Desert Tech Owners

Epoxy7 said:
I haven’t tried the Barrett. I always thought it looked primitive and chunky. But that’s just from photos. Just never appealed to me.

Tough choice, A2 covert or M2. Covert allows more barrel option options but it can look a bit odd with a longer barrel. While the regular length handguard allows more additions on the rail. Flir/night vision use, less issue with longer scopes/sunshades and or eye relief if you have anything attached on the top rail. Gives you a lot more railestate.

I’m partial to the full length rail over the covert. I like the 22” 308 barrels and 26” for 338lm, 6.5 CM etc. The short barrels look cool and are handy but you pay for it in ballistics.

I’d probably go M2 over the covert. First world problems!
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The Barrett is a better built rifle than the DT.

Barrett is more similar to AI. DT is probably a step below that.

Nothing against the DT, they are really cool rifles if they are your thing. I play with the idea of getting a DT from time to time even.

The advantage to a DT in Canada (or AI) over a Barrett is the support.
 
kthomas said:
The Barrett is a better built rifle than the DT.

Barrett is more similar to AI. DT is probably a step below that.

Nothing against the DT, they are really cool rifles if they are your thing. I play with the idea of getting a DT from time to time even.

The advantage to a DT in Canada (or AI) over a Barrett is the support.
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How so? The Barrett MRAD looks like they took an AR10 and converted it to a bolt action. I have no doubt it’s good. I just don’t see how it’s built better than the desert tech.
 
mareshow said:
Reread this thread again too

I'm caught between a desert tech or a Barrett. any thoughts?

Sold my last 308 as I had an offer I couldn't pass up.

I'm torn between the M2 and the A2 covert, that additional rail would be handy for a clip on thermal, and the Covert is awesome being a shorty
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I have one of each, while both are very nice, I prefer the Barrett hands down
 
Epoxy7 said:
How so? The Barrett MRAD looks like they took an AR10 and converted it to a bolt action. I have no doubt it’s good. I just don’t see how it’s built better than the desert tech.
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I agree that in that it's not to my preferred aesthetic style either for a rifle.

But I don't think anyone who's handled both with argue that the DT is a better built rifle. The quality of the Barrett is definitely a small step above the DT.
 
kthomas said:
The Barrett is a better built rifle than the DT.

Barrett is more similar to AI. DT is probably a step below that.

Nothing against the DT, they are really cool rifles if they are your thing. I play with the idea of getting a DT from time to time even.

The advantage to a DT in Canada (or AI) over a Barrett is the support.
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I've heard this sentiment before as well.

I would argue the Barrett technically has better support than AI as you can import parts direct from the states as well as order through wolverine (who are no longer a site sponsor it appears)
 
kthomas said:
I agree that in that it's not to my preferred aesthetic style either for a rifle.

But I don't think anyone who's handled both with argue that the DT is a better built rifle. The quality of the Barrett is definitely a small step above the DT.
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Was legit wondering. I have never tried or looked at the Barrett. Has my interest now. Might be one I over looked.

Aesthetically it is a bit strange. I’m a huge fan of the AR10 rifles. Just seems a bit weird with the bolt action. However the AR design is a good one and provided good straight line recoil management. MDT had their start with a chassis system designed in the same type of style. The Tac 21.

I have a fairly decent collection of the well known higher end bolt action rifles. I have no delusions about the pros/cons of the Desert tech. I do actually really like them. But always interested in other options. I’m not brand loyal.
 
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mareshow said:
Reread this thread again too

I'm caught between a desert tech or a Barrett. any thoughts?

Sold my last 308 as I had an offer I couldn't pass up.

I'm torn between the M2 and the A2 covert, that additional rail would be handy for a clip on thermal, and the Covert is awesome being a shorty
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You can buy the longer forend for the A2 covert and put on a longer barrel if you end up needing it.

For any real world practical use like hunting, the A2 covert is the winner because of length and weight.

Try carrying around a full length 338 Lapua for a day out in the bush if you don't believe me, then carry the covert for the next day. The choice will become clear
 
Epoxy7 said:
Was legit wondering. I have never tried or looked at the Barrett. Has my interest now. Might be one I over looked.

Aesthetically it is a bit strange. I’m a huge fan of the AR10 rifles. Just seems a bit weird with the bolt action. However the AR design is a good one and provided good straight line recoil management. MDT had their start with a chassis system designed in the same type of style. The Tac 21.

I have a fairly decent collection of the well known higher end bolt action rifles. I have no delusions about the pros/cons of the Desert tech. I do actually really like them. But always interested in other options. I’m not brand loyal.
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I do think DT makes really interesting rifles, for the record. As I said previously, I continually play with the idea of getting one. They are really cool rifles for what they are.

They are very accurate, and very modular with the cartridge conversion capabilities. The short OAL is pretty intriguing as well. The trigger is not too bad either, considering it's a bullpup.

DTA has done a really nice job filling in a cool niche.
 
kthomas said:
I agree that in that it's not to my preferred aesthetic style either for a rifle.

