Desert Tech SRS & HTI- most accurate factory bolt action rifles? - Page 2

diver160651 · #41 05-27-2018, 5:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bread@EXATactical.com

Thank you for your support!

Its not an easy task to sell precision rifles in California. First of most, We barely have any long distance range. I personally shoot at ASR out to 600yd but that is about it. California does not have a friendly environment toward long range shooting.

But big thanks to Calguns community, we have lots of resourceful people here knows their thing and willing to help. I got tons of great advises from here.

Thanks CGN.

??

We have more ELR than people know.

There are thousands of spots. The issue is most are just to lazy to hike out plates.

With BLM and National Forest Lands running through the middle of most of our state; together with AZ, and NV never much further than 3-4 hours from out coast, only a few other states rival what we have.

Once you get past the Western States, then people can wine about the lack of ELR possibilities.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Dodgerblues · #42 05-27-2018, 5:32 AM

I love mine. You either don’t mind the ergonomics or you hate it. But do try it out first before dropping that much money into it. If you live, or don’t mind driving to the Los Angeles area, shoot me a PM and I’ll let you try mine.

LynnJr · #43 05-27-2018, 8:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bug_eyedmonster

Lynn, out of curiosity, how many of the Desert Techs on the line have aftermarket barrels? Given the cost of the rifle, then the cost of the barrel and machining, I'm guessing that the cost is fairly close to a custom-built rifle, no? Just weighing options here.

Jerry

Jerry
I would say about half of them have aftermarket barrels. The factory ammo in 375 runs around $8 a round and 416 Barrett is around $10 a round. If you reload they shoot much more accurately from what I have seen.
BUT
That could also be that the guys who reload shoot more and have more experience.
On the rebarreling I think that most are buying the adaptor and a custom barrel and having someone like Randall install it rather than buying a factory replacement barrel.
The key to accuracy has always been the barrel first and reloading second.
The picture show a new Lilja barrel with the correct contour for a 38 inch long barrel.

The custom route is always the best route because you get everything you want in your rifle.
BUT
How long can you wait is the Con of all custom builds.
A Stiller Tac 408 action in single shot or repeater runs $1200 the magazines are $275+ the bottom metal is $325 the trigger is $200 the stock or chassis is $350-2000+. Depending on what you get and then there is finding a gunsmith to do the work in a timely fashion. Barrels are getting better but if you have to order one figure $600 and 6 months wait.
On the good side you can buy all the individual pieces as funds come available to you and you can secure a place in line with your favourite gunsmith.

BillyGoatMachine · #44 05-28-2018, 2:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnJr

Jerry
I would say about half of them have aftermarket barrels. The factory ammo in 375 runs around $8 a round and 416 Barrett is around $10 a round. If you reload they shoot much more accurately from what I have seen.
BUT
That could also be that the guys who reload shoot more and have more experience.
On the rebarreling I think that most are buying the adaptor and a custom barrel and having someone like Randall install it rather than buying a factory replacement barrel.
The key to accuracy has always been the barrel first and reloading second.
The picture show a new Lilja barrel with the correct contour for a 38 inch long barrel.

The custom route is always the best route because you get everything you want in your rifle.
BUT
How long can you wait is the Con of all custom builds.
A Stiller Tac 408 action in single shot or repeater runs $1200 the magazines are $275+ the bottom metal is $325 the trigger is $200 the stock or chassis is $350-2000+. Depending on what you get and then there is finding a gunsmith to do the work in a timely fashion. Barrels are getting better but if you have to order one figure $600 and 6 months wait.
On the good side you can buy all the individual pieces as funds come available to you and you can secure a place in line with your favourite gunsmith.

Is this barrel one of the next projects Lynn? I'm only 1 rifle backlogged at the moment so if you got parts give me a call soon as I can get them built within a few weeks right now.

Op, I had a Gen1 SRS and it was indeed the most accurate factory rifle I had ever owned. Sold it as the ergonomics sucked for myself, but it sure was a shooter.

