Thoughts on the Desert Tech Covert?

[hafejd30]

For those that have owned one what are your thoughts? I’ve always had a want for a DT and selling a few items currently to fund one if I decide it’s for me

Trying to decide between a DT or TBAC Ultra 338 GEN 2 with the current wait times being so low for suppressors

I already have several AI’s and cans including TBAC ultra 9. Trying to decide what would be the best option to add to my collection.

A DT Covert or ultimate suppression.

 

[TheBigCountry]

For those that have owned one what are your thoughts? I’ve always had a want for a DT and selling a few items currently to fund one if I decide it’s for me

Trying to decide between a DT or TBAC Ultra 338 GEN 2 with the current wait times being so low for suppressors

I already have several AI’s and cans including TBAC ultra 9. Trying to decide what would be the best option to add to my collection.

A DT Covert or ultimate suppression.

Easy button

Ultimate suppression

Or just live like @Huskydriver and buy both

 

[Huskydriver]

Dessert techs bolt throw is worse than a worked over savage... Hard pass


Also their mags blow

 

[hafejd30]

Dessert techs bolt throw is worse than a worked over savage... Hard pass


Also their mags blow

I have an ATX if that helps the comparison

 

[Huskydriver]

I have an ATX if that helps the comparison

My comment stands and is worth what you paid for it..I also have a 338ultra sr and am about to buy another...

Seriously desert techs are overrated af unless you really need that short of a rifle....

 

[hafejd30]

This would be a crop damage/deer eradication rifle. So no comps or anything like that. Thinking it be more “fun” to have a short 308 or 300 to play with

Other option is the 338 ultra and maybe a 18” 308 barrel for the ATX

I know some like then some don’t. There’s a few that are the same rifle in several sale ads here. A green one (not covert) in 6mm I believe. The fact that it’s on its third sale ad and owner in a year are making me think they’re not all that great.

I just like the size. Which is why the covert is more appealing I guess

I know @wade2big had one for sale back in February which was exactly what I was looking at. Maybe he can chime in

 

[hafejd30]

My comment stands and is worth what you paid for it..I also have a 338ultra sr and am about to buy another...

Seriously desert techs are overrated af unless you really need that short of a rifle....

How’s your ultra 338 sr compared to say an ultra 9 or similar? I’ve watched lots of videos but it’s hard to tell the difference on many cans in TBAC videos. Cameras in general just don’t do cans justice on actual sound

I know the numbers are there to show how well it works I’m just trying to imagine what a 134 decibel can sounds like compared to a 120 ish one

That 338 is exactly the model I’m looking at

 

[Huskydriver]

It's quite noticeably quieter to the naked ear

I like it so much I run it on almost everything hence why I might grab a 2nd

 

[waveslayer]

buy the can and then get a used Covert. I really like my DT, I have used it a lot. Do I prefer other bolt guns, Yes, but I still get a lot of enjoyment out of my DT.
I really like my 338 Ultra can, use that on a 22" 338 Norma AI in my DT, so a nice and short little banger

 

[hafejd30]

buy the can and then get a used Covert. I really like my DT, I have used it a lot. Do I prefer other bolt guns, Yes, but I still get a lot of enjoyment out of my DT.
I really like my 338 Ultra can, use that on a 22" 338 Norma AI in my DT, so a nice and short little banger

Used is what Id shop for. I have a TBAC ultra 9, SiCo omega 36m and Saker 556 ASR for rifle cans currently

 

[0724/1030]

I’m with @Huskydriver on this. We referred to mine as the Don’t Take it Anywhere…

 

[canezach]

I've owned a SRS ever since they came out. Bought my first one, then upgraded to the A1, which is what I currently own.

The good: Compact AF. My 26" barrel and suppressor are significantly shorter than my other rifles. Good trigger for a bullpup. I own about a dozen different calibers, and I love that I can casually swap barrels in less than two minutes. I use it almost exclusively in field matches and it's never let me down in all kinds of weather, from 100° and dusty, to rainy and muddy, and 28° and snowy.

Cons: Mags have always been the downside. You get single stack 6 round, which means you're at a disadvantage in competitions (I know you said you weren't planning on using it for comps), or you get a 10 round mag that interferes with shooting prone. Trigger is good, but again, for a bullpup. It's not bad, but it's not my Trigger Tech Diamond. It's awkward on barricades (I know, no comps, but still).

