Battle of the AW-cut Actions (AKA I can’t make up my mind)

[drew hopkinth]

I’m looking to build a 6.5 creed NRL Hunter build that utilizes the large quantity of AW mags I already own from my AI AT and I’ve been looking at the Zeus QC and ARC CDG as the two main actions at the heart of this project. What would you go with? The ARC is less expensive but harder to swap barrels on while the Zeus has a similar QC feature to what I’m used to with my AI (and a lot more available prefits). Help is definitely appreciated!

 

[spife7980]

Id skip the curtis and wonder why you didnt include the impact and bighorn actions as choices with the arc.

 

[drew hopkinth]

Id skip the curtis and wonder why you didnt include the impact and bighorn actions as choices with the arc.

Mostly because I’m used to 60° bolt throw from my AT and want something that feels close

 

[RFutch]

Mostly because I’m used to 60° bolt throw from my AT and want something that feels close

The CDG is a 70 but it feels more like a 90. Because of the interchangable bolt handle design the handle stops its rotation up near the scope like a 90.

 

[drew hopkinth]

The CDG is a 70 but it feels more like a 90. Because of the interchangable bolt handle design the handle stops its rotation up near the scope like a 90. View attachment 8217685

Does that lead to scope clearance issues?

 

[lash]

Based on your criteria, including your preference for a similar barrel swap system, I’m betting the Terminus gets your nod. As to buying prefits, that’s a preference that currently also gets your favorite Zeus the nod.

Your post reads to me like you want the Zeus but want to be convinced that saving money on the CDG will make you happy. Just get what you want and you’ll be happier in the end.

 

[AllenOne1]

Does that lead to scope clearance issues?

Not in my experience. My thumb moves freely between the bolt handle knob and the scope.

 

[RFutch]

Does that lead to scope clearance issues?

Not for me, ever. But I also don't run my bolts like a ham fisted gorilla.

 

[lash]

Not for me, ever. But I also don't run my bolts like a ham fisted gorilla.

Hey!! Who you calling a ham fisted gorilla?!? Why I oughta…!!

lol, jk. Just looking out for the large of limb, as they can crush me like a bug.

 

[ObiJohn]

Why couldn't you get the ease of barrel swapping by adding a Switchlug to the CDG? You'd still be hundreds cheaper than the Zeus.

As a rule, aren't action with shorter bolt throws stiffer to open due to the decreased range of rotation having to retract the firing pin the same distance (exerting more force to open the bolt is required, potentially moving the rifle more and adding time to target re-acquisition)?

Is cost what is keeping the Blaser R8 from widespread PRS rifle adoption?

 

[kindabitey]

Why couldn't you get the ease of barrel swapping by adding a Switchlug to the CDG? You'd still be hundreds cheaper than the Zeus.

As a rule, aren't action with shorter bolt throws stiffer to open due to the decreased range of rotation having to retract the firing pin the same distance (exerting more force to open the bolt is required, potentially moving the rifle more and adding time to target re-acquisition)?

Is cost what is keeping the Blaser R8 from widespread PRS rifle adoption?

I heard Ted K. at American Rifle say one time you didn’t want a 60 degree bolt throw, but didn’t elaborate. If your location is accurate, you could probably go by and ask him.

 

[ObiJohn]

I heard Ted K. at American Rifle say one time you didn’t want a 60 degree bolt throw, but didn’t elaborate. If your location is accurate, you could probably go by and ask him.

My question about increased bolt lift effort was rhetorical. Exerting the same amount of force over a shorter distance requires increased effort. I would also think that the leverage afforded by the CDG's pivoting bolt handle that doesn't use an action cam to help withdraw the bolt further reduces the effort.

I've never handled an ARC action, but I'm interested in it and the Mausingfield. My Cloward OTC HP rifle is built on an M70 Classic action, chambered in .243 Win with a 26" Lilja 1:7" barrel. It is heavy, but cycling the action while in the prone position takes very little force... and it shoots 1/2 MOA with the Sierra 107 MKs out to 600 yards (from the bench).

 

[TheBigCountry]

I have an impact in 6 creed and I’m feeling rather spoiled. It ran off my AW mags and some MDTs fine.

Shooting it next to my AT was like a night and day difference and I give the nod to the Impact

 

[Hennig]

I’d take a CDG over the Zeus and own both. No wrong answer though.

