Desert Tactical Arms 338Lapua VS Sako TRG42
- Thread starter foxbat
- Start date
I saw that one, man it was very robust ed, very solid, and heavy, I am sure it would be a very accurate shooter, you should be happy, I am too buzy at the moment, have been working 6-7day aweek, doesn't have time to play, but when I have time, I will sure look at it, it was on sale at shooting edge when I was looking at it believe it was 4600(DTA), that was a good price, you should be a happy man...
Last edited:
plainSight Solutions
Regular
I currently own a DTA SRS in 338LM and 308. I used to own a TRG-42 in 338LM. I owned both at the same time, and spent significant time with both in the field and at the range.
After my personal evaluation, I opted to sell the TRG because I realized it would be relegated to the safe.
Here's my assessment of both and the DTA in general:
Workmanship/Quality: the Sako is a more "refined" product - DTA has only been around since 2006 so they are still working the kinks out and each generation of product is just that, a new generation that leads to improvements/advancements (such as the intergrated monopod). That being said, the DTA is a well conceived product and is quality throughout. Moreover, if you have a problem/observation, you can ring them up and talk to someone who will provide a solution in a timely manner.
Cost/Value: at $4,999 for the chassis and one caliber conversion, the DTA is well priced in comparison to similar precision pieces. With additional caliber conversion kits, or replacement barrels, costing around $1k, you can add variety or longevity to your investment at a reasonable price. Another consideration is that the DTA is relatively easy to work on - for example if your stock panels become damaged or you want to change color, it's a simple procedure to swap them out. Finally, when you contemplate that you can shoot a variety of calibers while using the same chassis and scope, the time and money saved over the term of ownership becomes clearly evident.
Accuracy/Functionality: the DTA lives up to its accuracy guarantee. My 338LM and 308 barrells have both delivered sub 0.5 MOA performance, and I'm an undistinguished operator. While I miss the Sako's two-stage trigger, the DTA's trigger is outstanding. The bullpup design presented no break-in/learning curve - I could jump from TRG to DTA without any problems.
Where the DTA truly distinguishes itself is the portability and the ease of the caliber conversions. The ergonomic bullpup design makes using the DTA in the field a reality. I spent time packing my TRG around at it wasn't fun. I looked at getting the folding stock for the TRG and when confronted with the cost (over $2k) and the difficulty of getting one in Canada, I gave up. Furthermore, while other long range rifles can come with folding stocks (i.e. the Barrett) they will always be a) heavier and b) less balanced. With the armband sling attachment, you can shoot the DTA standing (which I do)...try that with another 338LM...
The forearm of the DTA has numerous integrated anchor points for the quick-release sling. As the DTA's forearm extends just short of the muzzle, the sling is anchored in a very balanced position which cannot be done with other guns, short of placing an anchor-point on the barrel.
The ergonomic design of the DTA ensures that it lays flat and doesn't shift when carried. Even with a folding stock, non-bullpup designs will be muzzle heavy and will be uncomfortable to carry outside of a backpack sheath. I have been hiking up steep alpine terrain with 40 to 50 lbs in the pack, with the DTA slung on my shoulder, and the thing stays put and is comfortable.
Finally is the topic of caliber conversions: you really can change calibers in under two minutes, it really is "that" easy, and the piece really does hold zero between barrels. Another really nice thing about being able to swap barrels: I'll shoot a few groups with the 338LM, then swap to the 308 and shoot a few groups, then swap back to the 338LM after it has cooled, and so on.
There is no denying that other manufacturers' designs (Sako, PGW, Barrett...) have superior design aspects to DTA's, however none deliver the same overall value and "ease of use" that you'll find in the DTA.
I can't wait for the DTA HTI to be available in Canada: shooting .375 Cheytac, .408 Cheytac, .416 Barrett and .50 BMG out of the same chassis...beat that.
After my personal evaluation, I opted to sell the TRG because I realized it would be relegated to the safe.
Here's my assessment of both and the DTA in general:
Workmanship/Quality: the Sako is a more "refined" product - DTA has only been around since 2006 so they are still working the kinks out and each generation of product is just that, a new generation that leads to improvements/advancements (such as the intergrated monopod). That being said, the DTA is a well conceived product and is quality throughout. Moreover, if you have a problem/observation, you can ring them up and talk to someone who will provide a solution in a timely manner.
Cost/Value: at $4,999 for the chassis and one caliber conversion, the DTA is well priced in comparison to similar precision pieces. With additional caliber conversion kits, or replacement barrels, costing around $1k, you can add variety or longevity to your investment at a reasonable price. Another consideration is that the DTA is relatively easy to work on - for example if your stock panels become damaged or you want to change color, it's a simple procedure to swap them out. Finally, when you contemplate that you can shoot a variety of calibers while using the same chassis and scope, the time and money saved over the term of ownership becomes clearly evident.
Accuracy/Functionality: the DTA lives up to its accuracy guarantee. My 338LM and 308 barrells have both delivered sub 0.5 MOA performance, and I'm an undistinguished operator. While I miss the Sako's two-stage trigger, the DTA's trigger is outstanding. The bullpup design presented no break-in/learning curve - I could jump from TRG to DTA without any problems.
Where the DTA truly distinguishes itself is the portability and the ease of the caliber conversions. The ergonomic bullpup design makes using the DTA in the field a reality. I spent time packing my TRG around at it wasn't fun. I looked at getting the folding stock for the TRG and when confronted with the cost (over $2k) and the difficulty of getting one in Canada, I gave up. Furthermore, while other long range rifles can come with folding stocks (i.e. the Barrett) they will always be a) heavier and b) less balanced. With the armband sling attachment, you can shoot the DTA standing (which I do)...try that with another 338LM...
The forearm of the DTA has numerous integrated anchor points for the quick-release sling. As the DTA's forearm extends just short of the muzzle, the sling is anchored in a very balanced position which cannot be done with other guns, short of placing an anchor-point on the barrel.
The ergonomic design of the DTA ensures that it lays flat and doesn't shift when carried. Even with a folding stock, non-bullpup designs will be muzzle heavy and will be uncomfortable to carry outside of a backpack sheath. I have been hiking up steep alpine terrain with 40 to 50 lbs in the pack, with the DTA slung on my shoulder, and the thing stays put and is comfortable.
Finally is the topic of caliber conversions: you really can change calibers in under two minutes, it really is "that" easy, and the piece really does hold zero between barrels. Another really nice thing about being able to swap barrels: I'll shoot a few groups with the 338LM, then swap to the 308 and shoot a few groups, then swap back to the 338LM after it has cooled, and so on.
There is no denying that other manufacturers' designs (Sako, PGW, Barrett...) have superior design aspects to DTA's, however none deliver the same overall value and "ease of use" that you'll find in the DTA.
I can't wait for the DTA HTI to be available in Canada: shooting .375 Cheytac, .408 Cheytac, .416 Barrett and .50 BMG out of the same chassis...beat that.
I can't wait for the DTA HTI to be available in Canada: shooting .375 Cheytac, .408 Cheytac, .416 Barrett and .50 BMG out of the same chassis...beat that.
Going fishing, mountain hiking, Harley cruising, beer swilling and never ever thinking about load data or drop charts ever again.
Somebody buy this rifle. The brass, bullet, powder deal will be well worth your expenditure.
Going fishing, mountain hiking, Harley cruising, beer swilling and never ever thinking about load data or drop charts ever again.
Somebody buy this rifle. The brass, bullet, powder deal will be well worth your expenditure.
pgwdti.com
DaveMachine
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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TSE had some a while ago if I recall.
