View Full Version : Desert Tactical SRS
Supergrade
03-16-11, 14:15
I'd like to hear some opinions from anybody shooting one.
I own a DTA SRS in .338 LM out fitted with NF 5.5-22X56 (mil dot) and Atlas bipod. It is a "Gen 1" rifle without the built-in monopod. It shoot 1/2 MOA with 300 grain Lapua Sceinars and 3/4 MOA with Hornady 250 grain BTHP.
The real beauty of this beast is the caliber conversion. You can change between .308 and .338 with less than 1/2 MOA POI shift when returning to the origional caliber. Thus, training becomes a lot less expensive.
The bullpup design saves space since the overall length of my SRS with 26" barrel is about the same as my 6920 with the stock extended. I dont have any real problems with bolt manipulation after some practice. The biggest downside is probably for left handed shooters - I hear that it can take some real time to get accustomed to the change.
Overall, well worth the coin. Having said that, I got mine before the big price increase last year.
ICANHITHIMMAN
03-16-11, 16:01
If you cant see your self flipping the bill for the rifle Shawn Carlock of Defensive Edge has a bull pup conversion for the Rem 700 action
Supergrade
03-16-11, 16:37
That's good to hear Lanesmith. I'm fortunately right handed so I wouldn't have that problem.
Supergrade
03-16-11, 16:38
By the way, what did you mean? Did they jump up in price drastically?
Supergrade
03-16-11, 16:43
Does the Carwin rifle have caliber conversion capability? I'll have to look them up and give him a call.
By the way, what did you mean? Did they jump up in price drastically?
Yes. There was a significant increase (about $800 if I remember correctly) when they came out with the new stock with monopod. Incidentally, the price for most of their major accessories such as caliber conversion kits also increased at the same time.
While this is not a poor man's weapon, it is still a decent cost savings when used as a system with caliber conversions - especially when you consider the costs of multiple rifles with dedicated optics. It is also less expensive than the other multi-caliber sniper systems such as the new Barrett offering.
Supergrade
03-16-11, 19:30
Thanks for the info... Definitely a steep initial investment. However, one chassis with the option to purchase several different calibers has great appeal to me. And as you also said, one scope as well...
If I could do it again, I'd probably start with the .308 and then get the .338 caliber conversion. It took about 100 round to get very comfortable behind the system and be able to manipulate the bolt without site picture going to hell. This would have been a lot less expensive with .308. Not to mention that I rarely have access to a 1K range to push the .338's potential.
FYI, the recoil on the .338 is very manageable due to a great brake. The trigger is outstanding for a bullpup.
ICANHITHIMMAN
03-16-11, 20:10
Does the Carwin rifle have caliber conversion capability? I'll have to look them up and give him a call.
No Shawns system is just a chassy for the rem 700
Supergrade
03-16-11, 20:50
Your advice is right on the mark. I spoke to Bruce at Desert Tactical and that's what he said as well. I could always buy that .338 kit from you!
Supergrade
03-16-11, 20:52
I just looked at his website. Great looking rifles! However, I think I'm going to go with the DTA and the flexibility it will provide me
I've got one. 308 and 338LM conversions. It was cold and windy so we opted to shoot from inside. That's me shooting first. That's beretta's first time on the gun, so it was a little foreign to him. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ckhc5ZrhPQ
Rear: DTA SRS 338LM 26" barrel, YHM Phantom 338QD = 46.5" OAL
Middle: Surgeon 591 w/ 18" 308 barrel, YHM Phantom 7.62QD = 46" OAL
Front: Rem40x 27" barrel = 47" OAL
http://www.gregd.net/pics/guns/thor/IMG_5186.JPG
That should give you an idea of the portability advantage the DTA offers. 26" of barrel with 10" of suppressor, and its about the same size as a rem700 with a 26" barrel. Due to the bullpup design, it also balances much better.
