my new DTA - some questions...

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Guys, I am going to be getting a DTA SRS-A1 with .260REM and .338LM conversion kits.

I have some questions for you if you own the DTA...

1. Besides the chassis + conversion kits what accessories do you use often - or wish you had purchased
2. Do you use and like the new monopod?

real subjective question:

Do you find any trade-off in accuracy over another bolt gun - and was the trade-off for example to run multiple calibers worth it?

 

[bribri]

Sounds like your not sure if you bought the right rifle.....

Rest assured you did just fine, IMO the accuracy is more than acceptable and is on par with most precision rifles out there. You will be extremely happy with the two conversions you chose. I have one of the first GEN1 chassis' so it doesn't have the monopd option, so I can't help you there. But, if i were getting a new one it wouldn't be a must for me. I would think a rear bag would be more effective and a hell of a lot cheaper.

If you didn't get the expensive tool kit that DTA sells, I highly reccomend the borka tool kit, it has everything you need and is a fraction of the cost. But, you probably won't be able to change conversions as fast with the borka vs the DTA tool, if that matters. I would also add extra mags for the 260 conversion, and i would store them with the full 6 rounds, to get them broke in, and watch out they can be hard on a man's fingers.

Other than that I think you will be set.....BTW I hope you handload your ammo.....338....$$$$$

 

[coldboremiracle]

bribri is right, you made the right descision, accuracy is fantastic. I have a Gen 2 so I will say something about the monopod; it is amazing, very usful, I set my gun up for the shot, get up off it, and back down, its still on target. very fast to deploy and adjust, I dont know how I got along without it before. I have 3 barrels, and my current favorite is the .260, you will enjoy the hell out of it. do buy a couple extra mags, and polish up the feed lips. If you dont want to buy the DTA kit, just buy the appropriate seekonk torque wrench from brownells or somewhere.

 

[reximus]

I've been tossing around the idea a DTA for a while now. I'm a "poor" college student and can't afford to build an additional complete rifle for each new caliber I hope to run. The SRS seems to be the perfect answer for that issue and can give me multiple calibers with one rifle/scope combo! I've only been behind one once at my local gun shop and really liked the feel of the rifle. I can definitely get used to the bull-pup configuration. With that being said, I don't think I can go ahead and buy one without actually shooting one first...

They guarantee 1/2 MOA with factory match ammo on their rifles - so there's no "trade off" when it comes to accuracy. They run right in there with other high-end precision rifle manufacturers. Top notch.

The only possible "trade-off" I can see is the ergonomics. As with any 'traditional' rifle - the best gun for you is going to be the one that fits you best. The SRS is way different from a traditional rifle, but if it fits you then GO FOR IT and have peace of mind that you're shooting a GREAT rifle!

 

[bas402]

I had my doubts about the bull-pup design before buying but I got a chance to send a few down range with it and liked it. Now that I have it and (3) barrel conversions later the rest of my custom have become safe queen's. It's my favorite rig to shoot, You won't be sorry!
Sully

 

[PSYOPS]

CBM is spot on again!

Initially I didn't get the monopod. I just shot off a rear bag like everyone else. And I still do for the most part, BUT....the monopod is seriously cool!!!! I really like the ease of use and it works amazingly. It is totally worth it.

And buy extra mags as money allows.

Enjoy that DTA!

 

[VKC]

I was skeptical about the monopod as I used a rearbag for so long, but I found that I actually shot more accurately with the DTA monopod. Their bore guide is worth getting in my opinion.

If you can get used to the ergonomics, which I find to be great, than the only real trade-off to me is that DTA magazines are not are readily available as AI mags.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Great, thanks, I was feeling the same way about most of the extras, just wanted to check-in with folks who actually have gotten one. I just keep seeing threads where folks are getting 1/4 MOA on conventional bolt guns (like Zak Smiths AW) so was wondering if anyone felt like they gave up accuracy for the ease of multiple barrels. 1/2 MOA seems very good to me, but just figured I would ask.

The tool kit seemed not worth it to me since I have a bunch of the stuff already that I can re-use, but wasn't sure about some things like the short action stopper - or whatever its called. Not sure if it comes with the SA conversion or not. Also, wasn't sure if the bore guide was at all different for the DTA than a regular bore guide...

 

[Dogtown]

I wouldn't sweat 1/2 vs 1/4MOA. A lot of that is just dick measuring on the internet. I think you'll find they're plenty accurate and don't require you to fight with them to get that accuracy. I've got 4 conversions for mine now and the big surprise was the 16" .308WIN barrel - it's a friggin' laser!

 

[bas402]

The stop for the short action will come with the S/A kit, As far as the bore guide, I don't use the DTA instead I use my trusty Mike Lucas bore guides set up for 700 actions, I had him make for my other rifles, in fact there better than the ones that DTA sells IMO. Just get the Seekonk torque wrench and you'll be fine.
Sully

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

I was thinking about some of the shorty kits, but wasn't sure about giving up the velocity, and not sure if I can run them in without the covert rail kit (I am guessing not).

 

[bas402]

That is correct min 22" on the SRS, but don't let the shoties fool you I have seen (2) of my shooting friends with brand new 16" 308 coverts without a round fired through them and both were banging steel @ 1150 with FGMM 175's after bore sighting (6 rds each) both rifles in the field. It was AMAZING! I would have not believed it if I didn't witness it myself... what a day!
Sully

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

so, is there a downside (I think its possible to do, not sure) to run the Covert rail, with the shorties AND regular length conversion kits? Ie, get a .308 short and .338 long for example? I guess they don't make a .260 short - anyone run an aftermarket .260 short?

 

[Dogtown]

I spent most of Jan shooting my SRS with the Covert rail installed - it shoots just fine with the full length barrels. The only difference is you can't put the bipod out as far and any offhand shooting is a bit trickier with less real estate.

As for losing velocity in the shorties, I can say the 16" .308WIN is awesome. I took it to 950 yards several times and completely forgot I was shooting such a short barrel. At this point I wouldn't even bother with a 22" .308WIN, however if you're shooting a .338LM in a shorty I think you'll start missing that extra 8-10" of barrel length when you shoot past 1300m.

On a side note, I was completely bummed that I couldn't bring my Covert barrel back with me to New Zealand because it would require a Cat B pistol license (any weapon with an overall length shorter than 30" is considered a pistol). On the flipside, there are no barrel length restrictions here and suppressors are unrestricted, so if I build one with a permanently mounted suppressor I should be golden.

 

[dixie3bass]

Dog town, tried to send you a pm but your full... Give me a holler when you get a min. Got questions on 308 covert, mne want shoot under moa. But my 260 rocks 123 at .25 all the time!

I spent most of Jan shooting my SRS with the Covert rail installed - it shoots just fine with the full length barrels. The only difference is you can't put the bipod out as far and any offhand shooting is a bit trickier with less real estate.

As for losing velocity in the shorties, I can say the 16" .308WIN is awesome. I took it to 950 yards several times and completely forgot I was shooting such a short barrel. At this point I wouldn't even bother with a 22" .308WIN, however if you're shooting a .338LM in a shorty I think you'll start missing that extra 8-10" of barrel length when you shoot past 1300m.

On a side note, I was completely bummed that I couldn't bring my Covert barrel back with me to New Zealand because it would require a Cat B pistol license (any weapon with an overall length shorter than 30" is considered a pistol). On the flipside, there are no barrel length restrictions here and suppressors are unrestricted, so if I build one with a permanently mounted suppressor I should be golden.