LynnJr · #45 05-28-2018, 8:22 PM

BillyGoatMachine
I still have another 338 Lapua Ackley Improved for you to do as well.
I have two more barrels the one in the picture above and one I got from Focus both for a 375/50 BMG but KingAir hasn't shipped the parts yet. He called today and said they would go out Tuesday.
Hopefully 4000 yards is in the near future?
The picture is both barrels side by side. The other picture is the 338 Norma Ackley Improved you built waiting for me to cut the trigger mortise and shoot it hopefully this Sunday. As you can tell I am not a photographer.

BillyGoatMachine · #46 05-28-2018, 8:43 PM

lofl Lynn, yeah we can tell you can't take a picture for ****

BroncoMustang · #47 05-30-2018, 9:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnJr

BillyGoatMachine
I still have another 338 Lapua Ackley Improved for you to do as well.
I have two more barrels the one in the picture above and one I got from Focus both for a 375/50 BMG but KingAir hasn't shipped the parts yet. He called today and said they would go out Tuesday.
Hopefully 4000 yards is in the near future?
The picture is both barrels side by side. The other picture is the 338 Norma Ackley Improved you built waiting for me to cut the trigger mortise and shoot it hopefully this Sunday. As you can tell I am not a photographer.

That would be so cool to be able to shoot out to 4000 yards. Is there a range near you where people can shoot that far?

LynnJr · #48 05-30-2018, 9:51 PM

Where we shoot now we only shoot at 2054 yards and 2586 yards so far. We have ranged 3100 3300 and 4700 yards but have not hung a gong.
At the SoCal matches they can go in 550 yard increments to 5000+ yards.

BroncoMustang · #49 06-08-2018, 6:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnJr

Where we shoot now we only shoot at 2054 yards and 2586 yards so far. We have ranged 3100 3300 and 4700 yards but have not hung a gong.
At the SoCal matches they can go in 550 yard increments to 5000+ yards.

Must be a lot of fun shooting out that far.

BroncoMustang · #50 06-10-2018, 1:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodgerblues

I love mine. You either don’t mind the ergonomics or you hate it. But do try it out first before dropping that much money into it. If you live, or don’t mind driving to the Los Angeles area, shoot me a PM and I’ll let you try mine.

Thanks for the offer; I just might take you up on it in the future. The main thing keeping me from getting one is just 1 minor detail (money); but maybe some day I will have been able to save up enough to get one.

BroncoMustang · #51 06-12-2018, 6:36 PM

How do you think these compare with other accuracy makes such as Accuracy International, etc.?

LynnJr · #52 06-12-2018, 8:04 PM

The poster that goes by JMP has both I think and shoots out to 2680 yards but he hasn't been posting lately for some reason?
Maybe you can look him up and send him a PM.
I have zero experience with the AI.

BillyGoatMachine · #53 06-13-2018, 6:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoMustang

How do you think these compare with other accuracy makes such as Accuracy International, etc.?

Calgun's member Mamba has both. I've already spun up a barrel for his AX that he likes and if I remember correctly he prefers the ergonomics over the Desert tech. Personally, I also prefer the ergonomics of the AI and as I've messed with both rifles. I would take the AI over the SRS. But then again, I can build a rifle with better accuracy and cheaper than both of them. I'm a non chassis guy myself. I had an SRS for a few years but got rid of it.

BroncoMustang · #54 06-14-2018, 6:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyGoatMachine

Calgun's member Mamba has both. I've already spun up a barrel for his AX that he likes and if I remember correctly he prefers the ergonomics over the Desert tech. Personally, I also prefer the ergonomics of the AI and as I've messed with both rifles. I would take the AI over the SRS. But then again, I can build a rifle with better accuracy and cheaper than both of them. I'm a non chassis guy myself. I had an SRS for a few years but got rid of it.

Just considering them in regards to accuracy, how do you (or did Mamba) feel the two compare? I've heard that the SRS A1 and HTI are VERY accurate.

ar15barrels · #55 06-14-2018, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoMustang

Just considering them in regards to accuracy, how do you (or did Mamba) feel the two compare? I've heard that the SRS A1 and HTI are VERY accurate.