Trigger is good. I'd compare it to a timney drop-in on an AR. ... but you've got to pay to play. Expensive as hell to get one of these setup with a conversion and other accessories. I've got over $11,500 into my DTA kit.
Supergrade
03-17-11, 15:31
Ya, I'm really starting to like this set up... I guess once you're in though you have essentially two rifles in one. Is one scope fine for both calibers? Can you reach out as far as you want with the .338 and also roll the xcope in for the 200 yard shots with the .308?
Those questions are exactly why I have a premier heritage for a scope.
With the 40MOA DTA mount, my 100yd zero is 5.8 mils off the bottom of the mechanical adjustment. This gives me a full 27 mils of available elevation in the turret. This takes me out past 2100yds with the 338 depending on temperature. Then I've got another 12 mils of holds available in the reticle on top of that.
The easily adjustable "paddle" style zero-stop on the premier means I can easily change between different zero's for each barrel/conversion.
orkan man o'man those are some beautiful set-ups!
Supergrade
03-17-11, 17:33
Orkan,
How about Nighforce?
Supergrade
03-17-11, 17:42
Also, any suggestions on ammo for the .308 before prices go up?
Those questions are exactly why I have a premier heritage for a scope.
With the 40MOA DTA mount, my 100yd zero is 5.8 mils off the bottom of the mechanical adjustment. This gives me a full 27 mils of available elevation in the turret. This takes me out past 2100yds with the 338 depending on temperature. Then I've got another 12 mils of holds available in the reticle on top of that.
The easily adjustable "paddle" style zero-stop on the premier means I can easily change between different zero's for each barrel/conversion.
I've had similar luck with the NF 5.5-22X56. It has 100 MOA of travel and I put it on a Larue 50 BMG mount that has another 30 MOA. No problem getting out to 2K - aside from my limited skills ;)
The only nightforce I would consider right now is the F1. That is the only first focal plane (FFP) model they offer currently. The 15x magnification it offers isn't enough for long range (beyond 1000yds) shots.
Second focal plane optics work fine for those that take their rifle out, sit in one spot, and shoot at a target at one distance all day.
I had several nightforce scopes. None of them compare to a premier in any way, and given their price, I wouldn't expect them to.
The other thing... even if you have 100 moa of usable elevation, with 5 moa per turn, that is 20 turret revolutions to get to 2000yds. I can get there on the second turn. In the case of nightforce's new "hi speed" turrets, you can get there in about 5 revolutions, but that is still more than 2.
As if that isn't enough reason to stay away from a nightforce... on the DTA where you will be changing zero frequently due to barrel swaps... the nightforce zero-stop is garbage. You have to pull the turret cap off, then mess with 4 tiny hex screws. Not something I want to do whilst laying in the dirt. If you say you don't need zero stop, then you don't shoot enough. Period. EVERYBODY gets lost in their revs at some point... ESPECIALLY on MOA turrets. I never get lost on the premier as there is a visual indicator for 2nd rev, as well as a easily adjustable zero stop.
Bottom line is that anyone that shoots matches, or just likes to shoot targets at various distances in a sitting, or wants wind holds to be accurate at all powers must have a matching reticle/turret combo with a FFP reticle.
As for ammo... I couldn't tell you as I don't buy loaded rounds. I only reload. When I buy a new rifle in a cartridge I don't already own, I just buy reloading components and dies for it.
Belmont31R
03-17-11, 23:17
I would check out the Schmidt and Bender 3-20 that is coming out very soon. Not huge like the 5-25 but about the same size as the current 4-16.
Orkan made a lot of good points you should consider. NF makes a good scope, and supposed to be coming out with something really good but those in the know on it wont say. For the price range they are in they are probably the best but not the best overall. NF just lacks some of the features other scopes that have that can be very beneficial depending on your setup, and although their glass is pretty good stuff its not as good as SB/Hensoldt.
