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January 10, 2025Desert Tech Stealth Recon Scout (SRS) Review
Price Range:
$4,500 - $6,500
Specification
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer Name | Desert Tech |
Country of Origin | United States |
First Build Date | 2007 |
Action | Bolt-Action |
Caliber | Various (e.g., .308 Win, .338 Lapua Mag, .300 Win Mag) |
Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
Barrel Length | 20 inches |
Overall Length | 40 inches |
Weight | 5.9 KG |
Price Range | $4,500 – $6,500 |
Overview
The Desert Tech Stealth Recon Scout (SRS) is a high-performance, modular bolt-action sniper rifle designed for long-range precision shooting. It is popular among military snipers, law enforcement agencies, and precision shooters due to its exceptional accuracy, compact design, and adaptability to various calibers. Initially developed in 2007, the SRS has quickly gained a reputation for its tactical prowess and reliability in the field.
One of the standout features of the SRS is its modularity. The rifle can be easily reconfigured to accept different calibers, including .308 Winchester, .338 Lapua Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum. This makes the SRS a versatile platform capable of adapting to various operational requirements, whether for medium-range engagements or extreme long-range precision shooting.


Strength and Quality
The Desert Tech SRS is manufactured to the highest standards, with a focus on precision engineering and durable materials. The rifle features a monolithic receiver that enhances stability, while the barrel is cold-hammer-forged for increased longevity and accuracy. The modular design allows for easy maintenance and part replacement, ensuring that the rifle remains in peak condition over time.
Safety Features
The Desert Tech SRS is equipped with a robust safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. It features a two-position safety: one for “fire” and another for “safe.” The safety is easy to engage and disengage, even under stressful conditions. Additionally, the bullpup design ensures that the rifle’s action is shielded from the shooter, adding an extra layer of safety during operation.
Test Results
- Accuracy: The Desert Tech SRS is known for its sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy, meaning it can consistently group shots within 1 inch at 100 yards. At longer distances, such as 500 to 1,000 yards, the rifle maintains its accuracy and delivers precision shots even in adverse conditions.
- Effective Range: Depending on the caliber, the SRS can effectively engage targets at distances of up to 1,500 yards with the .338 Lapua Magnum. This makes it an excellent choice for long-range shooters and military snipers.
- Recoil: The recoil is manageable, especially with the .308 Winchester caliber. The rifle’s design and stock help absorb recoil, making it easier for shooters to maintain control during rapid follow-up shots.
- Durability: Built with high-quality materials and attention to detail, the SRS performs reliably in harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, rain, and dust. The rifle has been rigorously tested for durability and is built to last even with heavy use.
Merits
- Modular Design: The SRS is highly adaptable, allowing shooters to switch between different calibers and barrel lengths, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios.
- Accuracy: The rifle is capable of sub-MOA accuracy, making it ideal for long-range engagements where precision is paramount.
- Compact and Lightweight: Despite its long barrel and high power, the SRS features a compact bullpup configuration, making it easier to carry and maneuver in confined spaces.
- Quick Barrel Change: The quick-change barrel system allows shooters to rapidly switch calibers, adapting to different mission requirements without needing multiple rifles.
Demerits
- Price: The Desert Tech SRS is quite expensive, with prices ranging from $4,500 to $6,500, which can be a significant investment for many buyers.
- Weight: While relatively compact, the rifle weighs around 12 lbs, which may be heavy for some users, especially when carrying it over long distances.
- Recoil with Larger Calibers: The recoil in larger calibers like .338 Lapua Magnum can be substantial, which may be challenging for some shooters during rapid fire or follow-up shots.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is important for maintaining accuracy and reliability. The barrel and action should be cleaned after each use, especially after shooting in adverse conditions.
- Lubrication: The moving parts should be lubricated regularly to ensure smooth operation, particularly the bolt and trigger mechanism.
- Barrel Replacement: The quick-change barrel system makes it easy to replace the barrel when needed, whether due to wear or to switch calibers for specific missions.
Comparison with Other Guns
Desert Tech SRS vs Other Rifles
Feature | Desert Tech SRS | Accuracy International AXMC | Barrett MRAD | McMillan TAC-338 | Steyr SSG 08 | Cadex Defense CDX-33 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United States | United Kingdom | United States | United States | Austria | Canada |
Caliber | .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Win Mag | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 PRC | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum |
Effective Range | 1,500 m | 1,800 m | 1,800 m | 1,500 m | 1,500 m | 1,600 m |
Weight (Unloaded) | 5.9 kg | 6.9 kg | 6.7 kg | 6.3 kg | 6.3 kg | 6.8 kg |
Barrel Length | 22″–26″ | 27″ | 24″–26″ | 27″ | 27.2″ | 27″ |
Action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
Magazine Capacity | 5 or 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 or 10 rounds |
Primary Use | Tactical, Sniper | Military, Long-range precision | Military, Tactical | Military, Long-range shooting | Military, Precision shooting | Military, Tactical |
Price Range (USD) | $4,500–$6,500 | $10,000–$12,000 | $6,000–$8,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | $4,000–$6,000 | $6,500–$8,500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Desert Tech SRS is available for civilian purchase, though it is expensive and typically used for tactical applications and long-range precision shooting.
The SRS is known for its sub-MOA accuracy, making it a highly accurate rifle at distances up to 1,500 yards, depending on the caliber used.
Yes, the SRS is highly modular and can switch between calibers such as .308 Win, .338 Lapua Mag, and .300 Win Mag by swapping out the barrel.
The SRS weighs approximately 12 lbs, making it a bit heavy for some users, but it is still considered manageable for precision shooting applications.
The recoil in larger calibers such as .338 Lapua Magnum can be significant, but the rifle's design helps to mitigate recoil, making it more manageable for shooters.