Official (DTA) SRS, HTI, Covert, Hunter Thread

[1badbarrel]

Are any of you running one optic in multiple platforms. I’d like to mount my USO B25 on the DT for recreational prone shooting/hunting, but when I shoot a positional match I’d like to move the optic over to my defiance. Is there a happy medium with mounting solutions here? Or should I get a low mount and slap a riser on the DT?

Well , I have a srs with a tt525 on top and have most of a hti now with no scope . A friend let me borrow a bobro mount which I have not used . I'll probably just buy another scope , idk. He did use that mount with a uso25 , switching between a srs and jp6.5 until he got his second scope. I'll try to get a couple pics. Oh, both rifles the scope height was good , not sure what to do with you're setup.

 

[1badbarrel]

 

[1badbarrel]

 

[1badbarrel]

 

[1badbarrel]

Really nice rig ZeroMOA . What bolt knob you running?

 

[ZeroMOA]

Really nice rig ZeroMOA . What bolt knob you running?

Thank you! It’s a Wiley Outdoors bolt knob, got it through a post on this thread a few pages back.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Just got my new all black SRS-A1 back from being cerakoted OD Green and Forest Green! Haven’t shot it yet, but super excited, always wanted a Desert Tech.

Right now I have 6.5 Creedmoor barrel with Nightforce 7-35 ATACR scope. I’m planning to get 22” 308 Win and 26” 338 Lapua barrels later this year.

Picked up a Case Club precut case from Amazon for it was well, so far so go, impressed with the value.

I’m also thinking about getting the Atlas cerakoted OD Green now!?! I really liking the shades of green!

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Congrats and welcome to the family. I really like that color combo!

 

[NET65]

Has anyone created a solution for running a longer handguard with a 16 covert barrel? I'd like to purchase a covert but it leaves me without a way to mount a pvs 30 infront of a day optic. Ideally if the I.D. Of the SRS handguard was a bit bigger I could run the 16in barrel with a 9 in suppressor attached. Spuhr has a solution for running a pic rail off of one of there mounts to attach the pvs 30, but I'd rather buy a replacement handguard to fix the issue.

 

[pinhead]

It's been tossed around several times; many of us would like a larger diameter hand guard so we can run a shorter (16", 18") barrel and attach a suppressor underneath our SRS hand guard. It would be a great option to have.

 

[NET65]

I’m kinda surprised none of our more industrious members have come up with a solution. It would probably have to involve a riser over the action to line up properly, sort of like a POF 308 upper.

 

[pinhead]

Yes, a riser would be a must. You're making the circle bigger so your scope rail would need to be a bit higher to compensate. No biggie though, most people use a 1.5"-1.7" high scope mount, so you could go with a shorter scope mount or bump up your cheek piece (SRS A1 only), or a combination of the two.

The biggest issue here is market scale. Yes, there would be maybe 100 guys on this thread that would buy a different handguard to suit their needs, me included, but is that work the work to create this? Maybe it is?

The next issue would be mounting the new hand-guard to your existing chassis. There is nothing out on the market that would drop right into the DT chassis, so something would have to be custom made. If someone could create an adapter that fits into the DT chassis on one end then the other end could be made to accept a suppressor ready handguard, that would be the ticket. Then anyone could run whatever handguard they wanted based on their needs. Unfortunately the hand-guards mount differently to the DT Chassis depending on what version you have, and even with the A1 there are at least two different methods (castle nut v. thread on with rail set screw).

The TBAC Ultra 7 is 1.5" OD, and the DT SRS-A1 ID is about 1.35". I am assuming you would need between at least 1/8" clearance around the suppressor, so you would have to bump the internal diameter of the handguard from 1.35" to 1.75". Here is a handguard from Midwest Industries ready to go; you just have to find a way to attach it to the DT Chassis. https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/category-s/329.htm

 

[tcamel4]

I've been dreaming about this as well. I just bought a covert handguard kit with the special tool to remove my full length A1 handguard. Got this to run as a hunting setup. Would love a handguard that goes about 3-5 inches longer than the covert and run a suppressor underneath on a 16-18in barrel.

From what I can tell, only a well-versed machine shop could produce something to attach a custom rail to the DT Chassis. The little tool the kit came with isn't something off the shelf for sure. The way the handguard attaches is proprietary/unique for a reason...

 

[pinhead]

The request has been put in as far back as 2012.
https://deserttech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3258

 

[NET65]

Well I guess if they started working on it in 2012 it should almost be done. I’m a little surprised they haven’t made any modifications to the original guns in quite a while.

