupled with the ease of getting different calibers is a big plus. Any ideas on different platforms that have comparable caliber selection and accuracy?

To answer the question about why I want a 300 WM and a 338 LM, all I can say is that the 300 WM is around a 1300-1500 yd gun that I can shoot pretty regularly. The 338 LM is for fun

at the new ranch.

EDIT: updated the profile as suggested

 

[VKC]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I have a DTA, as well as several custom rifles. My friend has an AI and another has an AX, all of which I've shot. Out of all of them I like my DTA the most, but that is just me.

The main disadvantage is it's heavy weight though it balances better. Also the magazines are single stack so you lose capacity, but as you get into the magnum calibers, it isn't as big of a deal.

You can cycle a DTA without loosing your cheek weld. The monopod is very stable and quicker to deploy the other systems I've tried.

In fact, I like my DTA so much that I recently got a Steyr AUG after being a longtime AR guy.

But it really boils down to personal preference.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Anyone with a DTA near me?

 

[tylerw02]

Re: From AI to DTA?

So let me get this straight...

You're wanting to sell off a great shooting rifle that is very practical in order to have a .338 Lapua to "play" with in addition to a .300 Win? That really seems pointless, but its your money. I couldn't ever find myself shooting a .300 Win barrel and going, "man, I could have so much more fun shooting X object if I only had my .338 Lapua bbl on" and swapping out the barrel and shooting it. The practicality just doesn't seem to be there.

It is wise that you want to try before you buy. They seem to be a love or hate system.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hypno</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Modularity: DTA has rails, AI doesn't </div></div>

....didn't AI bring out new stock sides for the AE/AW family with rails earlier this year...or was that only on the "classic" AICS?

 

[tylerw02]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Victor Company has rails, if a person needs them. Only thing I can think of needing them for would be NV, which you can get the Cadex or one of the spigot systems.

 

[Mute]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Try it out and see if you like it. I personally moved back to AI from DTA but that's based on my own preferences. The shorter or more neutral balance is nice on the DTA, however, it was an advantage that didn't present itself often for how I shoot. Most of the time, I'm able to get into a good, solid platform (e.g. prone), where the better balance didn't really affect my shooting.

The quick caliber change is probably the DTA's forte, but I personally found that I'd rather just have another rifle ready to go in the caliber I want to use. Try it out and see how compatible it is with how you use a rifle. It's a high quality, solid platform and I certainly wouldn't have a problem with using one if that's what I had to go with.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So let me get this straight...

You're wanting to sell off a great shooting rifle that is very practical in order to have a .338 Lapua to "play" with in addition to a .300 Win? That really seems pointless </div></div>

Selling off great shooting/looking rifles is quite common after purchasing an SRS, trading out one AI for an SRS with two barrels is actually quite practical (providing you like the fit of the DTA) because now you can have as many or as few calibers as you want. Example: 1 SRS + 5 barrels very roughly 12k with a good scope. 5 AI rifles with a good scope on each

$$$$$$$$$
That doesn't sound very practical at all.

Dont get me wrong, I'd love to have 5 AIAW's laying in my safe, but I simply have not the cheddar for such a prize.

The OP's search is hardly pointless, he will probably end up with the 338L, 300wm, .260, .308, 7wsm, ect. All in the exact same familiar platform, With the same familiar scope & reticle.

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: From AI to DTA?

That isn't exactly correct, with a couple of exceptions (.223 being one) it is really 2 AI rifles - an SA and an LA + barrels + (maybe) mags + (maybe) a bolt.



Good luck

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

SAC has the working .223 prototype, and is hopefully going to start producing them commercially soon.

 

[Jrb572]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Buy a 300 win or 338 AI and buy an extra bolt body mag and barrel. Yes you can buy a complete bolt body to do this from AI. I'm just waiting for them to tell me a price.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: From AI to DTA?

MO, how practical is it to have 5 different calibers? They aren't that specialized that each is a "must have".

A .338 AX and a .308 AE would do everything a guy needs. At most, perhaps a barrel in a lighter recoiling, flatter trajectory for the AE, like .260 or 6.5 CM.

I've been narrowing my collection down because I found myself with .17s, .204s, .223s, 6mms, 6.5x47 AND .260, 7mm, and .308s. I really couldn't spend nearly enough time with any of them as I'd like and there was little if any differentiation. The .204 would do everything the .17s would do, the .223 would do 80% of the what the .204 would do. The 6mm was only slightly flatter/faster than the .260, etc. A guy can get by quite well with, never finding himself lacking not having both a .300 and a .338 Lapua. But its his money, he'll spend it how he wants. Myself, I find that the price of a conversion for both, a guy would be much better off spending that cash on ammo.

ETA: you can buy all the barrels you want for an AI, too. If a guy has a long AI and a short AI, he's got to just order barrels (and a bolt in case of .338/.300 conversion).

 

[culater]

Re: From AI to DTA?

NEW Ballista FN Sniper LONG RANGE Rifle look this one up this might fit the bill http://youtu.be/mbOUB1wNsG8

or Nemesis http://youtu.be/GxEAMo0whIc

up to you what you what. You sould look into a switch barrel project you might be happier and will cost you less money, Run some Numbers on that thought.Barrels will run cost $650 with all the work done to it and bolts will be a one time cost to you.

