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Official (DTA) SRS, HTI, Covert, Hunter Thread

What brass are you running in your saum and how's it holding up?

Using Hornady/GAP brass. Only about 100 rounds down so far so time will tell. I plan on sticking with Hornady/GAP brass for now, but I have everything to size 7 SAUM Norma brass to 6.5 if I need to. It’s probably not going to get much time in the chassis until later in the year. The 6xc is in there now and pulling the 300 NM out to get some rounds down before I work on any load development.
 
Found out today that Desert Tech sells Covert handguards that you can buy to convert an SRS A1 to a Covert when needed, that's pretty cool and something I'll probably immediately buy once I order the chassis in a few months.

Are you starting off buying the chassis with a Covert handguard or the Full size handguard? I’d suggest the Covert to start unless you have a clip on night vision.

Edit to Add: The reason most people here would suggest starting with a Covert is you can shoot with a 16" barrel or a 30" barrel and everything in between with the shorter handguard the Covert offers. The longer handguard on the standard SRS limits you to a 22" barrel and longer. Not a big deal because its still pretty compact, but it may be a big deal to you.
You can buy the longer handguard and turn it into an SRS down the road, but if I were to take a poll from everyone here, I think the vast majority would, if given the choice, prefer to have the Covert handguard over the standard SRS handguard (which is the only difference between the two chassis's). Its better to buy the Covert right out of the gate and find you want the longer handguard versus buying the SRS and finding you need the shorter handguard.
 
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Are you starting off buying the chassis with a Covert handguard or the Full size handguard? I’d suggest the Covert to start unless you have a clip on night vision.

Edit to Add: The reason most people here would suggest starting with a Covert is you can shoot with a 16" barrel or a 30" barrel and everything in between with the shorter handguard the Covert offers. The longer handguard on the standard SRS limits you to a 22" barrel and longer. Not a big deal because its still pretty compact, but it may be a big deal to you.
You can buy the longer handguard and turn it into an SRS down the road, but if I were to take a poll from everyone here, I think the vast majority would, if given the choice, prefer to have the Covert handguard over the standard SRS handguard (which is the only difference between the two chassis's). Its better to buy the Covert right out of the gate and find you want the longer handguard versus buying the SRS and finding you need the shorter handguard.
Do owners of the Covert ever feel inconvenienced by the short handguard, as it relates to the bipod not being very far out? Wouldn't it be slightly harder to shoot with the bipod 6 inches closer than the SRS handguard?
 
Do owners of the Covert ever feel inconvenienced by the short handguard, as it relates to the bipod not being very far out? Wouldn't it be slightly harder to shoot with the bipod 6 inches closer than the SRS handguard?

Problem solved

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Do owners of the Covert ever feel inconvenienced by the short handguard, as it relates to the bipod not being very far out? Wouldn't it be slightly harder to shoot with the bipod 6 inches closer than the SRS handguard?
I’ve had no issues with my 26 inch barrel in my covert Chassis. With a bipod or without
 
srt-4_uk Sir the boys with the most toys win.. Sir you win you lucky Son Of a Buck!!!
 
I’ve had no issues with my 26 inch barrel in my covert Chassis. With a bipod or without

I had a Gen 1 Covert (custom modified) and ran 18" 260 and 27" 6xc with no bipod issues. The balance of the rifle is pretty good with a long barrel and the bipod at the end of the Covert rail. Even with my SRS A1, I put my bipod closer to my hand then the end of the rail.
And if you can always add one of these to your Covert hand guard and use it like an AI Spigot:
https://www.precisionrifle.shop/store/p46/Sawtooth_Rifles_Forend_Rail:_Desert_Tech.html
 
Looking at all the pictures make the wait on my barrel feel ever longer than it already is. Everything ready to go, just need a barrel to finish her up
 
I like the two tone as well. That’s what I picked for my A1. Looks really good in person.
 
