Thoughts on the Desert Tech Covert?

[hafejd30]

For those that have owned one what are your thoughts? I’ve always had a want for a DT and selling a few items currently to fund one if I decide it’s for me

Trying to decide between a DT or TBAC Ultra 338 GEN 2 with the current wait times being so low for suppressors

I already have several AI’s and cans including TBAC ultra 9. Trying to decide what would be the best option to add to my collection.

A DT Covert or ultimate suppression.

 

[TheBigCountry]

For those that have owned one what are your thoughts? I’ve always had a want for a DT and selling a few items currently to fund one if I decide it’s for me

Trying to decide between a DT or TBAC Ultra 338 GEN 2 with the current wait times being so low for suppressors

I already have several AI’s and cans including TBAC ultra 9. Trying to decide what would be the best option to add to my collection.

A DT Covert or ultimate suppression.

Easy button

Ultimate suppression

Or just live like @Huskydriver and buy both

 

[Huskydriver]

Dessert techs bolt throw is worse than a worked over savage... Hard pass


Also their mags blow

 

[hafejd30]

Dessert techs bolt throw is worse than a worked over savage... Hard pass


Also their mags blow

I have an ATX if that helps the comparison

 

[Huskydriver]

I have an ATX if that helps the comparison

My comment stands and is worth what you paid for it..I also have a 338ultra sr and am about to buy another...

Seriously desert techs are overrated af unless you really need that short of a rifle....

 

[hafejd30]

This would be a crop damage/deer eradication rifle. So no comps or anything like that. Thinking it be more “fun” to have a short 308 or 300 to play with

Other option is the 338 ultra and maybe a 18” 308 barrel for the ATX

I know some like then some don’t. There’s a few that are the same rifle in several sale ads here. A green one (not covert) in 6mm I believe. The fact that it’s on its third sale ad and owner in a year are making me think they’re not all that great.

I just like the size. Which is why the covert is more appealing I guess

I know @wade2big had one for sale back in February which was exactly what I was looking at. Maybe he can chime in

 

[hafejd30]

My comment stands and is worth what you paid for it..I also have a 338ultra sr and am about to buy another...

Seriously desert techs are overrated af unless you really need that short of a rifle....

How’s your ultra 338 sr compared to say an ultra 9 or similar? I’ve watched lots of videos but it’s hard to tell the difference on many cans in TBAC videos. Cameras in general just don’t do cans justice on actual sound

I know the numbers are there to show how well it works I’m just trying to imagine what a 134 decibel can sounds like compared to a 120 ish one

That 338 is exactly the model I’m looking at

 

[Huskydriver]

It's quite noticeably quieter to the naked ear

I like it so much I run it on almost everything hence why I might grab a 2nd

 

[waveslayer]

buy the can and then get a used Covert. I really like my DT, I have used it a lot. Do I prefer other bolt guns, Yes, but I still get a lot of enjoyment out of my DT.
I really like my 338 Ultra can, use that on a 22" 338 Norma AI in my DT, so a nice and short little banger

 

[hafejd30]

buy the can and then get a used Covert. I really like my DT, I have used it a lot. Do I prefer other bolt guns, Yes, but I still get a lot of enjoyment out of my DT.
I really like my 338 Ultra can, use that on a 22" 338 Norma AI in my DT, so a nice and short little banger

Used is what Id shop for. I have a TBAC ultra 9, SiCo omega 36m and Saker 556 ASR for rifle cans currently

 

[0724/1030]

I’m with @Huskydriver on this. We referred to mine as the Don’t Take it Anywhere…

 

[canezach]

I've owned a SRS ever since they came out. Bought my first one, then upgraded to the A1, which is what I currently own.

The good: Compact AF. My 26" barrel and suppressor are significantly shorter than my other rifles. Good trigger for a bullpup. I own about a dozen different calibers, and I love that I can casually swap barrels in less than two minutes. I use it almost exclusively in field matches and it's never let me down in all kinds of weather, from 100° and dusty, to rainy and muddy, and 28° and snowy.

Cons: Mags have always been the downside. You get single stack 6 round, which means you're at a disadvantage in competitions (I know you said you weren't planning on using it for comps), or you get a 10 round mag that interferes with shooting prone. Trigger is good, but again, for a bullpup. It's not bad, but it's not my Trigger Tech Diamond. It's awkward on barricades (I know, no comps, but still).

