
Desert Tactical Arms SRS-A1 Rifle Review
January 1, 2025
Desert Tech MDR – Detailed Review
January 1, 2025Desert Tech HTI - Detailed Review
Price Range:
$6,000 - $8,500
Specification
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Desert Tech |
Country of Origin | United States |
First Build Date | 2014 |
Action Type | Bolt-action |
Caliber Options | .50 BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum |
Maximum Rounds Fired | 5-round detachable magazine |
Barrel Length | 26 inches (660 mm) |
Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) |
Price Range | $6,000 – $8,500 |
Overview
The Desert Tech HTI (Hard Target Interdiction) is a precision long-range bolt-action sniper rifle designed for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. Built by Desert Tech, the HTI is a highly versatile and modular sniper platform that is known for its ability to be configured with multiple calibers, including the heavy-hitting .50 BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
Introduced in 2014, the HTI quickly gained recognition for its exceptional accuracy and modular design, allowing operators to switch between calibers with ease. Its primary purpose is to provide precise long-range firepower, capable of engaging targets at extreme distances with high levels of lethality. Its bullpup configuration allows for a compact, yet powerful platform, making it highly effective in confined spaces while maintaining high accuracy.


Strength and Quality
The Desert Tech HTI is a high-quality rifle, built to military specifications with rigorous attention to detail. The components are precision-machined to ensure that all parts fit together seamlessly, contributing to the rifle’s exceptional accuracy and reliability. The monolithic rail system is a standout feature, providing a stable platform for the barrel and optics, which is crucial for long-range shooting where every millimeter of deviation can affect shot placement.
The rifle’s modularity allows for quick barrel changes, making it a highly adaptable weapon for different missions. The design is simple and intuitive, making it easy for shooters to maintain the rifle and swap calibers depending on the needs of the operation. The overall build quality ensures that the HTI can withstand the rigors of regular use, including long-term exposure to harsh environments and recoil from powerful calibers.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The HTI includes a manual safety to ensure that the rifle is not accidentally discharged during handling.
- Recoil Management: The rifle’s recoil reduction system ensures that the shooter maintains control during rapid fire or follow-up shots.
- Secure Handling: The bullpup design places the center of gravity closer to the shooter’s body, enhancing balance and stability.
Test Results
Accuracy
The Desert Tech HTI is capable of achieving sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy, meaning it can consistently hit targets within 1 inch at 100 yards. This level of precision is especially impressive considering the rifle’s ability to chamber heavy calibers like the .50 BMG. With appropriate ammunition, the HTI is known for its accuracy at distances of over 1,000 yards, and it is considered highly effective for long-range military and tactical engagements.
Effective Range
The effective range of the HTI varies depending on the caliber. With the .50 BMG, the HTI can achieve effective hits at ranges exceeding 2,000 meters, making it ideal for long-range target interdiction and anti-material roles. The .338 Lapua Magnum provides effective engagement at approximately 1,500 meters, while the .300 Winchester Magnum is effective at up to 1,200 meters, depending on environmental conditions.
Strength and Durability
The HTI is constructed with high-strength materials, including aerospace-grade aluminum and reinforced steel, ensuring the rifle is both lightweight and durable. The rifle is designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions, whether under the heat of the desert or in cold, wet environments. The precision-engineered monolithic rail system ensures that the barrel remains stable, and it minimizes any potential flex or distortion that could affect accuracy over time.
Merits
- Exceptional Accuracy: The HTI consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy, making it one of the most precise sniper rifles available.
- Modular Design: Allows users to easily switch between calibers, adapting to different operational needs.
- Long Effective Range: Capable of engaging targets at extreme distances, especially with the .50 BMG round.
- Recoil Management: The rifle features an advanced muzzle brake and design features to reduce recoil, ensuring more control and accuracy during follow-up shots.
- Durable Construction: Built to endure harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and wet environments.
Demerits
- Weight: At 14 lbs, the HTI is relatively heavy, which may affect mobility, especially in tactical operations.
- Price: The rifle’s price range of $6,000 to $9,000 makes it a significant investment, which may not be feasible for all users.
- Magazine Capacity: The 5-round magazine, while sufficient for most long-range engagements, may be limiting in situations requiring higher ammo capacity.
Maintenance
The Desert Tech HTI requires routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Cleaning the barrel, action, and chamber is essential after each shooting session. The modular design allows for easy disassembly, which aids in thorough cleaning and maintenance. The rifle’s components are designed to be corrosion-resistant, so it can handle exposure to rain, moisture, and harsh conditions without compromising reliability.
As with all precision rifles, the HTI should be kept free from dirt, sand, and debris, especially the action and bolt mechanism, which should be lubricated regularly to maintain smooth operation. The barrel should be cleaned after each use to preserve accuracy, and the trigger mechanism should be inspected periodically for wear or malfunctions.
Comparison with Other Guns
Desert Tech HTI vs Other Rifles
Feature | Desert Tech HTI | Barrett M82 | Accuracy International AX50 | McMillan TAC-50 | Steyr HS .50 | Anzio Ironworks 20mm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United States | United States | United Kingdom | United States | Austria | United States |
Caliber | .50 BMG, .375 CT, .416 Barrett | .50 BMG | .50 BMG | .50 BMG | .50 BMG | 20mm Vulcan |
Effective Range | 2,000 m | 1,800 m | 2,300 m | 2,300 m | 1,500 m | 4,500 m |
Weight (Unloaded) | 6.3 kg | 13.5 kg | 13.5 kg | 11.8 kg | 12.4 kg | 59 kg |
Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | Single shot | Single shot |
Action | Bolt-action | Recoil-operated, semi-automatic | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
Primary Use | Military, Anti-materiel | Military, Anti-materiel | Military, Anti-materiel | Military, Anti-materiel | Military, Anti-materiel | Military, Heavy Anti-materiel |
Price Range (USD) | $6,000–$8,500 | $8,500–$13,000 | $12,000–$15,000 | $11,000–$13,000 | $6,500–$8,000 | $12,000–$20,000 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The HTI typically costs between $6,000 and $9,000 depending on configuration and included accessories.
- With the .50 BMG, the HTI has an effective range of over 2,000 meters, while other calibers like the .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 Win Mag are effective at up to 1,500 and 1,200 meters, respectively.
Yes, the Desert Tech HTI is available to civilian gun owners, but due to its high price and specialized design, it is more commonly purchased by military, law enforcement, and professional marksmen.
The rifle weighs approximately 14 lbs, which is considered heavy, especially for those used to lighter platforms.
Yes, the HTI is modular and can be configured for different calibers, such as .50 BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum.