Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

[Fletcher/AAC]

I have for the most part avoided being an early adopter of any new product, especially in the firearms industry where R&D is done quite often on the customers dime. That said I have always been interested in the DTA design. I haven't heard many complaints, but maybe I wasn't really looking for them. I know that they are now producing "gen 2" rifles, but I don't know what prompted that change, or what that change constitutes.

Since it is marketed as a high end production rifle, I was wondering how it stacks up to the TRG, AIAW, etc. Is it as reliable? Are there issue that still need to be worked over?


Thanks for any opinions, but first hand knowledge would be much appreciated.

 

[Red_SC]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

No one I know that's owned one has regretted it. Some have sold them for various reasons, but not because of performance or reliability problems.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

The Gen 2 rifles index differently in the chassis. Also, all Gen 2 Chassis are drilled and tapped to accept the monopod option. Earlier Gen 1 Chassis that did not have the factory monopod option must be sent back to DTA to have the Chassis drilled and tapped to accept the factory monopod option.

The barrels are still secured in the same manner, triggers are the same, bolts and magazines are the same, the monopod option is the same, the forend is the same.

Gen 1 Barrel extensions have a slot machined into them that indexes on a pin in the chassis. There were some DTA owners who managed to deform the pin (which can really only be done if you drop the barrel into the receiver). When the pin deforms the barrel will not go into position. I have never had or seen this issue with a pin becoming deformed. This is not an issue that you would need to address in combat, unless you found the need to change calibers during an engagement and recklessly dropped your barrel into the chassis. If someone happened to have an issue with a deformed pin, it takes about 3-4 minutes to replace it, if you have a spare pin on hand.

Gen 2 barrel extensions have a larger notch cut out and index with the feed ramp in the chassis. This addressed a problem that really didn't exist, so long as you set (not drop) your barrel into the chassis when swapping out calibers.

The Gen 2 setup was first only offered on the Covert model. I suspect that this may have occurred to encourage DTA owners to purchase an entirely new system to utilize the shorter covert barrels. However, DTA now offers a Covert forend conversion for SRS rifles and covert conversion kits can be requested with Gen 1 barrel extensions.

Gen 1 SRS rifles are very reliable and are currently in use by police departments and foreign militaries. A Gen 1 rifle owner should feel no need to upgrade to a Gen 2 rifle. If you were shopping for an SRS and found a new Gen 1 for a slight discount over a Gen, I would advise you to go with the Gen 1.

 

[Mustafa]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I've probably got about 2000 rounds through my Gen 1 SRS and the only problems I've had were some light primer strikes on M118LR (known issue on earlier rifles that, I believe has already been addressed). I brought my rifle in to DTA (nice living in SLC sometimes!) and they swapped the firing pin spring for me. No other problems since! LOVE this rifle! Makes me feel like a rock star cause it shoots SOOO much better than I do! ^_^

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

When I hear proven I think combat deployed.. Has any of these systems been deployed overseas? If no has any at least been adopted as primary systems for a department?

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

some have been overseas

 

[dbransco]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I, like you have had interest in a DTA rifle for some time and finally got to handle one last week. I have an AW and my primary interest was comparing the DTA with my AW. Keep in mind that I did not have the opportunity of firing the DTA, but after handling and looking over the DTA, I don't feel the quality is in par with the AI. I have read many posts asking how the DTA stacks up against AI and in the past I was interested myself, but I have realized that a general comparison is irrelevant. The two are completely different beasts. If you want a quality comparison, I feel AI wins hands down. The DTA has some very neat characteristics (i.e. length, weight). It felt like a bolt action AR. While I was handling the DTA, I went to function the safety and the cheap feeling plastic safety was locked in place. I asked the shop owner and he said after he had swapped chassis' (SRS to covert), the safety became locked in place? I am not intending this to be a bash on DTA rifles, the locked safety could have resulted 100% from improper assembly, it just seemed strange that a simple procedure could have resulted in loss of some function.
I can see the DTA being an asset in given situations, but I personally would not trade my AW for one.

