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

[prashants17]

Hi everyone, first post here.

Finally in a position where I might be able to pick up my grail gun (or one of them at least) - an SRS. Was thinking of a Covert/18”6.5CM to start, something that can pull double duty as a suppressed hunting rifle and hopefully hit plates up to 1000m. I also have access to a mile range here, so there’s room to grow. I have an Sig SRD338 and Leupold mk6 3-18x sitting around waiting for a host as well, so I figure they’d all make a good combo.

My problem though, is I have never so much as seen an SRS in person, let alone handle one. I can’t find a single dealer in the state that has one on hand. Anyone in NC able to let me see their gun in person before I pull the proverbial trigger?

I am in Greensboro, NC

 

[prashants17]

Hey Gents, just wanted to share that I have a 6.5 PRC barrel in the PX forum. 24", 7 twist, spiral flute with 5/8x24 thread, also comes with a Short Action Customs 6 round modified magazine (sold as a pair). Hoping to move it quickly, due to some medical stuff. Listed price on the PX can be negotiable, just DM me. Bought it from a Hide member, never got a chance to use it, would like to find it a good home.

if still available, plz respond.

 

[sodakhunter]

Just curious if anyone here knows who the person was on here that had an HTI posted bout a month from South Dakota?

 

[sodakhunter]

Found him

 

[goatsie]

Just saw EB post this up. They run a great operation and should be an awesome place to get a Carbon barrel from.

 

[Spuzzcat]

I've purchased several DT 3D printed accessories from pfl338 and they're awesome. He also prints accessories for AI, AMP, Labradar, etc. that work really well. Great guy to work with. He also has an eBay store but prefers to deal direct, if he can. Highly recommend. Look him up on SH or eBay.

 

[wooferocau]

Well....couple of VERY worthwhile upgrades to my Desert Tech,s....

Optics...changed out The Tangent Theta optics for.......... March Genesis ..... 6-60 - 56 on the HTI and the 4-40 - 52 on the SRS. Best glass by far i have ever used!!

Second upgrade was muzzle breaks....... MDT Match on the SRS barrels and Terminator T5 and T6 on the 375ct and 50BMG.. Unbelievable improvement over the factory DT brakes..

 

[wooferocau]

A little while ago i ask what was the anticipated barrel life of the 375CT...using the Desert Tech Factory barrel.

A few replies indicated circa 600-1000 rnds. Desert Techs response was 2-2.5K !! ( Yeah Right)

Well as of today i can say i achieved circa 900rnds ...last 100 have been very problematic at around 1to 1.5moa ....as of this weekend its circa 3moa!!!!

Put a bore scope up to have a look....Yikes!!!!! Not pretty at all. Fist 4 -5 inches the lands are eroded and id guess 2/3 gone. heaps of fire cracking......Anyway ...she,s "Toast"

 

[secondofangle2]

My DT barrels with RETUMBO held close to DT estimate.

N570 smoked a Lilja in like 600 rounds. Toast

Not sure what RL50 is going to do to the current Bartlein, but I have another Lilja blank in cue and a brand new reamer

 

[wooferocau]

BTW.......My load was with AR2218 ( H50BMG)

 

[Dogtown]

It's not that surprising. .375CT is fairly overbore and known to burn barrels a bit faster than .408CT, but the tradeoff is better ballistics. That's often the case with this stuff: do I choose high performance or barrel life? If you start thinking of barrels as consumables, then it's no big deal, but if you want to improve barrel life then you need to reduce the heat at the throat and that normally means shooting a milder load. In some cases that just doesn't make sense. I shoot a .338LM Improved 40 specifically because I'm trying to push heavy bullets at high velocity and I just accept that I'm probably not getting more than 1500 rounds out of the barrel. I'm ok with that. On the flipside, I've got a G28 clone that's still on the same barrel now almost 10 years later and over 3000 rounds through it because .308WIN isn't overbore and I shoot a less-heat-generating powder (N150 vs Varget). Yes, I give up about 100fps of velocity, but that barrel would be difficult to replace and I want to keep shooting the rifle.