 

[Bradu]

Well I guess if they started working on it in 2012 it should almost be done. I’m a little surprised they haven’t made any modifications to the original guns in quite a while.

I think the way the MDR project has went, I wouldn't hold my breath on upgrades for the srs.

 

[1badbarrel]

Just wondering if any have got your srs under 16lb’s . How did you set it up.

 

[Covertnoob5]

S&b 5-20US 6.5 saum with the deepest flutes possible. No brake or suppressor. Atlas bipod.

Just wondering if any have got your srs under 16lb’s . How did you set it up.

 

[biffj]

I think the issue with the handguard is lack of interest. All 10 of you guys are a bit pissed and I understand that but there just isn't enough interest to make it worth fooling with from a business angle. Even the aftermarket guys don't see it as a reasonable project.
On the other hand it can't be that hard to make something up to mount your starlight or thermal sight in front of your scope. ATN makes a rail that attaches to your existing top rail for extending forward. I've seen others of similar type. For the DT you could even make additional rail attachments on each side to brace your sight rail. It should be simple to make sure its all outside the diameter of your can.

Frank

 

[pinhead]

All 10 of you guys are a bit pissed and I understand that but there just isn't enough interest to make it worth fooling with from a business angle. Even the aftermarket guys don't see it as a reasonable project.

I'm not pissed; not at all. The SRS and Covert handguards were designed that way and it is what it is. It would be nice to offer flexibility, but it's impossible to please everyone.

 

[NET65]

Yeah, I’m not pissed at all, but with suppressors being so popular I just figured that most guys would perfer to be able to run their bipod out a little further, have NV clip on capability, and maybe even update the pic rail attachment to mlok or keymod. And the protection while slung, from a hot suppressor is nice too.

 

[Bradu]

I would think someone could come up with something similar to this for the guys wanting to run night vision. Use the front two mounting screws on each side of the rail and extend forward with a rail on top.

 

[NET65]

If I decide to go back to a DTA this is the only decent option right now for running a clip-on with the covert. But it doesn’t have the advantages of a larger hand guard

https://www.milehighshooting.com/spuhr-a-700-night-vision-clip-on-adaptor-itar/

 

[Bradu]

That's a pretty good looking setup

 

[secondofangle2]

What they need to make, and I talked to NY about this, is a 2-piece handguard that you can screw apart/together. But that kinds kills the SRS/Covert branding. However, it simplifies a lot. Since they went to 80 in lb torque wrenches to simplify across SRS/HTI platform, maybe they will evolve to this.

BTW it is my 32" Lilja that ES-Tactical put together that shoots lights out. It gets 2900 with 92 Retumbo in Lapua brass. I could go hotter (Factory Hornady ELD-M has 94 retumbo in a hornady case with 2 grains more H2O capacity), but I decided not to push it since it shoots so good and I've grown weary of load development for a while.

Also, my profile pic is a 4 shot group from an ES-Tactical 41" Lilja 50 BMG. Best shooting gun I've ever owned. Factory ammo.

Eric Smith will do you right. Call him if you need a DT barrel.

 

[Sericus]

Anyone have muzzle velocities for 6.5cm with a 16" or 18" barrel? Trying to figure and compare it to that of the 22" barrel. Will be shooting it out to 1000-1500 yards at Gunsite. Will be going suppressed.

Not seeing any 6.5cm barrel on DT's site other than the 26".

 

[Bradu]

Anyone have muzzle velocities for 6.5cm with a 16" or 18" barrel? Trying to figure and compare it to that of the 22" barrel. Will be shooting it out to 1000-1500 yards at Gunsite. Will be going suppressed.

Not seeing any 6.5cm barrel on DT's site other than the 26".

My 17" 260 barrel is right at 2500 fps on my DT with a 142 smk. That same load in a 22" barrel is 2750 fps in a different rifle. I think the 123 load was around 2700 in the 17" barrel. I'm sure I could push them faster but it shoots good and keeps me from having to develop a load with a faster burning powder that i don't have on hand.

 

[dbransco]

Anyone have muzzle velocities for 6.5cm with a 16" or 18" barrel? Trying to figure and compare it to that of the 22" barrel. Will be shooting it out to 1000-1500 yards at Gunsite. Will be going suppressed.

Not seeing any 6.5cm barrel on DT's site other than the 26".

My 16.5” 6.5CM is at 2560 fps with Dead Air Armament Sandman-S and Factory Hornady 140 gr.

 

[Jeffd]

My 15.5" barrel is right around 2550 with Hornady 140 factory ammo.

 

[Whiskeywater1]

FYI- looks like SAC is getting close with the lefty .223 conversion kits

 

[sixstrings101]

Great news. I cant wait!