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I agree with all of the above positive comments. I went in pretty blind to this platform, but now I AM TRULY SOLD!! It feels very natural getting behind this rifle. It is now my favorite set-up.

My new 6.5 creedmoor DTA SRS:

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbransco</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I, like you have had interest in a DTA rifle for some time and finally got to handle one last week. I have an AW and my primary interest was comparing the DTA with my AW. Keep in mind that I did not have the opportunity of firing the DTA, but after handling and looking over the DTA, I don't feel the quality is in par with the AI. I have read many posts asking how the DTA stacks up against AI and in the past I was interested myself, but I have realized that a general comparison is irrelevant. The two are completely different beasts. If you want a quality comparison, I feel AI wins hands down. The DTA has some very neat characteristics (i.e. length, weight). It felt like a bolt action AR. While I was handling the DTA, I went to function the safety and the cheap feeling plastic safety was locked in place. I asked the shop owner and he said after he had swapped chassis' (SRS to covert), the safety became locked in place? I am not intending this to be a bash on DTA rifles, the locked safety could have resulted 100% from improper assembly, it just seemed strange that a simple procedure could have resulted in loss of some function.
I can see the DTA being an asset in given situations, but I personally would not trade my AW for one. </div></div>

If you were to remove the skins on the rifle you would have immediate access to the safety. The safety wraps around both sides of the trigger housing and when removed from the rifle has a "U" type shape to it. I believe if you were to flip the safety upside down and force it back onto the trigger housing and then reinstall the stock panels, the trigger may feel locked in place.

I have never seen a safety lock in place in the 15 plus DTA SRS rifles that I have personally handled.

 

[ney1]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

The safety will not engage unless the rifle is in the cocked position. I'm not sure if the rifle was cocked when you used it. Or if someone has installed a creep screw that is longer than the factory spec then it would be possible for the safety to not engage, however it would not be recommended to do so.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

The one DTA I was able to get behind was really slick. I liked the length, the weight, the grip, etc. I just could not get used to running the bolt that far towards my shoulder when cycling. I own a TRG and feel like it is damn near perfect as far as conventional designs go. The DTA is money, but you need to get behind one to see if the ergos work for you.

Josh

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

Just about every DTA that I have seen in person has had extraction issues. To this day, a couple of my friends that have them still get extraction issues every couple of hundred rounds. I even had a friend break his bolt cycling his brand new rifle without ever even putting a round through one.

 

[Fletcher/AAC]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

It seems like I need to wait just a little more. I love the size, weight, and mainly balance of the system. I can get used to the egos, but not the reliability, assembly, and extraction issues.

It does seem that the company is constantly innovating, and maybe a large portion of these issues mentioned above have been addressed already. I hope so, the design has a lot going for it. Thanks for the honest replies.

 

[Dogtown]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

Funny, I have yet to have <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just about every DTA that I have seen in person has had extraction issues. To this day, a couple of my friends that have them still get extraction issues every couple of hundred rounds. I even had a friend break his bolt cycling his brand new rifle without ever even putting a round through one. </div></div>

That sounds really odd. You'd think there would be lots of people popping into the DTA thread posting about extraction issues and what not, but as far as I can see the main problem that has come up was from a bad batch of firing pins that were out of spec. I've had mine for nearly 4 years now and haven't had a single extraction issue.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dogtown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Funny, I have yet to have <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just about every DTA that I have seen in person has had extraction issues. To this day, a couple of my friends that have them still get extraction issues every couple of hundred rounds. I even had a friend break his bolt cycling his brand new rifle without ever even putting a round through one. </div></div>

That sounds really odd. You'd think there would be lots of people popping into the DTA thread posting about extraction issues and what not, but as far as I can see the main problem that has come up was from a bad batch of firing pins that were out of spec. I've had mine for nearly 4 years now and haven't had a single extraction issue. </div></div>

There have been several threads where I have seen other people that have had the same extraction problems. I think I even read where LL was having the same issue with one or was in a class where the students were having the same issue. If it was one or 2 guns that I know that have had that problem, I might just say it's a random isolated incident, but I know of at least 6 DTAs around here and I have witnessed every single one of them have extraction issues. The only ones that I haven't seen that issue is with the 338LM conversions. Mainly the .308s.