But I don't think anyone who's handled both with argue that the DT is a better built rifle. The quality of the Barrett is definitely a small step above the DT.
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Only negative about the Desert tech build wise is that the bolt isn't smooth. Not exactly sure why that is. But you really don't even notice that when you're running it. The rest is solid. The polymer skins over aluminum just reminds me of my AI AE MKIII. I have no issues with it.

On a side note: If you essentially want a higher finished Desert tech in a conventional rifle form, the SSG 3000 is pretty much it. Yes only 223-308 for calibre conversions. But it utilizes a similar barrel change system along with a similar 6 lug bolt which locks into a barrel extension just like the Desert Tech. As far as rifle quality, the SSG 3000 is there with AI and Sako TRG. Trigger feels like the TRG both in trigger shape and action. My AI bolt slides smoother but only just barely. The SSG 3000 action is slightly smoother than the TRG. Really, splitting hairs between the three. Unfortunately single stack mags like the Desert tech and expensive. But better made. Also you'll have to upgrade the stock with the SSG 3000 unless you get one with a McMillian or GRS Bolt Horn chassis.
 
Thoughts on DT hunter profile barrels, Worth the cost and weight savings or better off with another manufacturers carbon wrapped barrel?

Also in Canada what do hunters use for magazines to keep to the 5 round max hunting law?
 
I preferred going the custom route for my DT barrels as you can usually get something cheaper and exactly what you want that way. Insite Arms built me a great 300NM barrel (not carbon wrapped mind you)
 
Thanks for the reply

Im a perspective new DT SRS A1 owner i was wondering if i pull the barrel after shooting every time for storage will reinstalling next hold the zero decently?

Also how well will the chassis hold up to removal and retorquing regularly, like how manny times will those threads hold up?
 
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Steve Bradford said:
Thanks for the reply

Im a perspective new DT SRS A1 owner i was wondering if i pull the barrel after shooting every time for storage will reinstalling next hold the zero decently?

Also how well will the chassis hold up to removal and retorquing regularly, like how manny times will those threads hold up?
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The only way to confirm is to go out and test it yourself.

The DTA does have one of the best quick change/barrel retention systems, so I would imagine it should be very repeatable with barrel changes.

Should be no issues with many, many barrel changes, for the consideration of thread life.
 
Epoxy7 said:
I think I have both of your previous A1 rifles. I know for sure I have your previous A1 Covert with Sac 308 barrel. I later bought an A1 standard in black with 26" 308 barrel from BigVern. If that was yours as well, it went to a good home :d . I actually wanted the heavier one as well so I would have a 26" 308 rifle plus I managed to score a NIB 338LM conversion kit with barrel, bolt and two mags. Smoking deal on the conversion kit. Half price or better good. In this case, the extra weight isn't a bad thing.
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Haven’t been on here in a while, but that’s awesome! I liked both of those rifles but really miss that covert with the SAC barrel, that was a good one. That being said, I have a new M2 and I love it so far.
 
blueoval56 said:
Haven’t been on here in a while, but that’s awesome! I liked both of those rifles but really miss that covert with the SAC barrel, that was a good one. That being said, I have a new M2 and I love it so far.
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That covert with SAC barrel is really unique. I’m a fan.

Not many of us have tried the M2. Is it worth the premium? The ARCA rail would be nice. Havre you compared it to an A2?
 
Epoxy7 said:
That covert with SAC barrel is really unique. I’m a fan.

Not many of us have tried the M2. Is it worth the premium? The ARCA rail would be nice. Havre you compared it to an A2?
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I’m sure you’re aware already, but it’s just an A2 with the full length top rail and the built in area 419 arca rail, everything else is the same. I went for the M2 for a few reasons: I wanted the full top rail because I like to use overbore bipods( plus the fact that the whole rail is 30moa vs flat on the standard A2), I was going to add an arca rail of some kind anyway so having one built in seemed like a great addition, and I just plain loved the look of it haha. When spending that kind of money, I knew if I didn’t get exactly what I wanted I would regret it in the end even if it came at an additional premium. No regrets so far, I love the rifle. And the M2 only weighs half a pound more than the A2 so still light weight which was a big pull for me as opposed to buying another A1.
 
blueoval56 said:
I’m sure you’re aware already, but it’s just an A2 with the full length top rail and the built in area 419 arca rail, everything else is the same. I went for the M2 for a few reasons: I wanted the full top rail because I like to use overbore bipods( plus the fact that the whole rail is 30moa vs flat on the standard A2), I was going to add an arca rail of some kind anyway so having one built in seemed like a great addition, and I just plain loved the look of it haha. When spending that kind of money, I knew if I didn’t get exactly what I wanted I would regret it in the end even if it came at an additional premium. No regrets so far, I love the rifle. And the M2 only weighs half a pound more than the A2 so still light weight which was a big pull for me as opposed to buying another A1.
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I have over bore bipods on both A1 rifles. I’m a fan too. I like the look and weight of the A2 but the M2 Arca rail for tripods and the pic rail on the top for over bore bipods is nice. Didn’t realize it has a 30 moa cant. Nice.
 
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