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

[Kopfjager1]

Can someone shed some light on the internal diameter of the handguard? Since MLOK attachments do protrude into the handguard, will the thicker profile barrels such as 1.250 straight contours, interfere with the attachments?

Also noticed the increased clearance the new handguards afford for the scope, means not needing 1.5" mounts. Although it appears to have dropped 0.3", using my shot group analysis calibrated for the 62mm objective of the Kahles. For me, and maybe a few others that have their cheek rest maxed out, this is good news. If you have a 62-65mm objective it means a 1.35" (34mm) height mount will have about 0.2" clearance.

Three things I dont like about the A2, and Im being overly critical, I dont like the weight reduction in the receiver that exposes the barrel, I wish they would have made the reductions throughout the chassis, similar to Russ Wallis' prototype. Just more areas that have the potential to be filled with debris. Second is the skins, I really think they should have gone with a set of skins that accept AR15 pistol grips. The thrid, and this is because the lack of details, but the tripod inlet, is that supposed to accept a QR plate? If so, 1 inlet and no anti-rotation pins is not stable enough as it will constantly loosen. I think they missed the mark on that one. No one uses the sling studs anymore other than for the use of Harris Bipods. Am I missing something here?

 

[tcamel4]

Anyone see the clamp system on our current A1s ever wearing out? @coldboremiracle has more real world experience with one chassis than most of us and he says that he has seen minimal zero shift or accuracy loss over the years.
I'm tempted to chase after the new clamping system simply because it potentially makes the entire rifle action last longer (less stress) but I'm not sure this is realistic.

 

[DarkDiablo38258]

Did they give a price on the A2? I'm kinda mad now that I didn't know about this because I just picked my my A1.

 

[Winny94]

Did they give a price on the A2? I'm kinda mad now that I didn't know about this because I just picked my my A1.

$2700. Theres a reason theyve been running those sales for the past couple of months, so we can't really be upset.

 

[DarkDiablo38258]

$2700. Theres a reason theyve been running those sales for the past couple of months, so we can't really be upset.

I guess I shoulda thought about why they were having a sale. Oh well, guess I have an excuse to by a Covert now.

 

[tcamel4]

I wouldn't be mad at all for buying an SRS A1 @DarkDiablo38258 . I bought mine recently too and have had zero complaints. I just got an Atacr 4-16 as well....
then, Nightforce release a new reticle (Mil XT)
then, Desert Tech releases a new A2 rifle....
regret kicks in ... "I should've waited a little...."
then I remember, oh year, I've got a dang good setup that is way above my ability! I don't need anything better!

there aint a thing that a shooter can't do with a setup like you and I have that we COULD DO with the A2 or a newer scope. Lots of the best shooters are quoted saying "not to chase the new caliber or stock or scope...etc" get some good gear, learn it, and enjoy it.

But again, I'm like you, not getting the newest model sometimes bothers me....I'm over it though

 

[DarkDiablo38258]

I wouldn't be mad at all for buying an SRS A1 @DarkDiablo38258 . I bought mine recently too and have had zero complaints. I just got an Atacr 4-16 as well....
then, Nightforce release a new reticle (Mil XT)
then, Desert Tech releases a new A2 rifle....
regret kicks in ... "I should've waited a little...."
then I remember, oh year, I've got a dang good setup that is way above my ability! I don't need anything better!

there aint a thing that a shooter can't do with a setup like you and I have that we COULD DO with the A2 or a newer scope. Lots of the best shooters are quoted saying "not to chase the new caliber or stock or scope...etc" get some good gear, learn it, and enjoy it.

But again, I'm like you, not getting the newest model sometimes bothers me....I'm over it though

I know ain't that the truth. Now I can really justify to the wife a covert too

 

[tcamel4]

haha, nailed it. I will admit that the interchangable handguard without their tool is nice. I have the covert handguard and the A1 handguard and love them both. one for matches, one for hunting. without that tool I'm screwed though.

In the video though they mention that you have to remove the skins to be able to swap out handguard. I'd say that is more of pain that simply swapping the handguard like I do now. removing the skins is a bunch of screws to pull out.