 

[poison123]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

Ya my .308 had extraction issues when I had it.

 

[hemiram347]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

Out of curiosity, for those who have seen/experienced 308 extraction issues, was the bolt stop employed when the issue occurred?

 

[TexasClassIII]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I've never once had an extraction issue.

I'm having major firing pin issues atm however. It's a gen 1 gun. Bolt is on the way to them, but I had hoped that given this is a known issue they'd give me the benefit of the doubt and send out a replacement without having to wait for my bolt to arrive, diagnose it, etc.

Parker

 

[Fletcher/AAC]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ya my .308 had extraction issues when I had it. </div></div>

On the extraction note, is the rifle not extracting the case from the chamber, or is it ejection issues?

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

There was a period when a batch of bolts left the shop that had bad extractors. I had one. Ethan took care of me within a couple days and I've never had that problem since. Having run my Covert for over a year now, the only issue I can point to at all is that the bolt is still pretty stiff to work. Because of the length and relatively light weight of the Covert, you have to be more conscious of this when you work the bolt. Other than that very minor issue, mine has worked flawlessly through several thousand rounds.

 

[poison123]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fbomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ya my .308 had extraction issues when I had it. </div></div>

On the extraction note, is the rifle not extracting the case from the chamber, or is it ejection issues? </div></div>

Ya wouldn't extract a fired case from the chamber.....it was very random...and really sucked when you shot a competition because you think its ejected and ram another one home.....

 

[ney1]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

We did have a small batch of bad extractors get out a year or so ago of which we fired the inspector who knowingly released them.

If you have ejection issues try the following:
1) Most new shooters on the SRS have problems with leaving fingers sticking out while operating the bolt which will bounce brass back into the chamber.
2) If you fail to insert bolt stop for short cartridges like .308 win it will not eject reliably.
3) or if you baby the bolt during cycling then the brass ejects unpredictably.

It is more difficult to operate the SRS bolt with its bullpup position and it's handles forward location on the bolt body itself. One can easily be trained to reliably operate the bolt but you may have to give up your old technique to do so.

When operating the bolt then put your hand in a full fist with all fingers closed tightly around bolt and don't baby the bolt and the ejection is very reliable.

If anyone finds that their rifle still really does have ejection/extraction issues which isn't correctable by fixing your bolt cycling technique we will happily replace the springs in your bolts for you.

 

[Mustafa]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I've never had my DTA fail to extract a case.

And I beat the PISS out of my rifle too. Some here will remember it being rather unceremoniously hurled through a concrete culvert, then thrown around on the Mouse Trap at the Cup last year!

I've shot it in the heat of Texas, and the sub-freezing temps of Park City, UT winter! In the rain, in the snow, in the fog...

I love it! ^_^

 

[sjw1115]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

My SRS arrives Wednesday, and I am counting down the hours.

 

[bm11]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I dont have extraction issues, but my hand bounces the round back into the action if I am not careful with my bolt cycle, especially in .338. I have also had issues where the bolt is almost impossible to cycle because I ran it dry, and other situation where the first round was almost impossible to feed out of the mag.

Overall I think it is a fantastic platform, and I enjoy mine immensely. However, if I had to sell it or my AIAX, the DTA would be the one to go.

 

[SRSDriver]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbransco</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I, like you have had interest in a DTA rifle for some time and finally got to handle one last week. I have an AW and my primary interest was comparing the DTA with my AW. Keep in mind that I did not have the opportunity of firing the DTA, but after handling and looking over the DTA, I don't feel the quality is in par with the AI. I have read many posts asking how the DTA stacks up against AI and in the past I was interested myself, but I have realized that a general comparison is irrelevant. The two are completely different beasts. If you want a quality comparison, I feel AI wins hands down. The DTA has some very neat characteristics (i.e. length, weight). It felt like a bolt action AR. While I was handling the DTA, I went to function the safety and the cheap feeling plastic safety was locked in place. I asked the shop owner and he said after he had swapped chassis' (SRS to covert), the safety became locked in place? I am not intending this to be a bash on DTA rifles, the locked safety could have resulted 100% from improper assembly, it just seemed strange that a simple procedure could have resulted in loss of some function.
I can see the DTA being an asset in given situations, but I personally would not trade my AW for one. </div></div>

Switching between covert/SRS has nothing to do with the safety; The instructions are all over DTA's website. Sounds like the shop owner messed it up.

