Desert Tech SRS-A1 vs. Custom

[bsumoba]

Anyone have one, shot one, or want one? And what's your opinion on this over a custom build?

I am thinking of getting this for my next rifle. I don't necessarily intend for this to be a benchrest, shoot one ragged hole gun or to shoot F T/R, F-Class matches with it. Although, accuracy is something I strive for which is a small concern I have for this platform and whether or not it would meet my accuracy expectations.

This is probably going to be used more for field type work. The appeal of course is the barrel swaps in the field from 308 all the way to 338LP. Yes, barrel swaps can be done on regular bolt action rifles, but the need for an action wrench and barrel vice is needed. It would be cool to have a hard case with the chassis and MANY barrels and bring one platform out there and have a ball.

The trigger is not bad actually. its no jewell, but you can get off good trigger presses with it still. The ergos are surprisingly good and I had no issues cycling the bolt even with a cheek weld.

I am of course comparing this to a build where I would ultimately use a jewell trigger, deviant action, AICS chassis, and a bartlein barrel.

What's your thoughts?

 

[abishai]

I would , and did go with the last sentence . Pick one tool and go with it . The only people(s) on the face of the earth that consider a 308 a viable cartridge are the ftr guys and the US military . You may have to define " field work " ..... To my understanding , holes leak .............. Misses don't -

 

[Scott Harris]

The DTA SRS is a cool design and well-made. Perhaps it is a rifle to include with a large collection as a unique bullpup design. But I certainly would not choose it as my main rifle/only rifle. Once the novelty wears off, I think you will prefer a conventional bolt action for many reasons. The DTA is a proprietary system and like all proprietary systems, everything is more expensive...sometimes a LOT more expensive. For example, short action customs is listing new barrels at $1350.....ouch. In addition, you won't have many choices to change, accurize, or customize your rifle. Replace your trigger....nope can't do that. Find a smith to tune up your rifle for best accuracy?....doubt it. Also, the rifle is heavy, limiting the types of activities you can comfortably do with it. I also think you are way overrating the usefulness of "field" barrel changes, that is no reason to choose the DTA in my book.

A Remington clone action, on the other hand provides the ultimate in performance, cost, and flexibility. You can have several different stocks & barrels to cater to different activities: a light version for hunting and heavier one for target shooting for example. You have a world of choices of triggers, barrels, stocks, etc and all at the most competitive prices. Any good gunsmith can work on your gear with a Remington clone.

In summary, I've known several folks who bought DTAs and later sold them once the novelty wore off and some of the deficiencies became clearer. If money is no object and you plan to own a bunch of nice rifles: sure get it. But if you are on a budget and this is your main rifle: I'd get a Remington clone.