Daniel Defense Delta 5

[Pappabear]

So, a buddy of mine that is connected with some body somewhere, made me a deal on the Delta 5 that no-one could refuse. Therefore, Im the proud owner of a Delta 5. I had a spare Gen 1 ATACR NF 5-25 sitting around that didn't sell, so it found a home.

My initial impression is that the bolt is silky smooth and the ability to change barrels is cool too. Im still up in the air about the stock. I like the check rest elevation piece and I like how long the stock extends forward. With its 20'inch barrel and long stock it feels like a carbine, kinda cool. Trigger is set at 4lbs from factory, but can and will be set to (much lower) but for me 2.75lbs (my preference). Timney Hunter elite or some such trigger.

After half ass zeroing, (long story) I was able to get on 1,000 and 1,300 with ease. The chamber was too tight to chamber our reloads so I banged on factory fodder. FGGM and TAP 168 ammo. Impressed the 168's soared to 1,300 with ease and consistency.

I still question the rigidity of the stock and they say no bedding required. My question is can I bed it anyway, because if I can I will. Very accurate very cool gun, more data to follow in the coming weeks.

PB

[ggammell]

A spare ATACR 5-25 sitting around...

Tell me more about your problems.

[Marler5811]

A spare ATACR 5-25 sitting around...

Tell me more about your problems.

Adjusting the trigger is fairly simple. It's a Timney Elite Hunter and Timney sets them for us between 3.5 to 4 lbs. You can dial all the way down to 1.5 lbs.

I've been shooting mostly Hornady .308 168 gr BTHP and they shoot very well. On the 6.5, we've been very happy with Hornady 140 gr ELD Match.

The action is mechanically bedded. The Bottom Metal has integral pillars that pass through the mini chassis and mate with the receiver and favor the recoil lug.

I'll be taking this one to a High Angle Precision Rifle Course at GTI Legion in less than two weeks.

Delta 5 308.jpg

[Pappabear]

Joe, you say its mechanically bedded, but is it possible to bed, would there be any advantage even if so only a minor improvement? Or would bedding screw something up?

Im going to shoot next week, loading the bipod and not loading and see if there is a POI change. The gun feels and looks very high quality, I'm impressed so far. I'll get that trigger down and have some fun in the sun. A good first try at bolt guns for DD. The lever to loosen and tighten the cheek riser is a work of art.

I also had an extraction problem, it would not extract. Pulled the bolt and worked it back and forth and it would click and stick. After molesting it for a bit and some lube, it started to extract. Any word on this issue and any quick fixes if it persist. I think its gone but just in case.

Hey Joe, send me one of your spare 6.5 barrels !!


Good luck at your course, Im a bit jealous.

PB

[Marler5811]

I spoke to the lead design engineer of the Delta 5 this afternoon and he said that it is possible to bed the action. Our conversation was brief so I'd have to get some more information on what exactly need to be done. He started using big words my small brain got confused!

If that extractor give you any more fits, please let me know. you can reach me anytime via email - jmarler@danieldefense.com.

[Pappabear]

I spoke to the lead design engineer of the Delta 5 this afternoon and he said that it is possible to bed the action. Our conversation was brief so I'd have to get some more information on what exactly need to be done. He started using big words my small brain got confused!

If that extractor give you any more fits, please let me know. you can reach me anytime via email - jmarler@danieldefense.com.

I appreciate the offer, but I think it resolved itself with a little lube and finger banging. Last outing, I had zero issues.

I was impressed with the consistent hits at 1,300. I think it has a tight chamber/bore and quite possibly a fast 20 inch barrel ( if you will). The more I play, the more I like. I will take it to my Riflesmith tomorrow and see what he thinks about bedding it. If it can be done, he can do it. Ill keep you posted and hit you with Pics on email.

I have several 300's, and one is faster than the others due to the tight bore.

PB

[Pappabear]

Once again this gun impressed. I bought some OUTBACK Australian 168 SMK. It shot a ragged hole .5moa easy. What is surprising, is we have had trouble getting 168’s to 1,300 yards. This is the second ammo in 168’s ( other was Tap) that wore out 1300. I mean 3 hits in a row after making one DOPE correction. Very consistent. We could not get 168’s to stabilize on two other guns ?

DD made one hell of a barrel.

PB

[Coal Dragger]

Just got an email from DD about a price reduction on the Delta 5 to $1799.

That seems to take the rifle from innovative and nice in a price bracket filled with innovative and nice rifles, and gets it down into the legitimately very very good deal range. Might have to pick one up now.

[Pappabear]

It's still a fairly pricy gun compared to a Bergara. I think Bergara is destroying the market for many of these good gun makers. You can buy a comparable Bergara for $1k. My buddy just bought a Bergara LRP for $1,399 on gunbroker which is a smoking deal. I love my DD but got a smoking deal on it, and I think the quality is OUTSTANDING. I would consider both in your decision.

One plus for the DD, is the quick change barrel system. I'd like to buy a 6.5 barrel for mine one day. Good luck on your decision.

PB

[Coal Dragger]

Being able to re-barrel my self is a plus, since shooting the snot out of it won’t result in a trip to the factory or a gunsmith to fix. Also the floating bolt head that can be changed out is intriguing for future caliber swaps beyond those based on a .308 WIN bolt face.

A short magnum bolt head and barrel selection would open up the versatility a lot, and bring the cost down for a “system” well below buying another rifle with a magnum bolt face.

Same for a smaller bolt face to run 5.56mm etc.