You have to try one because you either like the bolt position or you don't and if you don't, you won't ever get used to it. You'll always hate it.

 

[wind gypsy]

they are very accurate but a standard (non covert) model is less stable shooting than a traditional bolt rifle and coverts must be even more ass heavy. Ergos just kind of suck.

 

[bmicek]

You either love them, or you hate them. Some guys just CANT adapt to the ergonomics and they hate it. I had no issues with the ergonomics. I loved it as a compact suppressor host. I do wish they offered a short action version that shed a lot of weight. They’re fairly heavy for how small of a package they can be. I’d buy one again if it could lose some weight and it could be used as a mid weight hunting rifle. Otherwise, the bolt throw is very unique. Again, you either can’t adapt and hate it or you get used to what it is and don’t think much of it. Simply put, it’s different. Don’t expect it to mimic a standard bolt action.

 

[Hondo1]

I’ll never not have a DT, they definitely aren’t as refined as an AI but for hunting coyotes out of my jeep there is absolutely no better platform.
With the A2 and a light profile barrel, and lupy mark 5 you can be sub 10lbs all dressed up and ready to party.

 

[HenryTheAce]

As many others have said the DT seems to be a love or hate. Ergonomics are different obviously and it’s not a smooth bolt throw, likes to be run rough. I’m a fan of the versatility of the platform though. Running a short 16” barrel suppressed with the overall length being shorter then a 10.5” SBR… to then running a 28” or longer magnum. Switching barrels is faster and imo easier than a AI with great repeatability.

It’s hard to beat that TBAC Ultra though!

 

[BurtG]

Buy the 338 ultra first

I liked mine enough to buy a second one.


Desert techs. I have (2) A1s. A covert and a SRS
phenomenal accuracy
Phenomenal return to zero and closeness between various barrel zeros
Can shoot from 223 to 338 Lapua
Compact even the full size one
Great for vehicular operations
Great to shoot off hand

Bolt throw is AWFUL.
Will hinder follow up shots.

I take my AT-X much more than my desert techs when doing large Varmint. (Quicker follow ups for multiples )

When doing ghogs etc I’m more likely to take the desert techs. (Slightly more accurate maybe , don’t need to worry about quick second shot , compactness is nice for off hand and vehicles )

While on the subject this is prolly my favorite rig for crop damage inside 500 yards. SAC 65 cm 18” in a side chick. Unbelievably handy and accurate.

 

[hafejd30]

Buy the 338 ultra first

I liked mine enough to buy a second one.


Desert techs. I have (2) A1s. A covert and a SRS
phenomenal accuracy
Phenomenal return to zero and closeness between various barrel zeros
Can shoot from 223 to 338 Lapua
Compact even the full size one
Great for vehicular operations
Great to shoot off hand

Bolt throw is AWFUL.
Will hinder follow up shots.

I take my AT-X much more than my desert techs when doing large Varmint. (Quicker follow ups for multiples )

When doing ghogs etc I’m more likely to take the desert techs. (Slightly more accurate maybe , don’t need to worry about quick second shot , compactness is nice for off hand and vehicles )

View attachment 8388827

View attachment 8388828

View attachment 8388829




While on the subject this is prolly my favorite rig for crop damage inside 500 yards. SAC 65 cm 18” in a side chick. Unbelievably handy and accurate.

View attachment 8388830

This is more of a fun gun type thing to try. My primary crop damage gun is and always will be the OG the AIAT

 

[ggmanning]

I have a covert and A1. Use the covert mainly blind huntintg and on depredation permits night hunting deer. The compact size with a can and NV device are perfect for shooting beanfields from a truck window or maniuevering in a box blind. Personally I love a DTA. Trigger is quite good adjusted properly and the interchange of calibers easily is a plus for me. I don't shoot comps so 6 rounds is more than fine. Very accurate.....very good return to documented zero from barrel to barrel. Balance in odd positions...like out the truck window, etc. can't be matched in a rugular bolt gun.

 

[hafejd30]

Well I feel pretty well talked out of one now

 

[GoingTheDistance]

Don't let the naysayers talk you out of it. I got rid of my traditional bolt guns. The DT is awesome!

