AI Mk III versus DTA : opinions sought

[meles meles]

oomans,

What are your thoughts on the relative merits of the AI Mk III versus the Desert Tactical Arms bull pup, both in .308 / 7.62x51 ? The use would be for target shooting, generally at 300 and 600 m, occasionally out to 1000m.

[ovenpaa]

Both are good rifles, the DTA has the ability to swap barrels quickly and is a bullpup so a more compact rifle however the bullpup bolt action is not for everyone as the bolt is moved closer to the shoulder which might have an impact on rapid cycling.

[User702]

What Ovenpaa has just said. I've played with both and dislike the ergonomics of the bullpup design, but it is an accurate rifle. Being bullpup means you could also go for a longer barrel and yet still fit it in the cabinet.

[meles meles]

We're quite used to bullpup rifles, so the ergonomics are no issue for us. How do they stack up in terms of build quality and accuracy?

[tackb]

Both very accurate and very well built.

It's down to ergonomics really , imagine having to rack the action after every shot with an SA80 without removing it from the shoulder?

[Dangermouse]

A few years back a bull pup rifle, which I am sure was the DTA, was being exhibited on a stand at one of the Bisley shows that run along side the competitions.
I had a look and I liked what I saw but the price at that time was closer to £10 grand (the reason I am not sure it was the same rifle).
The salesman came over and declaired that the rifle could shoot sub 1 inch groups at 1000 yards using factory ammunition.
I walked away, either he did not know what he was talking about or he was taking me for an idiot. Others also reported him saying the same thing - perhaps he believed it or was confusing inches with MOA.

Anyway, I stay away from bull pups as I sometimes shoot from the week hand and dont find they are best suited for week hand shooting

DM

[tackb]

A few years back a bull pup rifle, which I am sure was the DTA, was being exhibited on a stand at one of the Bisley shows that run along side the competitions.
I had a look and I liked what I saw but the price at that time was closer to £10 grand (the reason I am not sure it was the same rifle).
The salesman came over and declaired that the rifle could shoot sub 1 inch groups at 1000 yards using factory ammunition.
I walked away, either he did not know what he was talking about or he was taking me for an idiot. Others also reported him saying the same thing - perhaps he believed it or was confusing inches with MOA.

Anyway, I stay away from bull pups as I sometimes shoot from the week hand and dont find they are best suited for week hand shooting

DM

That'll be the global thingy , utter nonsense ! I did much the same after my first encounter with them!

However the dta which is nothing to do with them is a superb bit of kit , still won't shoot sub inch groups at a 1000 yds with factory but they are very good !

[ovenpaa]

DM that would be Global Rifles with the DSR-1, one of their sales people told me it would shoot repeatable 2.5" groups at 1000 yards which interested me given the UK BR record at the time....

[Dangermouse]

Ovenpaa, tacb,

Always happy to be corrected, you are right I remember their web site,

DM

[dta europe]

Hi Badger, I am more than happy to meet you at Bisley or another location and let you get behind a DTA and fire some rounds. so you can test it for yourself.

I completely agree that when investing in your rifle you should get behind one to make sure you are comfortable with the design, wherever possible we encourage customers to try our guns before ordering.

Ewen