You have to try one because you either like the bolt position or you don't and if you don't, you won't ever get used to it. You'll always hate it.

 

[wind gypsy]

they are very accurate but a standard (non covert) model is less stable shooting than a traditional bolt rifle and coverts must be even more ass heavy. Ergos just kind of suck.

 

[bmicek]

You either love them, or you hate them. Some guys just CANT adapt to the ergonomics and they hate it. I had no issues with the ergonomics. I loved it as a compact suppressor host. I do wish they offered a short action version that shed a lot of weight. They’re fairly heavy for how small of a package they can be. I’d buy one again if it could lose some weight and it could be used as a mid weight hunting rifle. Otherwise, the bolt throw is very unique. Again, you either can’t adapt and hate it or you get used to what it is and don’t think much of it. Simply put, it’s different. Don’t expect it to mimic a standard bolt action.

 

[Hondo1]

I’ll never not have a DT, they definitely aren’t as refined as an AI but for hunting coyotes out of my jeep there is absolutely no better platform.
With the A2 and a light profile barrel, and lupy mark 5 you can be sub 10lbs all dressed up and ready to party.

 

[HenryTheAce]

As many others have said the DT seems to be a love or hate. Ergonomics are different obviously and it’s not a smooth bolt throw, likes to be run rough. I’m a fan of the versatility of the platform though. Running a short 16” barrel suppressed with the overall length being shorter then a 10.5” SBR… to then running a 28” or longer magnum. Switching barrels is faster and imo easier than a AI with great repeatability.

It’s hard to beat that TBAC Ultra though!

 

[BurtG]

Buy the 338 ultra first

I liked mine enough to buy a second one.


Desert techs. I have (2) A1s. A covert and a SRS
phenomenal accuracy
Phenomenal return to zero and closeness between various barrel zeros
Can shoot from 223 to 338 Lapua
Compact even the full size one
Great for vehicular operations
Great to shoot off hand

Bolt throw is AWFUL.
Will hinder follow up shots.

I take my AT-X much more than my desert techs when doing large Varmint. (Quicker follow ups for multiples )

When doing ghogs etc I’m more likely to take the desert techs. (Slightly more accurate maybe , don’t need to worry about quick second shot , compactness is nice for off hand and vehicles )

While on the subject this is prolly my favorite rig for crop damage inside 500 yards. SAC 65 cm 18” in a side chick. Unbelievably handy and accurate.

 

[hafejd30]

Buy the 338 ultra first

I liked mine enough to buy a second one.


Desert techs. I have (2) A1s. A covert and a SRS
phenomenal accuracy
Phenomenal return to zero and closeness between various barrel zeros
Can shoot from 223 to 338 Lapua
Compact even the full size one
Great for vehicular operations
Great to shoot off hand

Bolt throw is AWFUL.
Will hinder follow up shots.

I take my AT-X much more than my desert techs when doing large Varmint. (Quicker follow ups for multiples )

When doing ghogs etc I’m more likely to take the desert techs. (Slightly more accurate maybe , don’t need to worry about quick second shot , compactness is nice for off hand and vehicles )

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While on the subject this is prolly my favorite rig for crop damage inside 500 yards. SAC 65 cm 18” in a side chick. Unbelievably handy and accurate.

View attachment 8388830

This is more of a fun gun type thing to try. My primary crop damage gun is and always will be the OG the AIAT

 

[ggmanning]

I have a covert and A1. Use the covert mainly blind huntintg and on depredation permits night hunting deer. The compact size with a can and NV device are perfect for shooting beanfields from a truck window or maniuevering in a box blind. Personally I love a DTA. Trigger is quite good adjusted properly and the interchange of calibers easily is a plus for me. I don't shoot comps so 6 rounds is more than fine. Very accurate.....very good return to documented zero from barrel to barrel. Balance in odd positions...like out the truck window, etc. can't be matched in a rugular bolt gun.

 

[hafejd30]

Well I feel pretty well talked out of one now

 

[GoingTheDistance]

Don't let the naysayers talk you out of it. I got rid of my traditional bolt guns. The DT is awesome!

 

[diggler1833]

I have an ATX if that helps the comparison

Me too...I have zero issues with the bolt throw though after a few thousand reps...