I’d take a Fuzion 10x over an Impact if you want a 2 lug.

 

[kthomas]

My question about increased bolt lift effort was rhetorical. Exerting the same amount of force over a shorter distance requires increased effort. I would also think that the leverage afforded by the CDG's pivoting bolt handle that doesn't use an action cam to help withdraw the bolt further reduces the effort.

I've never handled an ARC action, but I'm interested in it and the Mausingfield. My Cloward OTC HP rifle is built on an M70 Classic action, chambered in .243 Win with a 26" Lilja 1:7" barrel. It is heavy, but cycling the action while in the prone position takes very little force... and it shoots 1/2 MOA with the Sierra 107 MKs out to 600 yards (from the bench).

The Mausingfield is an amazing action, very underrated.

One of, if not my absolute favorite.

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

My question about increased bolt lift effort was rhetorical. Exerting the same amount of force over a shorter distance requires increased effort. I would also think that the leverage afforded by the CDG's pivoting bolt handle that doesn't use an action cam to help withdraw the bolt further reduces the effort.

I've never handled an ARC action, but I'm interested in it and the Mausingfield. My Cloward OTC HP rifle is built on an M70 Classic action, chambered in .243 Win with a 26" Lilja 1:7" barrel. It is heavy, but cycling the action while in the prone position takes very little force... and it shoots 1/2 MOA with the Sierra 107 MKs out to 600 yards (from the bench).

The only time the pivoting handle actually pivots is when there's enough resistance from the case to start engaging the spring.

The pivoting bolt handle will also have no effect on the actual opening of the bolt. That's dictated by the force needed to cock.

 

[Supersubes]

The only time the pivoting handle actually pivots is when there's enough resistance from the case to start engaging the spring.

The pivoting bolt handle will also have no effect on the actual opening of the bolt. That's dictated by the force needed to cock.

Thats exactly the same point he’s making.

 

[NateVA]

I’d take a CDG over the Zeus and own both. No wrong answer though.

I’d take a Fuzion 10x over an Impact if you want a 2 lug.

Well that sure gives me validation on the barreled action order I have using a LP Fuzion. I'll be using AW mags with it too, in a Foundation with a Hawkins DBM. Hoping to get reliable feeding with that setup.

 

[Hennig]

Well that sure gives me validation on the barreled action order I have using a LP Fuzion. I'll be using AW mags with it too, in a Foundation with a Hawkins DBM. Hoping to get reliable feeding with that setup.

You’ll be laughing, can’t see you having issues.

Although I’d always opt for the MDT bottom metal with the adjustable latch, given the choice.

 

[TheOE800]

You’ll be laughing, can’t see you having issues.

Although I’d always opt for the MDT bottom metal with the adjustable latch, given the choice.

If MDT had that bottom metal when I had my Impact or Defiance actions and a Foundation, I might still have any of those brands of parts. Couldn’t get it to feed AWs reliably with OTM or Hawkins DBM.

 

[FuhQ]

ARC CDG or Aero Solus.

Seriously, don't just laugh at the Solus because it's Aero...Check one out before scoffing at them. Mine was a tiny bit stiff when new, but after about 500 cycles with some Aeroshell 33/64 on the bolt head, lugs, and raceways, it is now ridiculously smooth, with light bolt lift. It glides like it's on rails. 60º bolt throw. Dual ejectors. 3-lug. Interchangeable bolt heads. AICS & AW cut from the factory. Uses a really nice (no play) trigger hanger setup. 20MOA integrated rail on top. Dual, forward-facing gas ports. Heavy duty and made from a solid billet of 416r stainless. Specs-wise, it's pretty decked out for a sub-$700 action on sale.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Gap tempest. Was made to run AW but can do Aics, bolt design is same as AI, 60degree throw (lighter than AI), rem700 footprint and triggers.

 

[4O6shootist]

I woundnt even consider a terminus. CDG are pretty decent, lug pattern is 2,6,10 like the AI, Tempest, as well as Solus. Of all these, I honestly think the tempest has the best feel.

 

[giumau1]

CDG or TL3 for the win

 

[TheOE800]

People still recommend the GAP Tempest in 2024?

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

People still recommend the GAP Tempest in 2024?

Why shouldn't it be recommended? It works.