 

[ZeroMOA]

Update!

First range trip, shot out to 600 yards! Shot easily under 0.5 MOA with factory 6.5CM Hornady 140 ELD. Averaged 1749 ft/s with the 26 inch barrel.

Also, got my Atlas PRS cerakoted OD Green! I’m started to get addicted to Cerakote!

 

[Curt1521]

Update!

First range trip, shot out to 600 yards! Shot easily under 0.5 MOA with factory 6.5CM Hornady 140 ELD. Averaged 1749 ft/s with the 26 inch barrel.

Also, got my Atlas PRS cerakoted OD Green! I’m started to get addicted to Cerakote!

I bet you mean 2749 ?
Good shooting though

 

[Bradu]

Just ordered a 7-300 norma barrel, looking forward to running some 195's once the crops come out.

 

[wildcats]

I've owned quite a number top shelf rifles from various smiths and manufacturers in all types of calibers in the past and this are nice looking rifles with the ability of caliber conversions which is a big plus ,however, i just can't seem to rap my head around their bullpup design and bolt manipulation being so far back..just looks a little awkward to me.
Can some of you chime in on your experience with them?

From some of the groups fired pics ive seen posted,they seem to be very accurate.
Not trying to open up a can of worms.

 

[SupressYourself]

To me the bullpup bolt is not "awkward", it's just different.
It may take some getting used to, but even when it was fairly new to me, I had no trouble finding and running the bolt in the heat of the moment coyote hunting.

 

[Kopfjager1]

Look up Primal Rights on Youtube, Greg goes in depth with everything youre asking. Theres two videos specifically if you scroll to the bottom, Bolt Manipulation and Reloading and Rear Bag Considerations.

 

[coldboremiracle]

I've owned quite a number top shelf rifles from various smiths and manufacturers in all types of calibers in the past and this are nice looking rifles with the ability of caliber conversions which is a big plus ,however, i just can't seem to rap my head around their bullpup design and bolt manipulation being so far back..just looks a little awkward to me.
Can some of you chime in on your experience with them?

From some of the groups fired pics ive seen posted,they seem to be very accurate.
Not trying to open up a can of worms.

It takes a minute, but once you get used to it, it is no different or more awkward. And it doesnt make you retarded on conventional rifles either.

 

[Bradu]

It takes a little bit to get used to but I like them. If all we ever had were bullpups and then a regular rifle came along everyone would think it was wierd lol. It's all in what you get used to.

 

[wildcats]

Appreciate all the input guys and watched the 2 videos that Kopfjager1 recommended.
Been selling all of my dedicated bolt guns for the past few years and been looking to settle on platform like the DTA SRS-A1.
Seems logical to go in that direction given the cost of having 5-10 different bolt guns at a cost of $5k + per rifle build by the time you buy the custom action ,premium barrel,stock and other accessories ,not including high end glass.
The other question,what are some of you doing about the scope situation when switching calibers?
Can't imaging having a dedicated scope for every conversion,so re-zeroing the scope every time must be kinda of a hassle,if you switch barrels alot.

 

[Fishkat]

I've owned quite a number top shelf rifles from various smiths and manufacturers in all types of calibers in the past and this are nice looking rifles with the ability of caliber conversions which is a big plus ,however, i just can't seem to rap my head around their bullpup design and bolt manipulation being so far back..just looks a little awkward to me.
Can some of you chime in on your experience with them?

From some of the groups fired pics ive seen posted,they seem to be very accurate.
Not trying to open up a can of worms.

A little over a year ago I had the same concerns, I found a member that was near by and he let me shot is DTA and I let him shoot two of my customs. I bought an A1 the next week and now have three conversions for it, two factory barrels and one aftermarket.
About accuracy, i'm a descent average shooter nowhere near the best but not the worst either but both the factory .308 and 300WM barrels are 1/2" moa for me shooting hand loads. DTA's are inherently accurate.
As much as I love the DTA i still have my customs, they are a tool and all have a usefulness depending on the situation.

 

[Fishkat]

Appreciate all the input guys and watched the 2 videos that Kopfjager1 recommended.
Been selling all of my dedicated bolt guns for the past few years and been looking to settle on platform like the DTA SRS-A1.
Seems logical to go in that direction given the cost of having 5-10 different bolt guns at a cost of $5k + per rifle build by the time you buy the custom action ,premium barrel,stock and other accessories ,not including high end glass.
The other question,what are some of you doing about the scope situation when switching calibers?
Can't imaging having a dedicated scope for every conversion,so re-zeroing the scope every time must be kinda of a hassle,if you switch barrels alot.