 

[ney1]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

In regards to the safety issue, it is possible that the gunstore owner over tightened the stock screws but you really have to crank on them to get it to damage the plastic enough to cause the safety to be seized inside them.

One quick note I wanted to mention in regards to the comment that companies use the customer for R&D. I don't believe most companies intentionally do this. I know that we at DTA try very hard to predict any possible problems and test for failures in house prior to putting a product into production (that is why the HTI has taken 2 years to get to marker). No matter how much we do in-house to perfect a product prior to hitting the market it doesn't compare to having 1000's of rifles out there being shot by a huge pool of people, some who can break anything and you can't figure out how they did. We obviously apologize if someone is unhappy with our products and will do whatever we can to correct any issues that may arise. I am very happy with the feedback and help we have received from everyone it is how things get better.

Thanks

Nick

 

[PSYOPS]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr90</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... it doesn't compare to having 1000's of rifles out there being shot by a huge pool of people, some who can break anything and you can't figure out how they did.
</div></div>


I volunteer!!

Please send me an HTI and I will shoot it for FREE!!!

Thank you, please call me soon!

 

[Mustafa]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr90</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know that we at DTA try very hard to predict any possible problems and test for failures in house prior to putting a product into production (that is why the HTI has taken 2 years to get to marker). No matter how much we do in-house to perfect a product prior to hitting the market it doesn't compare to having 1000's of rifles out there being shot by a huge pool of people, some who can break anything and you can't figure out how they did.
Thanks

Nick
</div></div>

I've got a handful of .408 rounds I'd donate to the process as long as I get to squeeze the trigger!

 

[bigsky23]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fbomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ya my .308 had extraction issues when I had it. </div></div>

On the extraction note, is the rifle not extracting the case from the chamber, or is it ejection issues? </div></div>

Ya wouldn't extract a fired case from the chamber.....it was very random...and really sucked when you shot a competition because you think its ejected and ram another one home.....</div></div>

Like others have said, I had this issue with a 308 bolt in my Covert. One phone call to DTA and the problem was solved. They sent me a new extractor, I put it in and never had another issue. I don't think it would be fair to hold this against the platform as it has been fixed and I'm sure even the AI had some small issues when it was first released.

 

[ney1]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

PSYOPS,
Nice! LOL

 

[GoBig]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

So far so good with my 300wm DTA SRS. I have had no ejection issues.

 

[bengates]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I love mine. I have 308 and 6.5CM so they both use the same bolt. I haven't had any extraction problems and my DTA is about 6 months old.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mustafa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've never had my DTA fail to extract a case.

And I beat the PISS out of my rifle too. Some here will remember it being rather unceremoniously hurled through a concrete culvert, then thrown around on the Mouse Trap at the Cup last year!

I've shot it in the heat of Texas, and the sub-freezing temps of Park City, UT winter! In the rain, in the snow, in the fog...

I love it! ^_^ </div></div>

I have witnessed this, the rifle has clear evidence of severe use

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

Without the bolt stop on 308, it is a whole other (not always fun) game, with the bolt stop, all is well.

I am new to the DTA coolaid, but love my new rifle.

I took mine out 2 weeks ago, and know of at least 2 more DTA SRSs that will be sold soon due to my gun's performance and characteristics.

If you need what it does, I have used no better system. If you want one because they are hella cool, you will probably be very pleased.