Precision (small groups) come from the quality of the barrel and the barrel fitting job.
No production rifles are as precise/accurate as hand-fitted custom built rifles.
You can put a high quality custom fitted barrel on any action and they will mostly shoot about the same as long as there are no obvious action or bedding flaws.

Mute · #56 06-15-2018, 6:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoMustang

Just considering them in regards to accuracy, how do you (or did Mamba) feel the two compare? I've heard that the SRS A1 and HTI are VERY accurate.

I currently have an AI and had a DTA in the past. Both are more than accurate enough for the types of rifle these are. You won't find one inherently more accurate than the other. Both should be capable of 1/2 MOA or better accuracy if the ammo is capable (and the shooter as well). My recommendation though is that you try the rifles before you decide. While there were qualities in the SRS that I really liked, for me, I still found that I prefer a traditional, non-bullpup bolt action.

BroncoMustang · #57 06-16-2018, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mute

I currently have an AI and had a DTA in the past. Both are more than accurate enough for the types of rifle these are. You won't find one inherently more accurate than the other. Both should be capable of 1/2 MOA or better accuracy if the ammo is capable (and the shooter as well). My recommendation though is that you try the rifles before you decide. While there were qualities in the SRS that I really liked, for me, I still found that I prefer a traditional, non-bullpup bolt action.

Agreed; they are both nice & very accurate rifles. One day I hope to be fortunate enough to own either an SRS or the HTI, but that will take a lot of saving.

JMP · #58 06-16-2018, 2:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnJr

There is a poster who goes by JMP who shoots one at the SoCal URSA 2000+ yard matches. I have seen him swap out barrels and hit the gong at 2680 yards 3-4 times in a row.
I think Randall AR15 barrels did the barrel work.
Maybe he will post how the factory barrel shot.

LynnJr, while I have seen many people post about their overwhelming success with DT Lothar Walther barrels, I had difficulty getting them to shoot accurately. For extended long range, I like to use the longest, pointiest, well-machined monolithic projectile that will not require too much torque to twist the projectile for stability. For small rifles, I prefer copper jacketed lead bullets as they are far far easier to shoot accurately. They are much more tolerant to varying bore conditions and rifling. 6mm-30cal is where I think the traditional copper jacketed lead bullets do exceedingly well. Where monolithic bullets take the greatest advantage is in the large caliber bullets as the intrinsic difference in the density of the metals allows for a much greater ballistic advantage and they can be machined to more precise engineered designs. However, with monolithic projectiles, I prefer a stainless steel barrel with the slowest twist possible that will work. For best results, you really want a very clean bore so they must be cleansed of all copper each time out as the bullets atomize onto the bore rather than engraving into the grooves. Since they are also harder, it is my belief that going for the super-heavy bullet in the fastest twist can be a very difficult (and possibly produce a sub-optimal result). I will be the first to admit that some of my opinions run contrary to those with financial interests and heavy marketing in the gun industry.

One of the large appeals of the HTI is that it is one of the very few rifle platforms readily available immediately with a CheyTac and a 50 BMG bolt. The problem with the HTIs is that I'd pass on the factory barrels. At the end of the day, the HTI platform is simply a fairly clever contraption that simply free floats a barreled action. I could not recommend the factory HTI barrels in good faith. They are too short, have woefully inadequate muzzle brakes, and not accurate for the application I was pursuing.

I actually like the bullpup design, which took getting used to. It has the advantage of carrying a really big, long, and heavy barrel, and it actually provides a good weight distribution with no forward lean. Then, it pushed the muzzle break out further, which makes the rifle much more comfortable to shoot. So, if you weigh it down with a big barrel, the recoil is actually fairly light for the weight of the gun (but you always need to deal with the concussion of a big muzzle brake).