One scope and barrel zeroed in at 0-0, other barrels use a zero offset.

 

[waveslayer]

Are any of you running one optic in multiple platforms. I’d like to mount my USO B25 on the DT for recreational prone shooting/hunting, but when I shoot a positional match I’d like to move the optic over to my defiance. Is there a happy medium with mounting solutions here? Or should I get a low mount and slap a riser on the DT?

Yes, I run my NF beast with the DTA mount on about 5 different rifles. I run a H59 reticle so I hold over mostly after I dial my scope to that specific rifle's zero. No issues at all. I do the same when I run different caliber conversions too on my SRS. Just use your torque wrench that you use with your DT

 

[wildcats]

A little over a year ago I had the same concerns, I found a member that was near by and he let me shot is DTA and I let him shoot two of my customs. I bought an A1 the next week and now have three conversions for it, two factory barrels and one aftermarket.
About accuracy, i'm a descent average shooter nowhere near the best but not the worst either but both the factory .308 and 300WM barrels are 1/2" moa for me shooting hand loads. DTA's are inherently accurate.
As much as I love the DTA i still have my customs, they are a tool and all have a usefulness depending on the situation.

My plan is since i'm getting older now is to switch to this type of platform to replace the big magnums i sold over the past few years,300win,300NM and 338L with one rifle and multiple calibers.less stuff to kart around,thin the herd sort of speak.

 

[wildcats]

Forgot to mention,
How are you guys cleaning the barrel?
Since you can't clean it like a conventional action with the rod guide.
Are you cleaning from the muzzle end or removing the barrel?
Is the rear pad removable so you can slide in the rod guide?

 

[Fishkat]

Forgot to mention,
How are you guys cleaning the barrel?
Since you can't clean it like a conventional action with the rod guide.
Are cleaning from the muzzle end or removing the barrel?
Is the rear pad removable so you can slide in the rod guide?

I got older too, thinned the heard, and restocked with less but much more expense. Remove the pad, insert a bore guide and clean like normal and for me that's about every 200-300 rounds.
Also another benefit for us older folks is once you get all the attachments on a DTA it's on the heavy side but with a good break or silencer you can shoot magnums with very little felt recoil, it's actually a pleasure to shoot. Another reason why i bought it.

 

[Bradu]

Forgot to mention,
How are you guys cleaning the barrel?
Since you can't clean it like a conventional action with the rod guide.
Are cleaning from the muzzle end or removing the barrel?
Is the rear pad removable so you can slide in the rod guide?

Just remove the pad and bolt, DT has a bore guide to use when cleaning. It's a nice rifle, main reason I went with it is the limited chances I get to shoot out to a mile. I can spend $1000 to get a bigger caliber and use it when I need it versus spending 4k on a dedicated rifle plus another optic for once or twice a year.

 

[wildcats]

Well,so far you guys have convinced me,and i just sold my KAC SR25....hmm..

 

[Kopfjager1]

I ordered a .30 cal derlin bore guide from Brownells (below, wasn't able to insert a link). Fits really well, goes the length of the receiver, but I did have to Dremel a notch out for it to go pass the bolt inside the top of the receiver. The DT bore guide had too much play in it, I was feeling my cleaning rod flex and scrape against the rifiling, especially my .264 rod.

Ease of zero adjustment was definitely a top priority for scope choice. I have a Vortex Razor G2 and its relatively simple, and you can mark your zeroes for each caliber on the inside of the turret. I've been wanting a Tangent Theta for the longest time, however the reticle choices have not been great, until they just released this new reticle, and I'll be making the switch once it's released. Never touched a Kahles, but they seem just as simple as the Razor G2s

Also, if anyone is following, SWS ( Suppressed Weapon Systems) released a integrally suppressed DT barrel for 2200. Which would probably be the solution for most of you covert dudes wanting a suppressor in the forend. I wonder if they'll do 16" barrels?

https://www.brownells.com/gun-clean...08-30-06-family-sku749002930-34251-66661.aspx

 

[sixstrings101]

2200 would be more then i would want to spend on a barrel with a life expectancy. Cool idea but they need a way to make the suppressed portion something that can be moved barrel to barrel.

 

[flyright]

LA or SA the DT will do it - accurately. Caliber swaps with a small recorded adjustment is no biggie. I'm just spit balling here but I bet you can drive both a manual and automatic transmission. Not great but a pretty fair comparison to getting used to the bullpup design, even left handed. Couple of 100 repetitions maybe? The DT is shorter, lighter and easier to use than my old standard BA designs. Still great rifles but the BPDT has some distinct advantages that you have to use to truly understand. My .02...