The DTA barrels are top quality, but they can burn out like any other barrel if pushed hard.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Are there any shops cutting barrels? Thinking of grabbing a 22" PRC proof carbon but need someone to chamber and fit it to the extension

I have Proof Carbon blanks on the shelf for 6.5 and a couple 22.5” 300 PRC’s that are ready to go.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Hi everyone, first post here.

Finally in a position where I might be able to pick up my grail gun (or one of them at least) - an SRS. Was thinking of a Covert/18”6.5CM to start, something that can pull double duty as a suppressed hunting rifle and hopefully hit plates up to 1000m. I also have access to a mile range here, so there’s room to grow. I have an Sig SRD338 and Leupold mk6 3-18x sitting around waiting for a host as well, so I figure they’d all make a good combo.

My problem though, is I have never so much as seen an SRS in person, let alone handle one. I can’t find a single dealer in the state that has one on hand. Anyone in NC able to let me see their gun in person before I pull the proverbial trigger?

Make a ski trip out to SLC, UT and I’ll get you behind one.

 

[232593]

It started as soon as I got it back. First shot would be good but then would vertical string a few inches farther up for each shot. Windage would stay close to correct. The other calibers would vertical string also but not nearly as bad.

Sent my HTI in a few weeks back. DT sent me an email a few days ago asking if there was anything else I would like them to check before they send it back. I’m assuming they were not able to repeat the issue. They also sent pics of two targets one with a group on the bottom and one with a group on the top.

I’m not sure they are checking the correct things. Is there any specific thing they checked or performed on your HTI that I could have them do on mine?

 

[Andrews50]

Mine had something to do with the barrel vise. Possibly not clamping on the barrel the same everytime making it string vertically.

 

[232593]

Mine had something to do with the barrel vise. Possibly not clamping on the barrel the same everytime making it string vertically.

Thank you I will have them check that

 

[secondofangle2]

Send me your HTI barrel or release it from DT to me as I’m local. I’ll burn it up looking for the problem LOL. only partly kidding

 

[wade2big]

What all is included with a SRS-A2 forearm conversion kit? Is it just the rail? I found only one place that lists a description:
Includes:

• FDE Forearm
• 8 Fastener Screws
• Torque Wrench
• Hex Bits

Is this correct? Nowhere else shows a description and the only photo is just of the handguard itself. Desert Tech’s website sucks by the way andI belive they outsource their customer service considering they can’t answer questions.

 

[PRDRIVER]

What all is included with a SRS-A2 forearm conversion kit? Is it just the rail? I found only one place that lists a description:
Includes:

• FDE Forearm
• 8 Fastener Screws
• Torque Wrench
• Hex Bits

Is this correct? Nowhere else shows a description and the only photo is just of the handguard itself. Desert Tech’s website sucks by the way andI belive they outsource their customer service considering they can’t answer questions.

That's correct. We have a few in stock.

 

[DirtyDirty130]

Hi everyone, first post here.

Finally in a position where I might be able to pick up my grail gun (or one of them at least) - an SRS. Was thinking of a Covert/18”6.5CM to start, something that can pull double duty as a suppressed hunting rifle and hopefully hit plates up to 1000m. I also have access to a mile range here, so there’s room to grow. I have an Sig SRD338 and Leupold mk6 3-18x sitting around waiting for a host as well, so I figure they’d all make a good combo.

My problem though, is I have never so much as seen an SRS in person, let alone handle one. I can’t find a single dealer in the state that has one on hand. Anyone in NC able to let me see their gun in person before I pull the proverbial trigger?

Im in Amherst VA and have a covert with a 18” 6.5CM

 

[232593]

Send me your HTI barrel or release it from DT to me as I’m local. I’ll burn it up looking for the problem LOL. only partly kidding

You are close to Desert Tech HQ?

