Re: Idea! Official DTA SRS, HTI, Covert, Hunter Thread
As some of you know, in a thread over in 'beyond 1000 yards' I have been debating on my next rifle.
I just sent Russ from DTM, a PM, and I think he'll be able to help me with this, but I figured I'd throw it out here as we'll, to see if anyone else can help.
So, if I decide to buy a new Covert, my question is which barrel to go with, if caliber choice is 338LM. Option 1: the 18" ..... as listed as an option for the Covert, or , Option 2: the 26" which is also an option. Obviously, the "shooter/reloader" in my head says 26" !!! Longer barrel, increased accuracy, consistency, and better FPS.
But, a few things come to mind. My attraction to this in the first place is the size. The 26" Chassis is awesome. I want to have this 'set up' in their Covert Soft Case, and pack it away easily, store it, show it off, whatever! I just like the idea. Obviously, if I went with 26" barrel, I can simply remove the barrel, slide it in its sleeve, and stil have the discreet size and case. If I went with 18" barrel, I could maybe use the same case? Without removing the barrel? Or get a different soft or hard case that accepts the whole chassis, with the 18" barrel installed. Either way sounds great, but here's my question...
If I go with 18" barrel, I'd probably never remove the barrel, and never worry about loosing my zero. But, there's the lesser performance to factor in with the 18" barrel.
If I go with the 26" barrel, I will probably remove the barrel every outing. I would assume better performance, while shooting, with the 26" barrel. But.... What about the loss of zero while having the barrel in and out?
I hear there is a minimal loss of zero, and I get it, the design is amazing. But, I will use this for 1000 yard plus shooting, and I will be disappointed if I'm not consistent with my shots, especially cold bore, and lets face it, even half moa inconsistency is frustrating at let's say 1500 yards. We've got ourselves , our loads and Mother Nature, etc.. To deal with, adding in another variable, hurts my head.
This also was one of my concerns of a take down rifle, vs traditional custom built rifle. But, I'm over that now, and have decided take down is my decision, but..... 18" and never remove barrel, but loose velocity? Or 26" , better velocity, but chance loosing zero?
I hope this made sense. Anybody with real world experience with one of these systems, would be a huge help. Even DTA staff, please feel free to help me out. I'm ready to order a package, but want the right one for me.
And there's no wrong answer here. I completely understand that expecting performance from this system, comparatively to a system 5 times the price , is unfair and silly. This system is fairly priced and compact, and worth some sacrifices.
Also, before you answer, "get the 26" barrel, and never remove it"..... At that point, because of the overall stored length of the package, I would probably consider a traditional set up. So, size does matter... To me.