 

[Winny94]

I wouldn't be mad at all for buying an SRS A1 @DarkDiablo38258 . I bought mine recently too and have had zero complaints. I just got an Atacr 4-16 as well....
then, Nightforce release a new reticle (Mil XT)
then, Desert Tech releases a new A2 rifle....
regret kicks in ... "I should've waited a little...."
then I remember, oh year, I've got a dang good setup that is way above my ability! I don't need anything better!

there aint a thing that a shooter can't do with a setup like you and I have that we COULD DO with the A2 or a newer scope. Lots of the best shooters are quoted saying "not to chase the new caliber or stock or scope...etc" get some good gear, learn it, and enjoy it.

But again, I'm like you, not getting the newest model sometimes bothers me....I'm over it though

This. If given the option, I doubt I'd trade my newer a1 for the a2. The weight savings doesn't matter to me, and I have a feeling that trigger isn't going to be as nice the setup I have on my A1.

 

[tcamel4]

@Winny94 why do you say that about the trigger? have you customized your trigger to something other than factory original?

two weeks ago I was doing load dev in the rain and my trigger acted up a little on me. Kind of turned into a two stage and didn't have a clean break like normal.

I'm going shooting again in a week to test this again because I don't want to show up at the Frontline match coming up and have that happen again.

 

[sixstrings101]

So im kicking around converting my srs a1 to a covert and i kno guys do this on the regular. Anyone got a video of how this is done?

 

[Winny94]

Has anyone ever removed the monopod from the A1?

 

[Winny94]

@Winny94 why do you say that about the trigger? have you customized your trigger to something other than factory original?

two weeks ago I was doing load dev in the rain and my trigger acted up a little on me. Kind of turned into a two stage and didn't have a clean break like normal.

I'm going shooting again in a week to test this again because I don't want to show up at the Frontline match coming up and have that happen again.

Because the phrase "snappy creep" keeps getting used when they describe the trigger, and if its anything like an unadjusted A1 trigger, id hate it. I have mine adjusted for no disernable creep.

 

[Scopes]

So im kicking around converting my srs a1 to a covert and i kno guys do this on the regular. Anyone got a video of how this is done?

You could always just cut down your existing hand guard to the desired length.

 

[tcamel4]

So im kicking around converting my srs a1 to a covert and i kno guys do this on the regular. Anyone got a video of how this is done?

Its not hard. They have a little tool that goes on a 1/2 drive socket extension, reach down inside hg, break the nut loose, then twist off one handguard, replace with the other.
covert hg runs about $400, the tool to remove is $95.
Unless you find someone selling a package deal for cheaper, gonna be tough to find.

one guy that sold a DT on the Hide had cut his down, not to covert length, but a few inches shorter, and it looked awesome.

 

[sixstrings101]

Its not hard. They have a little tool that goes on a 1/2 drive socket extension, reach down inside hg, break the nut loose, then twist off one handguard, replace with the other.
covert hg runs about $400, the tool to remove is $95.
Unless you find someone selling a package deal for cheaper, gonna be tough to find.

one guy that sold a DT on the Hide had cut his down, not to covert length, but a few inches shorter, and it looked awesome.

So you dont have to take the skins off?

 

[pinhead]

You could always just cut down your existing hand guard to the desired length.

I turned my Gen 1 into a Covert. I put it in a vice and took a hacksaw to the handguard. Then once I decided I liked the Shorter handguard better, I took the handguard off and had it cleaned up by a shop and cerakoted. In hindsight I could have just used a Dremel to clean it up, but it turned out working great at the time.

 

[tcamel4]

So you dont have to take the skins off?

that is correct. no skin removal. Its very simple... but you must have the tool.

 

[DTDustin]

Has anyone ever removed the monopod from the A1?

I'm sure atleast a few people have, it's super easy, remove panels, use a crescent wrench to break loose the monopod adapter from the receiver. Just a little loctite and low torque holding it in place.

 

[goosed]

The more I think over the new A2 the more I'm concerned it's a step backwards rather than being impressed...

The handguard swap is now likely more of a pain in the ass than before. If they made all the screws holding the skins in place the same size and length it wouldn't be a big deal to remove them each time, but what are the chances?

The tripod thread insert missed the mark by so much it hurts vs what I would have preferred (machined in arca).