I, too, didn't like the NF zero stop method. On my SB it only takes two hex screws to loosen the turret, and you do this when zeroing anyways. It just allows the turret to be raised for zeroing. You get 22 mils in slightly less than 2 turns. 12 on the first and 10 on the second with a visual indicator which rotation you are in. You also get harder clicks every mil so you can count clicks without ever looking at the turret.
FFP is a must for me, and if you use a ranging/shot placement reticle its pretty much mandatory. With SFP you have to be on a specific power setting depending on what the reticle is calibrated for. FFP you can use the reticle on any power setting since it stays the same size all the time.
Be careful though....the first time you buy a top end scope you'll never want to use anything less.
Be careful though....the first time you buy a top end scope you'll never want to use anything less.
No joke there. :) I've got more money in optics than most people have in their vehicles.
As for the S&B... I've owned them. Premier trumps them in features an internal adjustment range. Glass is equal, and considering the low power tunneling on the S&B's... Premier wins every time in my book.
Now, they aren't the first choice for everything. My main 22-250 coyote rifle wears an IOR 2.5-10x42 mil/mil/ffp with MP8-dot reticle. Took a coyote at 700yds with it this year.
... but for the DTA... tough to beat a premier. They are coming out with a "hunter" version, and a light tactical version this year as well.
To top it off they are an American company. They are by far my favorite scope on a long distance tactical rifle like the DTA.
Supergrade
03-18-11, 13:50
Ouch!
Well I just posted my perfect Wilson Combat UT 15 for sale. I love that rifle. Anyway, it's the only way I can justify getting the SRS.
It's partially your fault Orkin for showing those pictures!
I do what I can. :) Here's some more.
http://www.gregd.net/pics/guns/thor/IMG_5183.JPG
http://www.gregd.net/pics/guns/thor/IMG_4882.JPG
http://www.gregd.net/pics/guns/thor/IMG_0352.JPG
http://www.gregd.net/pics/guns/range_report/2011/IMG_5012.JPG
Supergrade
03-18-11, 14:45
I'm almost afraid to ask... How much is the Premier Heritage?
Around $3000.
Call Scott at Liberty Optics. Tell him Orkan with primalrights.com sent you. He'll take care of you with free shipping and such. Call him up and leave a message if he doesn't answer. He'll get back to you within a day. Scott is the MAN to see when it comes to optics.
Supergrade
03-18-11, 16:47
Thanks Orkin
Supergrade
03-18-11, 17:14
just spoke with Scott... What scope mounts do I need with the Premier Heritage 5x25x56? Can I use DTA's or do I need something else?
The SRS is a fantastic rifle. It's greatest assets are the ease of caliber change and overall portability. It balances and handles well enough for most any field conditions you're likely to encounter. I would suggest shooting one before buying because the feel of the trigger and the way the bolt cycles is rather different from a traditional, non-bullpup bolt rifle. Not bad, just different. You need to try it to see if you like it. And yes, the requisite porn:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5471035115_45879c9f08_b.jpg
For PH, you probably want to go with either the 30 or even 40 MOA DTA mount if you're going with a .338 Lapua. Their mounts are quite good, but you can use anyone's mounts that you like.
Can I use DTA's or do I need something else?
I've got a DTA 40moa on mine. Works perfectly.
Trigger is good. I'd compare it to a timney drop-in on an AR. ... but you've got to pay to play. Expensive as hell to get one of these setup with a conversion and other accessories. I've got over $11,500 into my DTA kit.
holy crap!!! I barely have $10,000 tied up in my truck and I had to put a new engine and tranny in that sucker. I probably don't even own $20,000 worth of stuff total. but then again I'm not even 30.
Belmont31R
03-19-11, 00:48
I can think of a lot worse 'hobbies'. My parents used to show Arabians, and they bought their first show horse in the 70's for 20k. That same horse would easily be 2-3X that amount now. Plus they had to buy land, feed, truck, trailer, saddles, tack, constant everyday maintenance, vet bills, barn, ect.
