Hello gents this is my first thread here so show me some semblance of mercy please. I've followed Ted and ARC since around 2016 when I stumbled upon the Mausingfield and have lusted after one ever since however, with the CDG coming out I'm torn as to which would be the better option. I'd love the opinions of those who've not only used both but have likely sent more lead down range than I've drawn gasps of air.
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ARC Mausingfield or Coup De Grace?
- Thread starter Kxaxukluth
- Start date
I've chosen to stick with my Mausingfield actions. The fact I can get standard savage prefit barrels does save a little on barrels.
I like both - but - between the two - Mausingfield for me. 
Watch videos on YouTube of each being field stripped in case you are less than mechanical like I am.
-Stan
-Stan
I'd be going from a Stiller Predator long action I put together over the summer so either way I consider it a substantial upgrade.
My M5 Mausingfield is by far my favorite custom action and I’m looking at picking up a CDG. Guys that had both and kept the Maus, can you let me know why you ended up with the Mausingfield? Bolt lift? Smoothness? Prefits are available for both from great smiths out there so barrel availability is a tie for me.
I'm sure other people will have different reasons, and some of mine are opinions that may be unfounded.
My Mousingfield has a claw, and I had no plans on running AW mags. The CDG has holes all over it that makes me think it'll plug up with fine dust/dirt. The CDG is heavier and has fat bolt that rides in the action with a groove in the side to keep it indexed with the ejector. The Mousingfield smaller diameter bolt that has lugs that run in raceways and feels like more solid. For hunting I think the Mousingfield will run in dirtier conditions then the CDG.
I did like the pivoting handle, but kept my Archimedes as well.
I'd say that's a possibilty. He was all about the Archimedes when it came out and now it's gone.
It's official. I received the below from ARC:
Discontinuation of Mausingfield, Nucleus, and Archimedes Actions
American Rifle is not currently producing the Mausingfield, Nucleus, and Archimedes and bolt actions.
Why did we discontinue these?
With the advent of the Coup De Grâce action, we decided that continuing to produce either the Nucleus or the Archimedes was pointless because the Coup De Grâce does everything those two actions did and more. The Nucleus and the Archimedes were very similar using a common bolthead, but the Nucleus used a fixed bolt handle offering conventional camming for primary extraction while the Archimedes used a pivoting handle offering superior lever extraction. The Coup De Grâce offers the option to run with either fixed or pivoting bolt handles and works exceptionally well with either. It’s up to the customer to decide which to run. In general, the advantage offered by the superior extraction of the pivoting handle is more important for large cartridges.
The Coup De Grâce was designed to work specifically with an Accuracy International AW magazine, something many of our customers asked for. It is also compatible with the AI CS magazine, which is also referred to simply as an AI mag. The AW mag is a true double stack magazine offering a 10-round capacity in a very compact package. Pushing the first round out of a fully loaded AW magazine requires considerably less force than would otherwise be required to do the same from a 10-round AI CS mag. Less force required to feed the chamber results in a smoother and faster bolt cycle. We think that the AI AW magazine is the best available for the 308 Win family of cartridges. Neither the Nucleus nor the Archimedes were compatible with the AI AW magazine.
The Coup De Grâce can also handle large cartridges such as the 338 Lapua Magnum and the Norma magnums, all having head diameters of 14.93mm (0.588 in), something that neither the Nucleus nor the Archimedes could do.
Into the Coup De Grâce action, we also incorporated a novel trigger hanger which enables the user to set the location of a fire control (trigger) assembly in precisely the correct location to make closing the bolt as easy and as smooth
as possible. Although it may have been possible to fit this feature within any of the other three actions, it wasn’t until the advent of the Coup De Grâce that it was done.
Basically, Coup De Grâce is the culmination of our experience with the development of five other actions, three of which were brought to market, the input of numerous customers along the way, and insights gained by examination and understanding of historic designs such as the Mauser 98, the Remington Model 700, and many others. As such, it offers a foundation for the highest performing rifles that can be built at any price.
So, what about the Mausingfield? The Coup De Grâce rendered the Nucleus and the Archimedes obsolete, but the Mausingfield was different enough to enjoy a place in the market for more classic guns.
There’s certainly a special place in my heart for a Mauser-ish style action worthy of stocking in exquisite walnut and embellishing by a master engraver. That said, and at the risk of sounding blasphemous to those who still revere the timeless Mauser 98 hunting rifles of the early twentieth century, and maybe even the pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters, I think we can do better. As good as those were, applying lessons learned, modern design and manufacturing tools and methods, and classic aesthetics leaves me with zero doubt that the best hunting rifles are those of the future rather than those of the past. And with that, I leave it to you to wonder when American Rifle Company of maybe even someone else will do the work necessary to offer such rifles. Until then, stay tuned and thank you for your business.
Discontinuation of Mausingfield, Nucleus, and Archimedes Actions
American Rifle is not currently producing the Mausingfield, Nucleus, and Archimedes and bolt actions.
Why did we discontinue these?
With the advent of the Coup De Grâce action, we decided that continuing to produce either the Nucleus or the Archimedes was pointless because the Coup De Grâce does everything those two actions did and more. The Nucleus and the Archimedes were very similar using a common bolthead, but the Nucleus used a fixed bolt handle offering conventional camming for primary extraction while the Archimedes used a pivoting handle offering superior lever extraction. The Coup De Grâce offers the option to run with either fixed or pivoting bolt handles and works exceptionally well with either. It’s up to the customer to decide which to run. In general, the advantage offered by the superior extraction of the pivoting handle is more important for large cartridges.
The Coup De Grâce was designed to work specifically with an Accuracy International AW magazine, something many of our customers asked for. It is also compatible with the AI CS magazine, which is also referred to simply as an AI mag. The AW mag is a true double stack magazine offering a 10-round capacity in a very compact package. Pushing the first round out of a fully loaded AW magazine requires considerably less force than would otherwise be required to do the same from a 10-round AI CS mag. Less force required to feed the chamber results in a smoother and faster bolt cycle. We think that the AI AW magazine is the best available for the 308 Win family of cartridges. Neither the Nucleus nor the Archimedes were compatible with the AI AW magazine.
The Coup De Grâce can also handle large cartridges such as the 338 Lapua Magnum and the Norma magnums, all having head diameters of 14.93mm (0.588 in), something that neither the Nucleus nor the Archimedes could do.
Into the Coup De Grâce action, we also incorporated a novel trigger hanger which enables the user to set the location of a fire control (trigger) assembly in precisely the correct location to make closing the bolt as easy and as smooth
as possible. Although it may have been possible to fit this feature within any of the other three actions, it wasn’t until the advent of the Coup De Grâce that it was done.
Basically, Coup De Grâce is the culmination of our experience with the development of five other actions, three of which were brought to market, the input of numerous customers along the way, and insights gained by examination and understanding of historic designs such as the Mauser 98, the Remington Model 700, and many others. As such, it offers a foundation for the highest performing rifles that can be built at any price.
So, what about the Mausingfield? The Coup De Grâce rendered the Nucleus and the Archimedes obsolete, but the Mausingfield was different enough to enjoy a place in the market for more classic guns.
There’s certainly a special place in my heart for a Mauser-ish style action worthy of stocking in exquisite walnut and embellishing by a master engraver. That said, and at the risk of sounding blasphemous to those who still revere the timeless Mauser 98 hunting rifles of the early twentieth century, and maybe even the pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters, I think we can do better. As good as those were, applying lessons learned, modern design and manufacturing tools and methods, and classic aesthetics leaves me with zero doubt that the best hunting rifles are those of the future rather than those of the past. And with that, I leave it to you to wonder when American Rifle Company of maybe even someone else will do the work necessary to offer such rifles. Until then, stay tuned and thank you for your business.
I'm fairly certain I bought the last short action Mausingfield ARC had a month or so ago. I know I bought one and the next day they were listed as OOS and gone forever. It's a great piece.