Just can’t pass up a chance to post a pic. One of my barrels gets in Thursday. Hoping to get to the range Friday.
 

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I got the short handguard as soon as they were available.....2011 or 12? Haven't ever looked back. I don't know where the long handguard is and will probably never put it back on. I've run barrels as short as 16" and as long as my heavy 32" 338 Lapua Mag with no problems. Even with the heavy 338 barrel and a suppressor the bipod location is still good to go. I can't see ever needing the long handguard.

Frank
 
I got the short handguard as soon as they were available.....2011 or 12? Haven't ever looked back. I don't know where the long handguard is and will probably never put it back on. I've run barrels as short as 16" and as long as my heavy 32" 338 Lapua Mag with no problems. Even with the heavy 338 barrel and a suppressor the bipod location is still good to go. I can't see ever needing the long handguard.

Frank
Would you consider selling the long handguard? I may need one when I do run a clip on for night hunting.
 
CBM is right. My rifle was purchased in 2010 and is pretty early production. Somewhere down the road they changed the serial numbering system and the Gen 2 / A1 went to a different setup for installing the handguards. This one screws directly on to the front of the receiver. The later versions use a sleeve threaded left and right hand like a turnbuckle to insure the handguard lines up and is tight.
In any case, I don't know if I could find the long handguard even if I did want to sell it. I know someone borrowed the wrench from me and I can't recall who it was so the wrench is gone too.....

Frank
 
I got to shoot an HTI in 375 Cheytac today and I was really pleased. Recoil wasn't bad.....felt a lot like shooting the 338Lapua in my SRS. The rifle is a little heavier than the SRS and makes the difference between the 350gr SMK's at 3050 and the 250gr SMK's at 2950 not such a big deal. We were testing the suppressor I built for a customer and it worked very well too. Always glad when things work out. I have to say that the HTI is fun to shoot in 375 where I didn't like it much for the 50 BMG. Now I have to figure out how to get an HTI.

Frank
 
Wait time is killing me ! I ordered a new 300 Norma barrel and bolt and was quoted 5 weeks. It's been 5 weeks and a day , I'm loaded with anticipation. Sold all my barrels and components to go 300 Norma and haven't been able to shoot for too long . I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end , but it sure isn't right now !
 
Waiting can be tough. I ordered 308 and 300 Norma barrels. Got the 308 barrel last week (right at 3 weeks). It’ll be another 2 weeks for the Norma.
 
Wait time is killing me ! I ordered a new 300 Norma barrel and bolt and was quoted 5 weeks. It's been 5 weeks and a day , I'm loaded with anticipation. Sold all my barrels and components to go 300 Norma and haven't been able to shoot for too long . I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end , but it sure isn't right now !
the 300NM is worth the wait!
 
What chronograph are you using? Also what's everyone's diuretics experience with small portable chronographs? Have a Lab Radar that is pretty bulky.

Im running the MagnetoSpeed V3 with an MK Machining rail mount. I really like it. With the rail mount I can run it more often and not worry about POI shift.
 
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I use the same set up and love it. I use the same rail mount suppressed and with just my break. Super easy to use once you get it set. I believe Tyler has a Gen2 version out now that you can tighten all the screws from the same side, although I have had no issues with the Gen1. Also, the parts are milled out instead of using a water jet so should be very slick. May give him a ring and get his upgrade!

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Im curious, how often do you guys chrono stuff? It seems an inordinate amount of time using a chrono to justify something like that. I literally work up a load, chrono maybe a dozen or so, and roll with it.

Cuz I have OCD and I like to tinker with shit... :cool: I know what you mean tho, its not really necessary. For me I just got it so its a new gadget. If I'm just going out to the square range to rezero, check a load or whatever I figure why not collect some data. The only thing about the MS that has ever bugged me is the POI shift when its on, thats why i got this gizmo. Really so far, its just verifying my load. (or my OCD)

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Im curious, how often do you guys chrono stuff? It seems an inordinate amount of time using a chrono to justify something like that. I literally work up a load, chrono maybe a dozen or so, and roll with it.