Great (sarcastic!) they took away trigger adjustments cause that's what no one ever asked for. Even worse there is no mention of making it more consistent or robust or anything positive. Instead they go with the marketing phrase "snappy creep"... huh... interesting(?!?!?) choice as that instantly creates confidence inspiring thoughts... or not...

My suspicion is these "upgrades" were all attempts to meet military ASR requirements rather than actually listening to the needs/desires of our community. Including adding m-lok and the weight reduction. Yet, I'm still hoping it is the greatest thing since sliced bread and checks off more boxes than I think it will.

 

[Winny94]

The more I think over the new A2 the more I'm concerned it's a step backwards rather than being impressed...

The handguard swap is now likely more of a pain in the ass than before. If they made all the screws holding the skins in place the same size and length it wouldn't be a big deal to remove them each time, but what are the chances?

The tripod thread insert missed the mark by so much it hurts vs what I would have preferred (machined in arca).

Great (sarcastic!) they took away trigger adjustments cause that's what no one ever asked for. Even worse there is no mention of making it more consistent or robust or anything positive. Instead they go with the marketing phrase "snappy creep"... huh... interesting(?!?!?) choice as that instantly creates confidence inspiring thoughts... or not...

My suspicion is these "upgrades" were all attempts to meet military ASR requirements rather than actually listening to the needs/desires of our community. Including adding m-lok and the weight reduction. Yet, I'm still hoping it is the greatest thing since sliced bread and checks off more boxes than I think it will.

I'm not as negative, but I do wonder if one of, if not the primary, objective was to hit a lesser price point to open up a new market. Not that I think that's a bad idea, on the contrary, I think there's a lot of opportunity there, but many of these changes seem to be in the vein of less cost, not necessarily improvement.

 

[flyright]

The A1 is a known quantity as far as its durability and ability to withstand many, many barrel swaps with no ill effects. I'm not going to jump on the A2 until it's proven that the improvements truly make it better, more durable and more accurate - that's a tough row to hoe. By the time this happens, they should be ready to introduce the A3...

 

[srt-4_uk]

I just remember everyone was worried about fluting the barrel clamping area. Now Desert Tech is doing it.

 

[goosed]

I'm not as negative, but I do wonder if one of, if not the primary, objective was to hit a lesser price point to open up a new market. Not that I think that's a bad idea, on the contrary, I think there's a lot of opportunity there, but many of these changes seem to be in the vein of less cost, not necessarily improvement.

I have no clue if cutting 10% off price and removing a $300+ part open up new markets. I admittedly know very little about product placement and consumer marketing, but you're right lower cost while retaining the same basic reliability and function (if that proves to be true) is never a bad thing.

 

[Painless300]

I just remember everyone was worried about fluting the barrel clamping area. Now Desert Tech is doing it.

I have a barrel thats spiral fluted in the clamping area and have had no issues, accuracy after barrel swaps are the same as the non fluted barrels so I see no issues with that. I do like that they have dropped the weight and enhanced the bolt. Not sure about the trigger, I like to have the ability to set it up the way I want. I won't take long for someone to review the new A2. Looking forward to it! May have to finally get a covert!!

 

[Winny94]

I'm sure atleast a few people have, it's super easy, remove panels, use a crescent wrench to break loose the monopod adapter from the receiver. Just a little loctite and low torque holding it in place.

And would the A1 monopod drop into the A2 chassis?

 

[pinhead]

And would the A1 monopod drop into the A2 chassis?

Yes, they said it would drop in during the video.

 

[srt-4_uk]

I have a barrel thats spiral fluted in the clamping area and have had no issues, accuracy after barrel swaps are the same as the non fluted barrels so I see no issues with that.

My 223 conversion is fluted and I dont have issues either.

 

[Roadkill4us]

The smoother operating bolt sounds like a winner!

 

[Kickin45]

Any idea if this means that caliber kits will drop in price as well?

 

[cro789]

I would say they would stay the same as there is a lot more work being done on them. The extra flutes will take time

 

[DTDustin]

Any idea if this means that caliber kits will drop in price as well?

Conversion kit prices remain the same.