 

[biffj]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I've only fired my SRS (gen 1) in .338 Lapua and 12.7 X 48 (.510 whisper)and have never had a problem with extraction or ejection. I've fired about 800rds of .338 and about 200 of the 12.7 which is a shortened .338 with a neck turned on it loaded with .50BMG bullets. One would think that the shorter 1.88" cases of the 12.7 would have ejection issues if anything would. I've had the skins off to put anti-sieze on the barrel clamp bolts and never had any problems with the safety. Lastly there have never been any issues with the firing pin in my rifle or my friends. He's put fewer rounds through his gen 1 than I have but no issues at all with his either. I think the DTA guys have done a very good job with the guns and regardless of how good they do there will be problems with some people. Its tough to get good info on the internet concerning a lot of these reliablity issues due to the fact that most of whats posted is the problems....."how do I fix this- fill in the blank", "has anyone else had this fill in the blank problem?-". You tend to hear the bad rather than the 98% of us that haven't had any problems. Its always good to know what sort of issues might be lurking but shying away from a great product because 3 guys have had problems isn't the way to go in my opinion. Remington has had problems, AI has had some of their own, other builders have had issues and some guys have an uncanny ability to break an anvil with a donut. Pick what you like and learn the system, tweak it to your own preferences and spend more time shooting and less searching. . . unless of course you prefer playing with computers.

Frank

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

I have had my SRS for about a year and 9 months.

I have exactly:
2178 308 Winchester, 518 338 Lapua magnum, and 676 6.5 Creedmoor (damn that tube is only 2 months old)rounds through the rifle with no issue.

Can most people say that about their Rem 700, AR 15, TRG, or AI? Maybe some, but probably not most. I know that I have had many issues with all 4 of my AR's (a 50 year old design), and every one of my Rem 700's (also a 50 year old design). The fact is that it is a rifle with moving parts just like any of the other rifles mentioned, and things with moving parts break. I believe that they have less issues than most rifles, but most civilian owners happen to post right here on Snipers Hide. When they do happen to have an issue, like all things with moving parts eventually will, they post it up.

As far as liking the rifle goes, you will either fall in love with it, or find the egro's not to your liking. There seems to be no in between.

I started shooting tactical comps about 7 months ago. I had the only DTA. Most of the 25ish regular shooters here in Vegas had seen pictures of one but had never gotten behind one. Now there are 5 of us shooting DTA's including one very experienced shooter who sold off one of his AI's after shooting mine.

Is it better than an AI? I dunno, to me it is. Might not be to you.

Is it proven? Definitely very reliable, but it is not immune to breaking. Neither is any Stiller, Colt, Sako, Ford, Toyota, General Electric, or Boeing.

 

[RollinCoal11]

Re: Has the DTA SRS "proven itself"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had my SRS for about a year and 9 months.

I have exactly:
2178 308 Winchester, 518 338 Lapua magnum, and 676 6.5 Creedmoor (damn that tube is only 2 months old)rounds through the rifle with no issue.

Can most people say that about their Rem 700, AR 15, TRG, or AI? Maybe some, but probably not most. I know that I have had many issues with all 4 of my AR's (a 50 year old design), and every one of my Rem 700's (also a 50 year old design). The fact is that it is a rifle with moving parts just like any of the other rifles mentioned, and things with moving parts break. I believe that they have less issues than most rifles, but most civilian owners happen to post right here on Snipers Hide. When they do happen to have an issue, like all things with moving parts eventually will, they post it up.

As far as liking the rifle goes, you will either fall in love with it, or find the egro's not to your liking. There seems to be no in between.

I started shooting tactical comps about 7 months ago. I had the only DTA. Most of the 25ish regular shooters here in Vegas had seen pictures of one but had never gotten behind one. Now there are 5 of us shooting DTA's including one very experienced shooter who sold off one of his AI's after shooting mine.

Is it better than an AI? I dunno, to me it is. Might not be to you.

Is it proven? Definitely very reliable, but it is not immune to breaking. Neither is any Stiller, Colt, Sako, Ford, Toyota, General Electric, or Boeing. </div></div>

Nice little write up Fireguy. Its good to hear from someone with that many rounds down the tube and also shoots comps with it