 

[cold-bore]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I am in the same area as the OP. Would sure like to rub up against one before committing to the coin.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Tyler, five barrels may or may not be practical, the point is you can, without buying a scope,bipod,mounts, ect. every time you want to try a new thing. Practical is relative to the guy pulling the trigger, TusconDave probably has alot more practical things than I do. Good for him I say.

Sure, a guy can do anything in the realm of real world shooting with a 308 and a 338. But how many members of this forum own one or two rifles? I'd venture to say that a majority have three or more, and those that dont would like to if given the chance. We are rifle junkies, thats what we do, we build and shoot rifles.

The SRS platform gives a guy the opportunity to have a top of the line rifle system, in as many different flavors as he can chose/afford. Without having to buy all that goes with buying a whole new rifle.

That is not to take anything away from the AI family, And if they have switch barrels in other calibers that is great too, another option for the OP and others to look into.

Question: how much are the AI rifle/barrel kits? Just for comparison. And are they field changeable?

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cold-bore</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am in the same area as the OP. Would sure like to rub up against one before committing to the coin. </div></div>
Is it just me, or did this thread just get crowded

 

[Eric B.]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I HAVE shot a DTA SRS and loved it. I may sell my HS Precision .300 Win Mag to get a DTA in a few calibers like 6.5 Creedmore and .338 NORMA mag.

As has been said, interchangeable barrels, bolts and magazines is hard to resist.

Now if DTA would just add an adjustable cheekpiece...

 

[L3IRQ]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Had a DTA with a 308 and 338 kit, ended up selling them off a while ago as I greatly preferred my AX 338 and bought an OBR and some glass with the money. Personally I didn't like having to mess around with everything when I switched calibers so I ended up with 2 guns and 2 scopes anyways, at which point the caliber conversion was moot for me. That said I didn't find much wrong with the DTA except for shooting from certain positions I found the AX to be much easier.

 

[culater]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Interchangeablly is now the norm. Onlt if Thompson Center would come out with heavy barrels for their new bolt gun the Dimension I think it would be a top seller.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308 supsonic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interchangeablly is now the norm. Onlt if Thompson Center would come out with heavy barrels for their new bolt gun the Dimension I think it would be a top seller. </div></div>
Interchangeability is the new norm, which is good. Thompson center? Not likely to be at the top of any list

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MO, how practical is it to have 5 different calibers? </div></div>


To me? Not at all. I like .308 & .300 WinMag - but that's just me.

I can also see the argument to 6.5 & .338LP.

However while I don't see the need to support more than 2 calibers, not everyone feels that way.



Good luck

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ColdBoreMiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Question: how much are the AI rifle/barrel kits? Just for comparison. And are they field changeable? </div></div>


IIRC the .338 to .300 kit was like $1,300ish for a bolt, mag, barrel. Field capable - yeah sure if you can wedge your barrel vice between a rock formation.

I think the other thing that needs to get put into the equation is that with the AI you're still supporting two (2) optics, (2) mounts, (2) slings and maybe even (2) bi-pods.

I'd love to shoot behind a DTA but the odds of ever seeing one in my area are slim and none.


Good luck

 

[Mute]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ColdBoreMiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question: how much are the AI rifle/barrel kits? Just for comparison. And are they field changeable?</div></div>

If you want field changeable on the AI, you'll have to pony up for a PSR, but you'll have to get the whole kit. You don't pick and choose the calibers you want to purchase with the rifle currently.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mo_Zam_Beek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
IIRC the .338 to .300 kit was like $1,300ish for a bolt, mag, barrel. Field capable - yeah sure if you can wedge your barrel vice between a rock formation.

I think the other thing that needs to get put into the equation is that with the AI you're still supporting two (2) optics, (2) mounts, (2) slings and maybe even (2) bi-pods.
</div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you want field changeable on the AI, you'll have to pony up for a PSR, but you'll have to get the whole kit. You don't pick and choose the calibers you want to purchase with the rifle currently. </div></div>

Thats is what I suspected, and why I went with the DTA.

 

[ryoxf]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you want field changeable on the AI, you'll have to pony up for a PSR, but you'll have to get the whole kit. You don't pick and choose the calibers you want to purchase with the rifle currently. </div></div>

I remember from reading the psr thread that AI's going to make available a non-psr interchangeable in the near future. at the very least if I was the OP I'd wait till shot to see if AI's going to have the release soon. Then not only is it an AI, but it also has the capabilities similar to a DTA

 

[bward]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I wouldn't go from an AI to a DTA. You will be downgrading in overall quality just for the ability to change barrels. Myself and 2 other close friends all bought then sold DTA's after a few matches in favor of other rifles. I currently have an AW in my safe, which is similar to a MK3, and I think it is a MUCH better rifle than a DTA.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

To address some of the issues raised. The reasons I'm choosing three calibers in particular, the 300, 308 and 338, are due to (1) The 300 WM is a overly powerful yet practical hunting round, (2) My precision 308 has been largely taken over by the OBR in my stash, (3) The 308 caliber purchased with the DTA is just an extra for me to have when the need arises to shoot cheaply, (4) the 338 is simply due to fascination. You can call it impractical but it is what it is.

