I know everyone hates these but this is my last high end rifle purchase for a while and wanted some opinions. I'm trying to decide between the SRS A-1, AIAE MK III or build my 5r and another 700 that I have in the safe. I like the AI I just bought other than the trigger, it fits great and shoots great. I like the idea of the SRS for the ability to swap barrels quickly and easily but not sure about the ergonomics and haven't been able to find a DTA anywhere close to get behind. And of course I have the option of sending my 700's to get trued, barrelled and dropped into a chassis. Only downside to the 700's is I will need another scope. What do you guys think?
Another which rifle thread
- Thread starter Bradu
- Start date
I don't understand why you would need another scope if you used a 700. It's not to difficult to switch scopes between rifles if you have a good mounting system.
Having work done to the 700 would be the least expensive and offer the most latitude with customization features. That's what I would probably do.
Get ready for a barrage of people telling you to get the AIAE MK III.
Having work done to the 700 would be the least expensive and offer the most latitude with customization features. That's what I would probably do.
Get ready for a barrage of people telling you to get the AIAE MK III.
Here is my .02:
I am not a fan of going the custom route with the 700, you will never get the same $ out of it as you will invest. If you want a 700 style rifle sell the one you have and build off a custom action like the new Defiance, Big Horn, or a Surgeon 591. There will be those who will tell you its not worth it for the custom action but take it from someone who has many of both, it is and you will see as soon as you try it. The other benifit is a custome action build will hold its resale much beter than a trued 700.
option 2 the AI: You say you have an AI already I would assume its a AE of the older varient. Facts are they are flat out kick ass, but the triggers do leave a little on the table although they are plenty servicable. Now if it were me (and it was last year) and I was in the market for an AI I would not settle for anything less than an AW or an AX, just for the simple fact of if I am going to do something I want to go all the way (the same as the trued 700 vs. the custom route). True there may be no tangiable difference between the AE and the AW/X for all intents and purposes but the latter will never leave you wandering...
option 3 the DTA: I too have a just a little time behind the DTA (in both 308 and 338) and for what they offer NOTHING can match them. I found the ergonomics quite suprising how easy it was to efficiently operate. With little to no time I was able to cycle the bolt with ease and maintain a good shooting position, the only thing I noticed was the brass had a tendency to hit my hand and flip back into the chamber. I think they balance better than any thing out there and not to mention the compact size for carry/manuver. I am blown away by the accuracy and repeatability of the system it is crazy accurate and repeatiable! The you can change calibers in like 60 seconds, WTF! I would like to try the new chassis with the adjustable cheek peice, looks like a big improvement. Now for the bad on the DTA, I think if you were unhappy with the trigger in the AI (which feels to me like a carrot breaking as opposed to the glass rod) I think you will be really unhappy with the DTA (inless they have improved them over the Gen1 rifles). They are plenty servicable and I was able to shoot scary good but it was a bit unpredictable. Some times it was crisp others not so much with some creep.
All that being said none of this is going to help you too much, b/c you are looking at 3 different style rifles. You need to decide what you are truely looking for. If you need the most reliable rifle out there then the AI is the ticket (although I would say 99% of those who own one will never need its durability). If you need the most versitile then the DTA hands down. Or if you just want a good solid rifle that you can customize to your liking to go and bang steel with and shoot a match ot two then the 700 style may be your best bet. I would say that any of these will give the same accuracy and sevice for the average guy, so you may need to ask your self some more questions.
But then again, I am just drunk and rambling on...
I am not a fan of going the custom route with the 700, you will never get the same $ out of it as you will invest. If you want a 700 style rifle sell the one you have and build off a custom action like the new Defiance, Big Horn, or a Surgeon 591. There will be those who will tell you its not worth it for the custom action but take it from someone who has many of both, it is and you will see as soon as you try it. The other benifit is a custome action build will hold its resale much beter than a trued 700.
option 2 the AI: You say you have an AI already I would assume its a AE of the older varient. Facts are they are flat out kick ass, but the triggers do leave a little on the table although they are plenty servicable. Now if it were me (and it was last year) and I was in the market for an AI I would not settle for anything less than an AW or an AX, just for the simple fact of if I am going to do something I want to go all the way (the same as the trued 700 vs. the custom route). True there may be no tangiable difference between the AE and the AW/X for all intents and purposes but the latter will never leave you wandering...
option 3 the DTA: I too have a just a little time behind the DTA (in both 308 and 338) and for what they offer NOTHING can match them. I found the ergonomics quite suprising how easy it was to efficiently operate. With little to no time I was able to cycle the bolt with ease and maintain a good shooting position, the only thing I noticed was the brass had a tendency to hit my hand and flip back into the chamber. I think they balance better than any thing out there and not to mention the compact size for carry/manuver. I am blown away by the accuracy and repeatability of the system it is crazy accurate and repeatiable! The you can change calibers in like 60 seconds, WTF! I would like to try the new chassis with the adjustable cheek peice, looks like a big improvement. Now for the bad on the DTA, I think if you were unhappy with the trigger in the AI (which feels to me like a carrot breaking as opposed to the glass rod) I think you will be really unhappy with the DTA (inless they have improved them over the Gen1 rifles). They are plenty servicable and I was able to shoot scary good but it was a bit unpredictable. Some times it was crisp others not so much with some creep.
All that being said none of this is going to help you too much, b/c you are looking at 3 different style rifles. You need to decide what you are truely looking for. If you need the most reliable rifle out there then the AI is the ticket (although I would say 99% of those who own one will never need its durability). If you need the most versitile then the DTA hands down. Or if you just want a good solid rifle that you can customize to your liking to go and bang steel with and shoot a match ot two then the 700 style may be your best bet. I would say that any of these will give the same accuracy and sevice for the average guy, so you may need to ask your self some more questions.
But then again, I am just drunk and rambling on...
Your post touched on all the pros and cons I can think of other than I already have quite a few AI mags and would have to buy new mags for the dta. My AI is less than a month old, I bought it instead of the AW since everyone mentioned that the bolts are the same with the 3 position safety and the main difference is the bonded chassis. like you said, I really won't ever put the rifle through the elements that it's designed for. The one good thing I like about the custom build is the way a Jewell trigger breaks but the wait time will suck unless I watch the classified for a used one.
I don't like swapping scopes, I like to grab a gun and go hunt without reconfirming zero every time.
I don't like swapping scopes, I like to grab a gun and go hunt without reconfirming zero every time.
The Jewell is a good trigger, but there are better out there. Have you ever felt a Jackson or a Huber for the 700 guns. If you want a true premium trigger try a TRG or a Sig SSG3000/Sauer 200 STR they are second to none.
Any other opinions on which route to go? I just sold my last ar-10 and have someone interested in my 5r so I narrowed it down to an AIAE and the DTA. I have tried to find someone in my area with a DTA and haven't had any luck, was hoping to get behind one so my decision would be easier.