Barrel may not be the issue, I’m thinking the chassis.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

I've probably ordered 5 or 6 barrels from him. I have no complaints with either K&P barrels or his work

Just got tracking for my barrel and even with the holidays it took 14 weeks from date of order....that's not too bad!

 

[Dogtown]

Impressive. My latest took 14 months but I suspect the long delays I've seen from Eric in the past year have more to do with ordering 30" or longer barrels. Or in the case of PVA, just ordering something not 6mm or 6.5mm. I'm at a year and half waiting on a .300NM barrel.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

Damn that's crazy long wait, mine was for a 26" 6GT and he even reused my old barrel extension. I guess it's hit or miss nowadays.

 

[canezach]

Impressive. My latest took 14 months but I suspect the long delays I've seen from Eric in the past year have more to do with ordering 30" or longer barrels. Or in the case of PVA, just ordering something not 6mm or 6.5mm. I'm at a year and half waiting on a .300NM barrel.

Damn! I ordered a 300NM barrel a few years ago and I think it took me four weeks and that was mainly waiting on the barrel extension to come in. 18 months is insane!

 

[Dogtown]

You got an SRS barrel from PVA?

 

[wade2big]

@bohem
Us Desert Tech guys are looking for other options for desert tech barrels. ES Tactical is a good source. I have one on order with him right now. Short Action Customs are out of there minds for what they command for one. They aren’t even an option for me and probably many others.

You guys have chambered 5 or 6 Tikka and Sako barrels for me (Rock Creek) and they have all been hammers. Would you contour and chamber desert tech barrels? Do you need a takeoff to get the long DT shank correct so that the barrels are clamped by the chassis correctly? Someone may even have a factory drawing straight from desert tech so you can chamber prefits and the end user can just torque on a barrel extension at home or send one to you in advance. Any thoughts?

 

[Dogtown]

PVA will do them. I sent an old barrel with extension, so you'd probably have to do the same. I'd just recommend sticking to a common cartridge for them, otherwise there's a long wait for retooling and whatnot.

 

[wade2big]

PVA will do them. I sent an old barrel with extension, so you'd probably have to do the same. I'd just recommend sticking to a common cartridge for them, otherwise there's a long wait for retooling and whatnot.

Maybe @bohem will post a price in this thread. All his other pricing is public.

 

[wade2big]

PVA will do them. I sent an old barrel with extension, so you'd probably have to do the same. I'd just recommend sticking to a common cartridge for them, otherwise there's a long wait for retooling and whatnot.

Heck I don’t have old barrels yet. I’m adding to the pile.

 

[Dogtown]

The pricing isn't bad either, but the barrel length was limited to 26" or less.

 

[wade2big]

ES Tactical includes a barrel extension at that price, but It’s less than SAC by a long shot.

 

[Dogtown]

Yes, but it's still not $1600 (SAC) or $1700 (DT), but at this point I think the SAC price is starting to seem worth it. The quality is as good if not better than any of the dozen or so factory or custom barrels I've had made for my OG SRS over the years. On top of that they've been great for comms, keeping me updated on progress and any issues, and meeting expectations and timelines. So I guess you get what you pay for?

 

[Huskydriver]

@bohem
Us Desert Tech guys are looking for other options for desert tech barrels. ES Tactical is a good source. I have one on order with him right now. Short Action Customs are out of there minds for what they command for one. They aren’t even an option for me and probably many others.

You guys have chambered 5 or 6 Tikka and Sako barrels for me (Rock Creek) and they have all been hammers. Would you contour and chamber desert tech barrels? Do you need a takeoff to get the long DT shank correct so that the barrels are clamped by the chassis correctly? Someone may even have a factory drawing straight from desert tech so you can chamber prefits and the end user can just torque on a barrel extension at home or send one to you in advance. Any thoughts?

Gbpswe

 

[wade2big]

Gbpswe

Starting at $1600 is steep. May be poor but I’m not stupid.

 

[Dogtown]

Is it stupid though?

 

[wade2big]

Is it stupid though?