But, in the end, it's mostly the same as all other big guns. There is a lot of work and time spent getting the aftermarket stuff. Getting the barrels, dies, etc. done like most rifles takes time and a lot of aftermarket support. Fortunately, they are mechanically quite easy to work on. So, most competent gunsmiths will have no issue being able to fit a barrel. Some of the DT specialist gunsmiths are REALLY EXPENSIVE. Honestly, I don't think they add much value. Getting the contour fit is probably the most challenging step for gunsmiths as it needs to be flush with the barrel extension.

As far as "factory" rifles go, I think it is a laughable comparison to compare a DT to that of the quality of an Accuracy International. However, Accuracy International doesn't make a CheyTac bolt (that I know of yet).

The only real weakness I have now is the trigger as there are no other better options. However, the trigger is not bad where it can be learned fairly easily.

BroncoMustang · #59 06-18-2018, 6:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMP

LynnJr, while I have seen many people post about their overwhelming success with DT Lothar Walther barrels, I had difficulty getting them to shoot accurately. For extended long range, I like to use the longest, pointiest, well-machined monolithic projectile that will not require too much torque to twist the projectile for stability. For small rifles, I prefer copper jacketed lead bullets as they are far far easier to shoot accurately. They are much more tolerant to varying bore conditions and rifling. 6mm-30cal is where I think the traditional copper jacketed lead bullets do exceedingly well. Where monolithic bullets take the greatest advantage is in the large caliber bullets as the intrinsic difference in the density of the metals allows for a much greater ballistic advantage and they can be machined to more precise engineered designs. However, with monolithic projectiles, I prefer a stainless steel barrel with the slowest twist possible that will work. For best results, you really want a very clean bore so they must be cleansed of all copper each time out as the bullets atomize onto the bore rather than engraving into the grooves. Since they are also harder, it is my belief that going for the super-heavy bullet in the fastest twist can be a very difficult (and possibly produce a sub-optimal result). I will be the first to admit that some of my opinions run contrary to those with financial interests and heavy marketing in the gun industry.

One of the large appeals of the HTI is that it is one of the very few rifle platforms readily available immediately with a CheyTac and a 50 BMG bolt. The problem with the HTIs is that I'd pass on the factory barrels. At the end of the day, the HTI platform is simply a fairly clever contraption that simply free floats a barreled action. I could not recommend the factory HTI barrels in good faith. They are too short, have woefully inadequate muzzle brakes, and not accurate for the application I was pursuing.

I actually like the bullpup design, which took getting used to. It has the advantage of carrying a really big, long, and heavy barrel, and it actually provides a good weight distribution with no forward lean. Then, it pushed the muzzle break out further, which makes the rifle much more comfortable to shoot. So, if you weigh it down with a big barrel, the recoil is actually fairly light for the weight of the gun (but you always need to deal with the concussion of a big muzzle brake).

But, in the end, it's mostly the same as all other big guns. There is a lot of work and time spent getting the aftermarket stuff. Getting the barrels, dies, etc. done like most rifles takes time and a lot of aftermarket support. Fortunately, they are mechanically quite easy to work on. So, most competent gunsmiths will have no issue being able to fit a barrel. Some of the DT specialist gunsmiths are REALLY EXPENSIVE. Honestly, I don't think they add much value. Getting the contour fit is probably the most challenging step for gunsmiths as it needs to be flush with the barrel extension.

As far as "factory" rifles go, I think it is a laughable comparison to compare a DT to that of the quality of an Accuracy International. However, Accuracy International doesn't make a CheyTac bolt (that I know of yet).

The only real weakness I have now is the trigger as there are no other better options. However, the trigger is not bad where it can be learned fairly easily.

Thanks for the feedback.

BroncoMustang · #60 06-22-2018, 5:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoooch

My buddy has the 18.5” SRS A-1 and it’s insanely accurate and fun to shoot. A really cool rifle for sure. Here’s a pic of me shooting it out in Bishop during opening fish weekend.

This is what I both heard and read about these rifles, thus why I posted. They are really solid, well-made rifles.

Ornery · #61 06-23-2018, 6:46 AM

DT rifles are nice. I also like AI AX MC rifles too.