That being said, anyone in the DFW area have one that they'd be kind enough to let me get a feel for?

 

[Mute]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aznisegi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To address some of the issues raised. The reasons I'm choosing three calibers in particular, the 300, 308 and 338, are due to (1) The 300 WM is a overly powerful yet practical hunting round, (2) My precision 308 has been largely taken over by the OBR in my stash, (3) The 308 caliber purchased with the DTA is just an extra for me to have when the need arises to shoot cheaply, (4) the 338 is simply due to fascination. You can call it impractical but it is what it is.

That being said, anyone in the DFW area have one that they'd be kind enough to let me get a feel for?</div></div>

If these are the three calibers you want, I strongly suggest you consider the AI PSR if the cost isn't an issue. Also, the PSR comes with exactly those three calibers. The DTA is a fine rifle, but I personally have found I prefer the AI.

I hope you get a chance to try out the DTA and see what you think. Good luck.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

I've been looking at the AI PSR. I don't have all the cash to drop at once... though I'm close to it. I'm really wanting to exhaust the DTA as an option prior to moving towards something else

 

[SSG3K]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aznisegi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been looking at the AI PSR. I don't have all the cash to drop at once... though I'm close to it. I'm really wanting to exhaust the DTA as an option prior to moving towards something else </div></div>

Dont worry any excellent dealer will give you 90 days to pay the balance off.

Rich

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

17,500 is way more than what it would cost me to get into a DTA with 3 calibers...

 

[WillieFlo]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Aznisegi,
I was in DFW yesterday on business and wish I'd have seen this thread. I have the rifle combo you are considering. I've got the 300WM and the 338LM conversions. The reason I did this was for hunting knock down power vs budget. I am also a left-handed shooter and have found a stick-on rubber knob and repetition drills have helped me land my cheek back in place quickly without issues between shots. I like it ALOT!
I'll use the 300WM for deer hunting and am going to use the 338LM for large animals with tougher hides like Nilgai, or Elk, at long distances.
When you change to a different caliber, you will need to rezero your scope, but it's not far off at 100 yds. 2"-3" in each direction variance.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Man, wish i would've been able to meet up with you. I've got two more scopes with QD mounts, so it should just be a matter of swapping scopes. That being said, I'm glad its working out for you. My mentality is exactly the same as yours. Budget knockdown accuracy.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aznisegi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man, wish i would've been able to meet up with you. I've got two more scopes with QD mounts, so it should just be a matter of swapping scopes. That being said, I'm glad its working out for you. My mentality is exactly the same as yours. Budget knockdown accuracy. </div></div>
You wont need another scope, thats the beauty of it. you pull one barrel out, slide another one in, set the scope to the new zero for that barrel (I'd recommend writing them down for each barrel), and then fire away. there is no need for multiple scopes.

 

[biffj]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aznisegi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">17,500 is way more than what it would cost me to get into a DTA with 3 calibers... </div></div>

You are right about that. I'd let you have a go with my SRS in any of the cals I've got but I'm in Indiana so not very close. I might suggest you go to the SHOT Show in Jan to look them over in person if you can't find anyone who has one nearby. It is worth looking them over in person as others have noted. I've let quite a few people shoot my rifle and while most really like it there are a few that just can't accept the bullpup setup or the feel. It is a personal thing......
The variety of different cals you can do for the DT is pretty wide too because you can buy the barrel extensions and have just about any cal made up for you. I've got the .338 Lapua that came with the rifle when I bought it and also added a couple subsonic setups(either can be supersonic too) that add some other possibilities along with a 6.5 X 47 Lapua to add a lighter less expensive round to the mix. The subs are .510 (12.7 X 48) and .338BR. More choices is nice and the cost to do them is much less than the AI changes.

Frank

 

[1fstTA]

Re: From AI to DTA?

i have the DTA in 308 and 338 lapua and live 2 1/2 hours from you. i love my DTA and its a tack driver. your more then welcome to get behind it and give it a try. ive had a few guys come from mississippi and try it before. we have a very nice 1000 yard range here if you feel like making a trip

 

[AEROMechanic]

Re: From AI to DTA?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillieFlo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Aznisegi,
I am also a left-handed shooter and have found a stick-on rubber knob and repetition drills have helped me land my cheek back in place quickly without issues between shots. I like it ALOT!
</div></div>

Wow, this would be a neat set-up as I'm a left-hander. Is there any way possible you could post a mic of your setup and where exactly you found the stick-on knob?

Thanks
LarryA

 

[WillieFlo]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Sure thing man. I rigged it using a circular, self adhesive, felt pad like you put under the foot of a piece of furniture. It helps me place my cheek bone in the same place every time and is easy on my skin. Also places me in the sweet spot of the eye relief in my NightForce. Will get a pic up soon.

 

[Aznisegi]

Re: From AI to DTA?

Man, I find it hard to believe no one in the DFW area has one of these things...