What You Should Know About The Desert Tech SRS A2 Covert

The author engaged targets out to 1,400 yards during testing.

The Desert Tech SRS A2 Covert is a short, compact sniping platform.

Suppressor-ready and in capable long-range calibers, the SRS A2 Covert proved excellent in the field.

One of the most innovative precision rifles to hit the market over the years has been the tack drivers from Desert Tech. These compact bullpup-style rifles bring exceptional accuracy in a very small package. While they break the mold regarding what people generally think precision rifles should look like, their performance has earned them a reputation of exceptional performance. I was fortunate to visit with the Desert Tech team at the recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Driggs, Idaho. They quickly walked me over to one of the company’s newest rifles and I fell in love.

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Desert Tech SRS A2 Covert

The newest rifle in its line up is the Desert Tech SRS A2 Covert. This rifle is the next evolution in its design and makes this gun one of the best in its category. The SRS series has been a major hit, but the A2 Covert has several improvements that make it a great gun. First on the list is accuracy. Desert Tech has declared this new model to be 35-percent more accurate. This is achieved with its new patented barrel mount that more uniformly clamps onto the barrel and reduces peak stress points by 30 percent. The SRS-A2 also has a new “field-rugged” match trigger.

All the Desert Tech guns are a breeze to carry, but the SRS A2 is even easier to carry around and wield in confined areas. It is 2.1 pounds lighter than the SRSA1 because of its redesigned receiver, barrel and handguard. Desert Tech also offers a new Ultra-Lightweight Hunting Profile Conversion Kit in 6.5 Creedmoor, putting base rifle weights below 8.8 pounds. For those that take long treks to get to serious game, this is a fantastic feature. The team at Desert Tech has also improved the action and list it as 36-percent smoother. While I had no scientific equipment with me on the range, the action and overall operation of the gun did indeed feel smoother than previous models I have run.

Quick Caliber Conversion

The new A2 is more convertible than previous models. This gun uses a patented quick caliber conversion feature that allows the shooter to change calibers in 60 seconds or less. The A2 also accepts full-length SRS-A2 conversion kits in all calibers, providing snipers full-size rifle flexibility. This new model is more compatible with its M-Lok handguard sporting mounting points at 45 degrees around the full length of the handguard. It also has standard muzzle threading to allow easy attachment of your favorite suppressors.

Desert Tech is immensely proud of these rifles and rightfully so. These guns are guaranteed to shoot ½ MOA or better for three shots at 100 yards with qualified match ammunition. If you combine the SRS-A2 with the DTSS sound suppressors and DTM ammunition you can wring out even better accuracy. These are not simply 100-yard shooters though and are designed to reliably make first round hits beyond 1,000 yards.

The Desert Tech SRS A2 Covert is a unique and good-looking gun and I was anxious to get some rounds through it at the event. The range we had at our disposal for Rendezvous was definitely a target-rich environment. There was steel set everywhere from 25 yards out to 1 mile. The model the Desert Tech team brought out was chambered in a flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmor and topped with a Kahles K624I 6-24×56 optic. This is a great piece of glass and features a first-focal plane reticle, ideal for almost any shooting condition.

Can Do

As I mentioned before this gun is perfect for a suppressor and Desert Tech obliged. They had one of its DTSS .30-cal cans on the gun and it worked very well. Desert Tech cans are designed to improve accuracy by 1/4 MOA or better. The weldless mono-core designs uniformly strip away gas from the projectile as it exits the muzzle. This avoids gas disturbance and maximizes projectile stability.

Ammunition for the day was from Desert Tech as well. Desert Tech developed its own line of ammunition to guarantee exceptional precision and consistency from lot to lot, with a 0.5 MOA accuracy guarantee, creating ammunition that the military sniper, LE sniper, or long-distance shooter can count on. The 6.5 Creedmoor Premium Match offered by Desert Tech Munitions uses the latest in high ballistic coefficient bullets, consistent and clean burning powders, as well as precise and uniform cases. In short, it is very nice ammunition.

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Send It

I was a bit spoiled because the Desert Tech team had already calculated all the dope for the new range, so moving from target to target was going to be a simple task. My first impression of the new Covert was that the trigger was nicer than what I remember in previous versions. After breaking my fist shot at 100 yards, I quickly cycled the bolt and got the gun back to action. The bolt throw was very nice and smooth with no noticeable wiggle. The entire cycle action was smooth and hiccup free. Extraction was effective without launching brass into the next county.

What was interesting is that with a gun this size you would expect significant movement as the shots would break and then being forced to chase your target back down. This was not the case. The recoil impulse was smooth and easy to manage on this short little blaster and I was back on steel in short order each time. I shot great groups on everything from 100 yards out to 1,300 yards with little effort.

The Desert Tech SRS A2 Covert is everything that they say it is. While previous models have been obvious winners, the “new and improved” Covert is a step up in the line. While not priced in the impulse purchase zone, these guns are serious shooters and are built for pure performance.

For more information, visit deserttech.com.