Well that's sad news. Fwiw brownells.com has Mousingfield bolt conversions on sale. No .223 left though.
had an original mausingfield (large shank, serial # 11) and also the M7 or whatever when that came out.
the finest 2 lug actions ive ever owned.
ordered a new CDG for a prs rifle and a foundation stock. I got the non pivoting bolt handle so I can get a stupid light trigger(personal decision, may regret it). I love Ted's designs and now that he has hired hands to answer the phone there is NO downside to picking an ARC action. Ted's cool but he's so smart it's difficult for me to communicate with him. love when he makes the hello earthlings jokes on here.
the CDG is a 3 lug, 70 degree throw. it will be ever so slightly stiffer to operate than a mausingfield(probably), but it should function flawlessly with AW mags, IYKYK.
at these prices, and considering I haven't handled the cdg yet, I'd still go out on a limb and say save a buck and get the CDG. Ted doesn't make any shit products, I'm not entirely sure why this action is so cheap but enjoy it, don't pay more when you don't have to. seems clear he is pushing people to the new CDG for some reason(probably manufacturing ease but idk) this new CDG has the Springfield ejector that I love, plus some sort of powerful claw thing for extraction. plus I know he knows how to spec tolerances for dirt and shit in actions so they still work...
it'll be just like the mausingfields, it'll eat shit all day and beg for more with nary complaint or hickup(probably) and AW mags rock.
I ordered my barrel and action at the same time and I think my barrel will be made before the action so...
technically you could say I got an action to fit my barrel
the finest 2 lug actions ive ever owned.
ordered a new CDG for a prs rifle and a foundation stock. I got the non pivoting bolt handle so I can get a stupid light trigger(personal decision, may regret it). I love Ted's designs and now that he has hired hands to answer the phone there is NO downside to picking an ARC action. Ted's cool but he's so smart it's difficult for me to communicate with him. love when he makes the hello earthlings jokes on here.
the CDG is a 3 lug, 70 degree throw. it will be ever so slightly stiffer to operate than a mausingfield(probably), but it should function flawlessly with AW mags, IYKYK.
at these prices, and considering I haven't handled the cdg yet, I'd still go out on a limb and say save a buck and get the CDG. Ted doesn't make any shit products, I'm not entirely sure why this action is so cheap but enjoy it, don't pay more when you don't have to. seems clear he is pushing people to the new CDG for some reason(probably manufacturing ease but idk) this new CDG has the Springfield ejector that I love, plus some sort of powerful claw thing for extraction. plus I know he knows how to spec tolerances for dirt and shit in actions so they still work...
it'll be just like the mausingfields, it'll eat shit all day and beg for more with nary complaint or hickup(probably) and AW mags rock.
I ordered my barrel and action at the same time and I think my barrel will be made before the action so...
technically you could say I got an action to fit my barrel
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My 300 Norma m7 is a single digit in left hand. Ends in 02. Ordered it immediately when it came out
I guess I’m hesitant to change. Granted I don’t see myself building another rifle anytime soon. But the Mausingfield is one receiver that just seems to work. I’ve seen countless actions from cheap Remington 700 to expensive BAT actions that have trouble with feeding, extracting, or ejecting. Yet the Mausingfield just works.
Actually the Coup de Grace is going to be smoother due to an adjustable trigger hanger. When properly adjusted I can cycle mine with a pinky finger either empty or fired. I,ve never owned a Mausenfield but several Nucleus and Archimedes . I've liked all of them but what I can tell you is when I let my bud shoot/cycle my Coup de Grace he had me order him one and sold his higher dollar action.had an original mausingfield (large shank, serial # 11) and also the M7 or whatever when that came out.
the finest 2 lug actions ive ever owned.
ordered a new CDG for a prs rifle and a foundation stock. I got the non pivoting bolt handle so I can get a stupid light trigger(personal decision, may regret it). I love Ted's designs and now that he has hired hands to answer the phone there is NO downside to picking an ARC action. Ted's cool but he's so smart it's difficult for me to communicate with him. love when he makes the hello earthlings jokes on here.
the CDG is a 3 lug, 70 degree throw. it will be ever so slightly stiffer to operate than a mausingfield(probably), but it should function flawlessly with AW mags, IYKYK.
at these prices, and considering I haven't handled the cdg yet, I'd still go out on a limb and say save a buck and get the CDG. Ted doesn't make any shit products, I'm not entirely sure why this action is so cheap but enjoy it, don't pay more when you don't have to. seems clear he is pushing people to the new CDG for some reason(probably manufacturing ease but idk) this new CDG has the Springfield ejector that I love, plus some sort of powerful claw thing for extraction. plus I know he knows how to spec tolerances for dirt and shit in actions so they still work...
it'll be just like the mausingfields, it'll eat shit all day and beg for more with nary complaint or hickup(probably) and AW mags rock.
