AI AT-XC action vs Terminus Zeus

RonBurgundyy · Jul 15, 2024

Looking to get everyone's thoughts on this..

AI At-XC Action VS Terminus Zeus Action

I am either going to wait and buy AT-XC or do a custom build using terminus Zeus Action in AI AT-X Chassis.

What would make the AI worth the extra 1500? other than its an AI and its cool.

I have read very good things about the Zeus action and its reliability.

Rifle would be used for PRS style shooting along with possibly hunting with a Carbon barrel.

oldrifleman · Jul 15, 2024

First you are challenging the AI gods here to gather and convert you

. The AT-X is not a light weight chassis, but I love mine ( mine has a rimfire Anschutz action in it). I personally would not spend the extra money as you can get a better trigger, a easy QC barrel change and cheaper barrels (I know I will be struck by lightning soon).

Hennig · Jul 15, 2024

Has anyone even played with the XC action?

anon · Jul 15, 2024

With an AT-X AICS, you can check the action screws without having to disassemble the rifle.

I'm prepared to wait a while, but, I will have either a short chassis AT-X or a short chassis AT-X AICS with a Terminus Zeus. Unless the Zealot becomes available to us mere mortals. Then all bets are off.

The AT-X AICS chassis was the first and only chassis I have bought. I never really liked any other chassis. But, I have also shot a bit of High Power with an AR and prone with a RPR, so it feels about right.

oldrifleman · Jul 15, 2024

anon said:
With an AT-X AICS, you can check the action screws without having to disassemble the rifle.

I'm prepared to wait a while, but, I will have either a short chassis AT-X or a short chassis AT-X AICS with a Terminus Zeus. Unless the Zealot becomes available to us mere mortals. Then all bets are off.

The AT-X AICS chassis was the first and only chassis I have bought. I never really liked any other chassis. But, I have also shot a bit of High Power with an AR and prone with a RPR, so it feels about right.

The AT-X is the only chassis I have ever owned, but I really do like it!

RonBurgundyy · Jul 15, 2024

This is all helpful information.

How is the action on the AT-X? Compared to other premium brands Defiance/Terminus/Zermatt

Any experience with AXSR actions?

DocRDS · Jul 15, 2024

Consider the lack of accessorioes for the AI chassis. Their format (keyslot?) may be better but it suffers from lack of support.

6brshooter · Jul 15, 2024

Usually biggest detractor to AI is the chassis ergos, but since you like it....there will be more trigger options for Zeus. Barrel price is the same, unless you are comparing factory ai to pva/proof steel Zeus. One rifle is designed from the ground up to always work and be as reliable as death and taxes, it's mil lineage shows. The other is a bit slicker and tailored more for funseys and range use. I had a Curtis axiom and it was slick, I'm sure the Zeus is even better than the curtis.

Milf Dots · Jul 15, 2024

I lust after a Terminus Zeus custom build.

hafejd30 · Jul 15, 2024

RonBurgundyy said:
This is all helpful information.

How is the action on the AT-X? Compared to other premium brands Defiance/Terminus/Zermatt

Any experience with AXSR actions?

The ATX action is smooth. The bolt lift is the killer on those. Not sure what changed. My 2014 AT is several lbs lighter lift then my 22 ATX is

Now does that mean it’s crap…no. Normal shooting for me I don’t notice the bolt lift. When I’m load testing is where I notice it. I like to single feed and keep my cheek weld when testing. Same as I do shooting my fclass open gun

There’s another thread here recently pertaining to this as well as many mentions in other AI threads.

Before people say you should just go to the gym etc to get the strength to operate the bolt it’s not the point. For different disciplines it can be a hinderance. Like load testing for me or something like shooting off a barricade where a follow up shot is needed. The gun tends to tilt more compared to when it’s on a tripod or bipod/bag setup

You can use your thumb to help this but long story short it’s going to be more than an aftermarket action

Other models of AI are better. My AT and the AXMC I had were better. The AXSR I assume would be more on par with those. Which the ATXC action is supposed to mimic in design. Until someone whose handled them in the wild can confirm it’s better we can only hope

That said I love my AT. Warming up to my ATX but have thought of trading out for another AT

hairy_pineapple588 · Jul 15, 2024

So I was between the ATX and Zeus. I actually ordered an ATX and then cancelled the order after starting to look for accessories and finding them non existent and or insane wait times. The Ai threads here are a support group it seems like.