 

[shoots100]

Being a SouthPaw, we have no choice but the A1's 30% less accurate heavy chassis, sluggish bolt and fully adjustable trigger.
At least we can use the lighter factory barrels.
One day we'll get some respect !

SJC

 

[Kickin45]

Too many pages on here for me to look for my answer.
Is there a specific ring height that works well for the SRS-A1? I’m having a tough time getting a good cheek weld and eye relief at the same time.
Currently using a American defense mount 34mm

 

[sixstrings101]

Desert tech mount works well for me. Came with my gun so i put it to work.

 

[Winny94]

Too many pages on here for me to look for my answer.
Is there a specific ring height that works well for the SRS-A1? I’m having a tough time getting a good cheek weld and eye relief at the same time.
Currently using a American defense mount 34mm

I (like most it seems) have best luck w/ 1.45-1.55

 

[ChadL]

I (like most it seems) have best luck w/ 1.45-1.55

Those heights seem to work well. I'm running the ARC M10 mount and it's 1.5" and I have zero issues with cheek weld.

 

[pinhead]

In my opinion: Throw that ADM mount in the trash and get a ARC M10 (what I use), Desert Tech, Spuhr, Nightforce, Badger, Giessele one piece mount. Or go with Seekins, Nightforce, or Badger AR height rings.
I had an ADM and while they work ok for a cheap AR, they were causing issues with my elevation turret on another rifle. Swapped scopes and mounts diagnosing the issue and it came down to the ADM as the common denominator. Then Lowlight came out with a “split ring” report, saying Warne, ADM, etc, that use vertical split rings were causing scope issues.
Any height from 1.45 to 1.57 will work.

Also look at getting a Hoptic USA Desert Tech saddle blanket. For $15, it’s worth every penny. Makes the cheekweld 10x more comfortable, less vibration and less noise in your right ear when running the bolt and firing it, especially when dry firing it.

 

[Winny94]

Hoptic USA Desert Tech saddle blanket. For $15, it’s worth every penny. Makes the cheekweld 10x more comfortable, less vibration and less noise in your right ear when running the bolt and firing it, especially when dry firing it.

2nd this. Also makes cold weather shooting much more enjoyable.

 

[ChadL]

Very true....the hoptic blanket was one of the best buys I made for my DT.

 

[Kickin45]

Thanks all

 

[doctordoctor]

Very true....the hoptic blanket was one of the best buys I made for my DT.

Looks like I will pick one up

 

[cro789]

Does anyone know who makes the brass for Desert Tech ammo?

 

[openwheel11]

Being a SouthPaw, we have no choice but the A1's 30% less accurate heavy chassis, sluggish bolt and fully adjustable trigger.
At least we can use the lighter factory barrels.
One day we'll get some respect !

SJC

Unfortunately, since they are discontinuing the A1, we are SOL if we want to buy a new chassis.

 

[LastShot300]

$2700. Theres a reason theyve been running those sales for the past couple of months, so we can't really be upset.

You sure? According to the FB group the A2 is only $700 lower than the A1. $2700 is over half the regular price, but I could be wrong anyway.

 

[Scopes]

You sure? According to the FB group the A2 is only $700 lower than the A1. $2700 is over half the regular price, but I could be wrong anyway.

2700 is just for the chassis, not the complete rifle.

 

[LastShot300]

2700 is just for the chassis, not the complete rifle.

Got it thanks! So, can you confirm somehow the final price about $700 less than the standard A1?

 

[shoots100]

Being a SouthPaw, we have no choice but the A1's 30% less accurate heavy chassis, sluggish bolt and fully adjustable trigger.
At least we can use the lighter factory barrels.
One day we'll get some respect !

SJC

I made a mistake, the A1 chassis is a 36% less accurate heavier chassis than the A2, Sorry for the confusion.

SJC

 

[LastShot300]

I made a mistake, the A1 chassis is a 36% less accurate heavier chassis than the A2, Sorry for the confusion.

SJC

I'd take that assessment with a grain of salt. The video was really vague about the testing.

 

[goosed]

I made a mistake, the A1 chassis is a 36% less accurate heavier chassis than the A2, Sorry for the confusion.

SJC

Yep, life ain't fair.