Shooting, even with top notch kit, pales in comparison to many other things people do. Plus with gun stuff if you ever ever need to sell it for something be it a change in gear or some sort of emergency you can get a lot of your money back. Sometimes the stuff even appreciates in value.
but then again I'm not even 30.
I just turned 31 on wed. :)
I've spent a lifetime accumulating my shooting gear, and every year I accumulate more. It still hurts to spend that kind of cash for one rifle, but it seems thats about the only thing that performs how I want it to these days. I do get lucky once in a while though. I've got a rem700 22-250 that is just a laser beam. I re-stocked it and put in a new trigger, and it just shoots.
I've been looking at one of these for a while, my local shop has the 308 conversion package + chassis for $5000, but I can't figure out if I want to buy this or wait for the Mrad or FN Ballista.
Supergrade
03-19-11, 13:33
I'll have to look at the Barrett and Ballista.
The SRS lists for $1K less then the MRAD. I'm not sure about pricing for the Ballista, but it will probably approximate the MRAD. In addition, the Barrett and FN offerings have the unknown factor since they are not yet on the market. I guess time will tell.
The SRS lists for $1K less then the MRAD. I'm not sure about pricing for the Ballista, but it will probably approximate the MRAD. In addition, the Barrett and FN offerings have the unknown factor since they are not yet on the market. I guess time will tell.
Not to mention they are NOT a bullpup and are plagued by the same problems other full size designs have.
Video of our new training site and teasers of the new Hard Target Interdiction (HTI) .50 cal.
These were taken during the Surefire/Arcteryx-hosted Exercise Winter Fury held at the Sniper Country Training Facility in Northern Utah.
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ture=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLhjt-He9Kw&feature=player_embedded)
http://www.deserttacticalarms..../sniper-country.html (http://www.deserttacticalarms.com/training/sniper-country.html)
http://www.shootingillustrated...untain-with-a-rifle/ (http://www.shootingillustrated.com/6718/up-a-mountain-with-a-rifle/)
http://gunwriter.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/1922/
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blo...chool-master-trigger (http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gun-shots/2011/02/sniper-school-master-trigger)
http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/guns/rifles/shooting-skills/2011/03/sniper-school-part-2
Outstanding...wowsers that is some badass footage brother, thanks for posting that:)
My favorite part was 1:32-1:35ish . It's the ole' bang.................ding:cool:
If I ever get a high dollar bolt it will be one of these awesome SRS's...perfect match for MRP/MWS's.
Oh boy I shot bad today. The wind was blowing 12mph with gusts to 20, shifting from 4 to 5 oclock. Got my butt kicked.
Target is 777yds away and is a 18x30 IPSC. 300gr scenar at 2770fps.
5 mil elevation, and was holding between 0.2 -0.5 mils for wind. I was having a piss poor day today. Just couldn't drive the rifle for shit. I shot 50rnds, and tomorrow I'm going to call DTA and see if there is a squishier recoil pad for this thing. My clavicle is tore up. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdzB_QEiWjk
Supergrade
03-21-11, 07:03
Great videos guys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_PJ09QOuZg
Belmont31R
03-21-11, 17:12
Thats like my range...flat....and always windy! The last time I was out I had a 2.1 mil adjustment at 750 w/ a 308.
My 1st gen SRS in .308. I have the .338 conversion kit as well. I nam awaiting the soft case/shooting mat, an operators kit and the .308 muzzle brake.
I have KACs Otterbox folding rail mount for my Apple i-Touch loaded with Knight's Bulletflight ballistic software. All the info you may need right at your fingertips after storing your data.
With good optics being so expensive, the biggest advantage for me is one scope for multiple calibers. This is a S&B 5-25 P4f in Badger mounts. A Spuhr one piece mount is inbound.
You can retrofit the monopod by sending your chassis to DTA for about $500 IIRC. I just use a Redman bean bag.
I was going to get a Tac Ops Tango 51 before this became available to me in a trade. This is an amazing rifle and you would not be disappointed.
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