Top Tier Action Choice

Holy cow that is beautiful, how are you liking the ZCO?

It's very nice! The only downsides are the price, the fact that it can be picky about the rings and ring torque, and difficulty finding 36mm mounts and bubble levels.

It's difficult to look through other optics after using the ZCO. That includes binoculars and range finders.
 
It's very nice! The only downsides are the price, the fact that it can be picky about the rings and ring torque, and difficulty finding 36mm mounts and bubble levels.

It's difficult to look through other optics after using the ZCO. That includes binoculars and range finders.

Thanks for the reply Adam. When you're referring to them being picky with ring torque have these optics been prone to damage to the body or internals from specific torque thresholds? I've been doing a lot of research into upgrading my optic when I go to rebarrel my rifle. The ZCO's clarity and refinement are making it a top contender, price aside; quality speaks for itself and there's one at my local dealer I want to go check out. What caliber is your rifle chambered in?
 
Thanks for the reply Adam. When you're referring to them being picky with ring torque have these optics been prone to damage to the body or internals from specific torque thresholds? I've been doing a lot of research into upgrading my optic when I go to rebarrel my rifle. The ZCO's clarity and refinement are making it a top contender, price aside; quality speaks for itself and there's one at my local dealer I want to go check out. What caliber is your rifle chambered in?

The rifle in the photo is my PRS rig, in 6mm BRA. I bought a prefit PVA 6.5x47L barrel from Gobig over the winter, that I plan to run in NRL Hunter this year. And I have a IBI barrel on order and gunsmith Larry Brice lined up for a 308win barrel for Worlds this summer. All going on Zeus actions.

I don't think the ring clamp force damages the internals, but it does cause the parallax dial to bind if there is too much pressure in certain spots on the tube. The Spuhr is probably the worst for it due to the span of the ring cap, plus 6 screws per cap, plus how little range of front-back adjustment you have due to the cap span. I recently picked up ARC rings to try, and being much shorter ring span, it's easy to avoid the sensitive spots.
 
The rifle in the photo is my PRS rig, in 6mm BRA. I bought a prefit PVA 6.5x47L barrel from Gobig over the winter, that I plan to run in NRL Hunter this year. And I have a IBI barrel on order and gunsmith Larry Brice lined up for a 308win barrel for Worlds this summer. All going on Zeus actions.

I don't think the ring clamp force damages the internals, but it does cause the parallax dial to bind if there is too much pressure in certain spots on the tube. The Spuhr is probably the worst for it due to the span of the ring cap, plus 6 screws per cap, plus how little range of front-back adjustment you have due to the cap span. I recently picked up ARC rings to try, and being much shorter ring span, it's easy to avoid the sensitive spots.

Excellent info on the optic and the mount compatibility that is something I will take into consideration.
 
Other than price point, what are folks thoughts on Defiance actions? I am leaning that direction for my next high end build. Any input welcomed.
I will agree with previous posters about the Pristine actions. They seem ok for the price point, but I would rather spend a bit more and have a bit smoother, more refined action.
 
I built a Defiance Ruckus in 338 Lapua a year ago, and it's superb. Really light bolt lift, and smooth as butter. It plays nice with the TT diamond (no #### on close), unlike my Origin. Zero binding, and the coating on the bolt has held up great. And it dropped right into my Whiskey 3 with no monkeying at all. Fed perfectly right out of the box.
I'd have more than one if their price hike hadn't pissed me off.
 
Other than price point, what are folks thoughts on Defiance actions? I am leaning that direction for my next high end build. Any input welcomed.
I will agree with previous posters about the Pristine actions. They seem ok for the price point, but I would rather spend a bit more and have a bit smoother, more refined action.

Hard to go with Defiance after their recent price hikes.
 
I have a pristine action, it is very smooth and nice bolt lift. It is similar to a mark5 in some ways, with two banks of 3 lugs instead of 3 banks of two, for a nice 90 degree lift. The lugs travel at 12 and 6 o'clock instead of across, so like the weatherby the extractor precedes the lug in turning and is not in way of the loading port when cocked. It's a,lso similar to my steyr in that respect. I have borden and tikka, and I like my pristine. I see that the o.p. has dismissed the pristine along with some other people that don't seem to have any knowledge of them so I thought I would say something as someone who actually owns one
 
Other than price point, what are folks thoughts on Defiance actions? I am leaning that direction for my next high end build. Any input welcomed.
I will agree with previous posters about the Pristine actions. They seem ok for the price point, but I would rather spend a bit more and have a bit smoother, more refined action.

I've run a Deviant Elite for 5 years now (I think?) and really don't have anything bad to say about it. The controlled round feed and mechanical ejector are quite nice and the action itself feels nice and smooth. It's probably seen 4-5 barrels and well over 10 rounds at this point. If I was shopping for a Defiance now I'd probably just get a Ruckus but I haven't aid attention to the price increases since new ownership took over. There are just so many good actions out there these days...
 
Can't go wrong with the LP Fuzion. The Bat and Defiance Elite are very nice as well. You wouldn't be regretting any of them. Decide what features are important to you or whats available. 90 vs 60 throw, CRF, ejection, finish.
 
I’ve got a long action Terminus Zeus in 300 PRC non quick change. It breaks in nicely, the dlc coating is great, and with a heavy gun the rifle doesn’t move when you lift the bolt despite it being a bit heavier lift than a 90 degree action. If you’re doing a big magnum cartridge I’d say stick with the non quick change full tenon version. For short action the qc is probably the way to go. Haven’t had hands on time with a Lone Peak yet but have heard nothing but good things. Basically just choose whether you want a 90 degree throw or a 60 and that will determine which one to buy out of the two. Can’t really go wrong imo.
 
I'm curious, what aspect of your current actions, and more specifically your ARC Coup de Grace are you hoping to improve upon by switching to a higher end action?
 
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