I mainly chrono during load development through the first 150 rounds or until the barrel settles in. I like to watch what the barrel is doing and how my handloads are performing/reacting. I mainly shoot suppressed so I will build 2 loads for the same round as I hunt and shoot in places that do not allow suppressors. I was only giving praise to Tylers invention as not messing with the barrel harmonics during load work up. After work up I rarely chrono.
 
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I watched an interview with David Tubb and elr shooting. He kept his mounted all the time. Watching bullet speed let's you know whether you need to make adjustments or you had a single round that traveled a little slower. In that regard, I can see it being helpful.
 
Has anyone here developed or uses an Arca Swiss Plate that threads directly at the handguard, other than the RRS DT Chassis Plate. Im really not wanting the high profile or the weight of the RRS mount. Ive created a STP model for a plate, but every machine shop Ive talked/emailed has quoted me upwards of $180.
So I was thinking of just buying an Arca Swiss plate that is long enough (2.9") to attach via 3 of the holes on the handguard, however without the 0.5" groove in the plate to prevent cant, Im not sure how strong it will actually be.

As far as the Magenetospeed with the MKM adapter, I love mine, everytime I shoot on a flat range, Im using it. Nothing like getting velocities for 50+ rounds as a sample size.
 
Has anyone here developed or uses an Arca Swiss Plate that threads directly at the handguard, other than the RRS DT Chassis Plate. Im really not wanting the high profile or the weight of the RRS mount. Ive created a STP model for a plate, but every machine shop Ive talked/emailed has quoted me upwards of $180.
So I was thinking of just buying an Arca Swiss plate that is long enough (2.9") to attach via 3 of the holes on the handguard, however without the 0.5" groove in the plate to prevent cant, Im not sure how strong it will actually be.

As far as the Magenetospeed with the MKM adapter, I love mine, everytime I shoot on a flat range, Im using it. Nothing like getting velocities for 50+ rounds as a sample size.

http://www.specialpurposerifles.com/desert-tech/desert-tech-arca-rails-by-sawtooth-rifles
 
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Has anyone here developed or uses an Arca Swiss Plate that threads directly at the handguard, other than the RRS DT Chassis Plate. Im really not wanting the high profile or the weight of the RRS mount. Ive created a STP model for a plate, but every machine shop Ive talked/emailed has quoted me upwards of $180.
So I was thinking of just buying an Arca Swiss plate that is long enough (2.9") to attach via 3 of the holes on the handguard, however without the 0.5" groove in the plate to prevent cant, Im not sure how strong it will actually be.

As far as the Magenetospeed with the MKM adapter, I love mine, everytime I shoot on a flat range, Im using it. Nothing like getting velocities for 50+ rounds as a sample size.
I did that with my covert. Bought a Desmond DPC-140, unscrewed 1/4-20 tripod screws, replaced with screws and neoprene bonded sealing washer. Arca rail for under $20 that's the length of my covert handguard.
 
SAC's 26" Bartlein barrel chambered in .308 and specifically for my choice round... Hornady's Superperformance ELD-Match 168gr has just delivered my best 3 shot group ever. Only shot about 9 rounds through this barrel, 6 to find zero than two 3 shot groups. Shot this .29 moa group which is smaller that the darn projectile of .308.

I also got his .223 conversion as well but haven't played with it much.....yet.

Make your DTS all it can be, with SAC!

Thanks Mark!
 

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I did that with my covert. Bought a Desmond DPC-140, unscrewed 1/4-20 tripod screws, replaced with screws and neoprene bonded sealing washer. Arca rail for under $20 that's the length of my covert handguard.


Also, does anyone here have a longer handrail for sale so I can use my clip on night vision set up?
If not, can you post a URL to the correct item from Desert Tech. I don't see the item on their website.