Re: Idea! Official DTA SRS, HTI, Covert, Hunter Thread
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pharoh1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok frank...
Show me other 338's at any cost that do not have an acceptable recoil pad? Sako TRG, Timberwolf, AI, Armalite, etc etc... they all come with some kind of squishy pad. Virtually every modern rifle in existence of any caliber has a softer pad than the DTA.
You are DEAD WRONG on ratio of people that want a softer pad. Of the 12 people I know personally that have DTA's... ALL have expressed a desire for a better pad. This isn't wanting "every little custom thing." This is wanting a thing that is suppose to be there without anyone having to ask for it.
I LOVE DTA's. More so than any other rifle. Period. Yet that doesn't mean I won't vocally push them to improve their offering. My experience with DTA is that they appreciate this feedback and count on it to improve their offering. This keeps them competitive. The feedback from some people that have shot mine have told me several times that they will not buy one until the recoil pad issue is resolved. They are shocked that a rifle of this cost doesn't already have it. Seems to have more weight than you care to give it. They are smart people at DTA. They have responded to feedback and are moving to fulfill the need. That is what makes them a fantastic company.
The fact is that the vast majority of people that buy DTA's spend their time shooting everything EXCEPT 338. Of all your happy customers that would never want a softer pad... how many are shooting a steady diet of 338? The owner is coming in here telling us about his permanent lump on his clavicle as a result of his own rifle. Gee that sounds like fun huh? No. Not really. Being kicked to hell and back by your rifle and loving the beating you receive it isn't the sign of a tough guy. It's not something to brag about. All shooters that I know would much rather NOT HAVE the lump after a shooting session.
In all seriousness, my friends and I have dubbed it the "DTA Lump." When we're done shooting 338... we can't shoot anything else without feeling pain for at least a day or two, depending on how many rounds we fired. After 50rnds of 338, which is a pretty common session... it is as if someone beat our clavicle repeatedly with a large stick. We want to shoot more... but are physically unable to take the punishment while maintaining accuracy. Conversely, I've once shot over 200rnds of 338 in a single session with an AIAW. I was sore... but NOTHING like 50rnds through the DTA. Hard plastic, vs soft rubber. You don't need much of it there to make a difference. The pad I saw at shot WILL solve the issue 100% and look fantastic in the process. I just hope their isn't a ridiculous up-charge for it, and hope that it comes sooner rather than later.
Why would you lobby against improving it so that others can fully enjoy it as well? Can you explain that to me? </div></div>
Like I said, I don't want to argue with you. You believe what you want. I have no problem with you lobbying your favorite maker for parts you want. Do as you see fit.
I will also tell you that all the DT owners I know shoot the hell out of their 338 Lapua's and none have any problems with the standard buttpad. None of them have any desire for a buttpad nor do they have any physical reasons for not shooting the rifle in 338 without one. Just fired a few more this evening and demo'd the gun to a number of possible new customers. Not one of them complained about excessive recoil and the hardness of the buttplate. After 2 years of demo's with this rifle in .338 and other cals I have heard only 1 or 2 people who thought it needed a pad. If it bothers you to shoot the rifle without padding then that is your issue and you can do as you wish. My suggestion wasn't that the buttpad wasn't a good idea. My suggestion was that you look at more than just the original manufacturer for a pad. The aftermarket frequently comes up with stuff the original manufacturer doesn't have time for. In this case it appears that DT is working on the project and you will be able to get a pad from them. Great, hope it helps you. On the other hand you asked a question and I tried to help you with a couple alternate answers. If you don't want the advice you are free to decline. Its worth what you paid for it in any case so good luck with your rifle and your search. I'll keep shooting mine with the original setup and I will enjoy it.
Frank