 

[diggler1833]

I have an ATX if that helps the comparison

Me too...I have zero issues with the bolt throw though after a few thousand reps...

 

[hafejd30]

In case anyone is wondering how this ended up a year later

 

[Huskydriver]

In case anyone is wondering how this ended up a year later

View attachment 8738914

How many times did it go back to desert tech?
How many misfeeds do the mags give you on average?

 

[BurtG]

How many times did it go back to desert tech?
How many misfeeds do the mags give you on average?

0
Never that I can recall.

 

[secondofangle2]

The downsides to Desert Tech is that their quality control (and general attention to detail and refinement) sucks donkey schlong, their customer service is spotty at best, sometimes great sometimes abysmal, they have had issues with tolerance stacking and inconsistency, the triggers can be hit or miss, but can be honed to be just about as good as a trigger tech diamond set at 1 pound if you’re willing to work on it. My trigger on my A2 ranks with trigger tech, on my HTI It is as good as an old jewel plus as other others have said you either like their economics or you don’t. The bolt throw can take some getting used to, but is totally doable, especially once it’s broken in and you learn the proper technique which is treat it like a two bit whore on navy payday: Run it hard.

The upsides are that you can have one expensive scope sitting on a rig that uses five or 10 caliber spanning 223 up to 338. Also, same bipod, same trigger, same everything except for the caliber, which is very convenient. The rifles are stupid accurate because of the broad 5 to 6 inch clamping mechanism and repeatability after changing a barrel is almost always within one click on your scope. The short overall length allows me to run a 40 inch barrel in my 50 BMG and have it be as long as a 29 inch barrel in a regular 50. The covert exploits that footprint advantage even more. It reduces the clutter in my safe enormously because I have six different calibers for my SRS and two different calibers for my HTI - but only two guns in there rather than eight. Finally, when you need a new barrel, you don’t need to send off your whole action and everything to the gunsmith, he just needs a barrel extension and maybe a bolt and can just ship it to you and it is plugged and play as opposed to a custom rig which is gonna require the whole gun being shipped back-and-forth and heads, spacing checked and so on.

Would I take one to war? Absolutely not because Desert Tech has not invested in the quality control that they need to have me bet my life on it. But in a low stakes environment, it is a great way to shoot steel or varmints or game or whatever.

I really really really love mine. But I have shot them enough over the past 12 years to be well familiar with their faults which I cannot ignore and will not hide.

 

[Huskydriver]

The downsides to Desert Tech is that their quality control (and general attention to detail and refinement) sucks donkey schlong, their customer service is spotty at best, sometimes great sometimes abysmal, they have had issues with tolerance stacking and inconsistency, the triggers can be hit or miss, but can be honed to be just about as good as a trigger tech diamond set at 1 pound if you’re willing to work on it. My trigger on my A2 ranks with trigger tech, on my HTI It is as good as an old jewel plus as other others have said you either like their economics or you don’t. The bolt throw can take some getting used to, but is totally doable, especially once it’s broken in and you learn the proper technique which is treat it like a two bit whore on navy payday: Run it hard.

The upsides are that you can have one expensive scope sitting on a rig that uses five or 10 caliber spanning 223 up to 338. Also, same bipod, same trigger, same everything except for the caliber, which is very convenient. The rifles are stupid accurate because of the broad 5 to 6 inch clamping mechanism and repeatability after changing a barrel is almost always within one click on your scope. The short overall length allows me to run a 40 inch barrel in my 50 BMG and have it be as long as a 29 inch barrel in a regular 50. The covert exploits that footprint advantage even more. It reduces the clutter in my safe enormously because I have six different calibers for my SRS and two different calibers for my HTI - but only two guns in there rather than eight. Finally, when you need a new barrel, you don’t need to send off your whole action and everything to the gunsmith, he just needs a barrel extension and maybe a bolt and can just ship it to you and it is plugged and play as opposed to a custom rig which is gonna require the whole gun being shipped back-and-forth and heads, spacing checked and so on.

Would I take one to war? Absolutely not because Desert Tech has not invested in the quality control that they need to have me bet my life on it. But in a low stakes environment, it is a great way to shoot steel or varmints or game or whatever.

I really really really love mine. But I have shot them enough over the past 12 years to be well familiar with their faults which I cannot ignore and will not hide.

Your triggers are awesome can confirm