BroncoMustang · #62 06-24-2018, 2:27 PM

The Military Arms Channel (or MAC for short) has some YouTube videos about the Desert Tech SRS A01 rifle. In one, the guy says that it is now his long range rifle of choice. The video is entitled "My long range rifle - SRS A-1"; the link to that video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?vlAolFvexg30
Check it out; a little over 413,225 people have so far.

torrentuser · #63 06-27-2018, 7:44 AM

I own a AI AX338MC for shooting out to 2km and a number of other rifles for long rang/PRS. My 2016 race rifle is a GAP Tempest (3.8ths guarantee). I'm building a 2018 rase gun... This week, Curtis Custom is shipping my Vector action to my FFL and once my ten day ait completes, I'll be sending it off to Masterpiece Arms to get installed in one of their brand new hybrid chassis. (6mm CM/223RM) Accuracy International at the 2017 Shot Show announced they were making a new generation of their AX50.... going to a AX50MC with 375/408 Cheytac support. I was very interested in getting one of those but they have pushed it back and back and the latest I heard from Mile High shooting is they are planning to announcing shipping at the 2019 Shot Show.... so what could I do? I bought a 2018 Tubb gun. In fact, today it arrives at my FFL. I wonder how many are in California but probably only a handful. David Tubb is going to a new cartridge that he has designed. It is being called the 33XC (Extended Capacity). The parent case is the 338 Lapua Magnum so the bolt face is the same and can work within his multi-caliber rifle. The body is extended and the neck is extended. The neck can accept a 338 or a 375 bullet. You need to widen the mouth/neck with a mandrel. This rifle of his was the one that got two world records at the ELR event that was put on just before the 2018 Shot Show. It is a damn accurate rifle. It also has switch barrel / bolt support with configurable magazines and it weighs the same as a 16lbs PRS when configured for a 6.5 Creedmoor application. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrTKhVPPi34
I have a spot where I shoot in Nor Cal where I can go out to 2.5km. Once I get good at that with my Warner Copper Solids with the Tubb nose ring... I'm looking forward to drive up to Clear Lake and join the URSA guys.

focus · #64 06-27-2018, 9:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torrentuser

I have a spot where I shoot in Nor Cal where I can go out to 2.5km. Once I get good at that with my Warner Copper Solids with the Tubb nose ring... I'm looking forward to drive up to Clear Lake and join the URSA guys.

I’m on Mile High’s AX50MC waiting list. I was also told first commercial availablity was pushed out to Q1 2019.

The next NorCal URSA match is in October.

Cheers,

torrentuser · #65 06-27-2018, 11:23 AM

Focus,
I feel for you. I was one of the first AX338MC owners, shipped from EuroOptic, and I originally wanted a 308. So I waited more than a year for the bolt and mag insert. I have worried that when they ship the AX50MC, they will only have 50BMG support. It could be a long wait until there is a compatible bolt and magazine That supports a 375CT or 408CT. You might end up just getting the receiver from Mile High and then starting your wait. I certainly hope not though. It would be wonderful if they had all 4 bolts and calibers supported at ship time. I would have bought it since I love the company, the chassis and my familiarity with the trigger. Good luck bro.

focus · #66 06-27-2018, 1:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torrentuser

I have worried that when they ship the AX50MC, they will only have 50BMG support. It could be a long wait until there is a compatible bolt and magazine That supports a 375CT or 408CT.

Thanks,

When I got on the waiting list; we decided that the 416 Barrett chambering would be the first California AX50MC configuration available. We’ll see. But, it’s gonna suck watching everyone else get their 50BMGs first.

Cheers,

BroncoMustang · #67 06-28-2018, 5:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focus

Thanks,

When I got on the waiting list; we decided that the 416 Barrett chambering would be the first California AX50MC configuration available. We’ll see. But, it’s gonna suck watching everyone else get their 50BMGs first.

Cheers,

I know that the AI AX is a very nice rifle, but that's a really long wait. Why not consider a Desert Tech HTI? I don't think there is anywhere near that long of a wait & it is an American owned company. Just my two cents worth.