I ordered my barrel and action at the same time and I think my barrel will be made before the action so...
technically you could say I got an action to fit my barrel
I'm just making assumptions based on physics, less space to perform the same work means more effort I think. but as you've said, these are high dollar actions and if you do it right they should feel excellent regardless of 70 or 90 throw.
unless these actions just start shitting the bed hard-core I think this is the future of standard size bolt actions.
I've ran an AW/AX magazine in a 3 lug axmc for years, they're the best I've found and very convenient.
unless these actions just start shitting the bed hard-core I think this is the future of standard size bolt actions.
I've ran an AW/AX magazine in a 3 lug axmc for years, they're the best I've found and very convenient.
I've never had a feeding issue with any ARC action, BUT all I use are short mag cartridges, no standard or long. Stuff that is supposed to be harder to feed but no issues running Accurate Mags. Coup de Grace feeds like butter in 7 Saum.
I run the 260 with the bullets seated out. My coal is 2.95 and I’ve never a feeding issue with my Mausingfield.
Only issues I ever had were with light bullets in the 6.5 PRC in a LA Mausingfield. They were loaded to 2.85” in an 3.715” mag and my AG composites stock didn’t have a deep enough bottom metal cut for me to seat the mag higher. This resulted in the cartridge dipping and hitting the front of the feed ramp.
Now it is a 30-06 in a Manners with a mini chassis and it feeds flawlessly. I put a .300 Win Mag barrel and the AG composites stock on a CDG and that downward lug solved any feeding issues I had with that set up.
I was kind of worried about this when I ordered my nucleus. Ted seems to jump from one thing to another and not support his previously offered products. Hopefully I’ll never need parts for my action…
There are parts for these. And I think springs should be easy enough to find. It was a bummer to have to pay for a heavier spring on my Nuke 1.0 when it came out that the standard factory one was generating a lot of light strikes.
I don't think they should have phased out the Mausingfield, but maybe they weren't selling. Maybe he is cooking something else up, or maybe we'll get the CDG Rimfire we've all been asking for. Who knows. Small businesses make curious choices sometimes.
I don't think they should have phased out the Mausingfield, but maybe they weren't selling. Maybe he is cooking something else up, or maybe we'll get the CDG Rimfire we've all been asking for. Who knows. Small businesses make curious choices sometimes.
I have a old small shank Mausingfield. Once I bent the lips on a AI mag and put a mag spacer kit in I got it feeding 6mmBR perfectly. However I ruined a extractor trying to get it to eject cases perfectly so I ordered another extractor and left it alone. If I run the action fast and hard it ejects 99% but if I slow down and be gentle it'll turn the case around in the action a fair amount of the time.
I would have picked another action, Nuke, CDG, etc for 6mmBR.
I would have picked another action, Nuke, CDG, etc for 6mmBR.
I love the Mausingfield but if Ted and crew make a CDG that will feed from an ADL/BDL, I won’t be upset and will build some. Options are good but most do seem to use a DBM these days. (Even if the lines aren’t as pleasing to the eye as a high end BDL.)
ARC tells me the new lighter weight CDG will feed from Hawkins Hunter BDL. My action should be here in a week or two. We will see.
My complaint with the original CDG was all the stock and bottom metal fitting issues. Nothing insurmountable, but annoying.
I think you misheard or misunderstood them. Hawkins makes a Hunter DBM and the lightweight CDG doesn’t have any feedrails. Unless Hawkins has some new center feed BDL box I’m unaware of that somehow registers on the AW cut of the action?
Edited to add that such a center feed would have to be bottom loaded as well!
I misspoke. I said Hawkins Hunter BDL. The Hawkins Hunter is DBM. It just looks like a BDL with the flush fit magazine.
Or use a BnA Tacsport.
My M5 Mausingfield with Tacsport has incredibly light bolt lift.
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