Depends on who you ask. To me, yeah. To you, maybe not. I can confidently say that I’m not alone in my view and neither are you.

 

[Dogtown]

Sure, but maybe $600 is worth knowing when you’ll get your barrel? I’ve missed out on ELR seasons in the past because my barrel orders went into a black hole. Now I just plan for ambiguity, but when I need something without that ambiguity I just spend the money with SAC. That’s just the track record on my end.

 

[canezach]

All this talk about prices makes me miss the good ol' days of FireGuyTy spinning barrels for like $700 with the extension

 

[bohem]

@bohem
Us Desert Tech guys are looking for other options for desert tech barrels. ES Tactical is a good source. I have one on order with him right now. Short Action Customs are out of there minds for what they command for one. They aren’t even an option for me and probably many others.

You guys have chambered 5 or 6 Tikka and Sako barrels for me (Rock Creek) and they have all been hammers. Would you contour and chamber desert tech barrels? Do you need a takeoff to get the long DT shank correct so that the barrels are clamped by the chassis correctly? Someone may even have a factory drawing straight from desert tech so you can chamber prefits and the end user can just torque on a barrel extension at home or send one to you in advance. Any thoughts?

Once we get through the CDG Prefit GB in the next couple weeks we are doing the odds and ends (aka 300nm that I owe @Dogtown for at least a year too long)

Then I’m adding the DT barrels without an extension on the website. Price will be $40 more than regular shouldered prefits to account for the particular shank and shoulder details.

We just recently added the MRAD as well.

I’ve had a lot of growing pains in years passed as well as getting Osprey really moving, it’s been slow in coming doing things that are atypical.

If someone has a solution for DT extensions reasonably priced I would entertain including them. DT doesn’t like me because in 2016 they tried to effectively charge me thousands for an extension wrench by refusing to sell it without taking their armorers class, so I borrowed a bolt and made my own tool, then sold copies for $65 instead of 100+

Dog town has the patience of a saint, we are going to take care of him with some accessories for taking so stinking long… probably some pointy copper accessories for his 300nm

 

[wade2big]

Then I’m adding the DT barrels without an extension on the website. Price will be $40 more than regular shouldered prefits to account for the particular shank and shoulder details.

When you do this, post back in this thread and let us know. I will put at the very least one barrel on order with you right away. I will say upfront that I DO NOT have the patience of @Dogtown

 

[bohem]

When you do this, post back in this thread and let us know. I will put at the very least one barrel on order with you right away. I will say upfront that I DO NOT have the patience of @Dogtown

Thanks, will do

 

[ballisticdaddy]

Damn that's crazy long wait, mine was for a 26" 6GT and he even reused my old barrel extension. I guess it's hit or miss nowadays.

Got the new barrel installed and the added weight makes this thing balance much better, now just waiting on ammo and components!

 

[Dogtown]

He must be catching up with his backlog. I just got two of my three outstanding barrels...

30" 6.5x47L & 34" fast twist .300NM for heavy solids goodness.

 

[wade2big]

Got the new barrel installed and the added weight makes this thing balance much better, now just waiting on ammo and components!
View attachment 8104179
View attachment 8104180

Which contour is that?

 

[Dogtown]

Straight - I like heavy.

 

[232593]

Mine had something to do with the barrel vise. Possibly not clamping on the barrel the same everytime making it string vertically.

Maybe they are checking that now. I made that suggestion to them after your post, still have not heard anything back yet.

 

[Andrews50]

Maybe they are checking that now. I made that suggestion to them after your post, still have not heard anything back yet.

Hopefully they are. I'm curious as to how it groups when you get it back.

 

[232593]

Hopefully they are. I'm curious as to how it groups when you get it back.

As am I. How many times did you say you had to send it back before the problem was accurately diagnosed?

 

[coldboremiracle]

Got the new barrel installed and the added weight makes this thing balance much better, now just waiting on ammo and components!
View attachment 8104179
View attachment 8104180

If he used the same reamer as mine you'll probably like the 112 MB's