Couple things that swayed me.

I lusted after an Ai for an about 2 years. I finally got to shoot an AI Ax in 6 Creed. I was disappointed, the bolt was clunky and Heavy and the chassis I didn’t like. Just didn’t fit me at all.

I also got to shoot an Arc Nucleus, an impact 737 and a Gap Tempest. All 3 felt better than the AI to me.

Also the lack of being able to change triggers I didn’t like.

I sat down and thought hard about what purposes I wanted it for. I wanted to get into Prs and matches.

So I ended up with a Zeus and I couldn’t be happier.

hafejd30 · Jul 15, 2024

hairy_pineapple588 said:
So I was between the ATX and Zeus. I actually ordered an ATX and then cancelled the order after starting to look for accessories and finding them non existent and or insane wait times. The Ai threads here are a support group it seems like.

Couple things that swayed me.

I lusted after an Ai for an about 2 years. I finally got to shoot an AI Ax in 6 Creed. I was disappointed, the bolt was clunky and Heavy and the chassis I didn’t like. Just didn’t fit me at all.

I also got to shoot an Arc Nucleus, an impact 737 and a Gap Tempest. All 3 felt better than the AI to me.

Also the lack of being able to change triggers I didn’t like.

I sat down and thought hard about what purposes I wanted it for. I wanted to get into Prs and matches.

So I ended up with a Zeus and I couldn’t be happier.

I love my AI’s but if/when I build another 300 WM or PRC I’ll be looking heavily into the Zeus as well as a few others. Pricing of the new AI’s makes it harder to justify that as a recommendation

The cost of used from the px though is still very respectable in my opinion. AT prices seem to have crept up a decent amount but prices for axmc are definitely reasonable yet

Ty21 · Jul 15, 2024

I’m too poor to have an ai but I do have a Zeus and love it…. If you want to run big calibers like 338 lapua or 300 norms I know that you’ll need to get the full thread version as the qc isn’t up to handle those cartridges…. I haven’t actually talked to Joel about just what some members have said. If you’re trying to customize it and want to change everything on it then get the Zeus. If you want a rifle to just shoot and don’t care about changing anything just barrels then probably get the ai. I feel like with an ai your paying because it’s military rifle and it’s been proven from frozen Antarctica to the hot ass desert.

Cody S · Jul 15, 2024

I went with the ARC CDG. unlike the terminus, it has a usable 3 lug design that strips rounds from an AW magazine.
the terminus will always be hit or miss on AW mags and mostly miss.
if you want aics mags then terminus would be a great fit.
the atxc will feed great from aw and ax mags for anything .457 head based or whatever it is.
the terminus will feed from Aics mags most readily.
American rifle company's Coup De Grace feeds from AW mags.
just so you know I've heard the paint on the atx aics chassis comes off easy, and you may consider bedding it.
imo don't bother with quick change, just buy a cheap vice and torque that sucker down.
I ordered a prefit for my cdg action and will likely have the barrel before the action.
i had an axmc, loved it, the novelty wore off and i sold it to make a custom target rifle.
my action and action wrench cost me about 1k fwiw.

Simia Dei · Jul 16, 2024

Have any of you compared the Curtis Valor to the Terminus Zeus?

RonBurgundyy · Jul 16, 2024

Does look like the At-XC will have a 60 degree throw and 6 lugs. SO maybe a stiffer lift still but improved with shorter throw.

Can an AT-X action run 6.5 PRC? That is the one thing that has me looking at the ZEUS.. The option of being able to run 6.5 PRC or other SAUMs is enticing.

hafejd30 · Jul 16, 2024

RonBurgundyy said:
Does look like the At-XC will have a 60 degree throw and 6 lugs. SO maybe a stiffer lift still but improved with shorter throw.

Can an AT-X action run 6.5 PRC? That is the one thing that has me looking at the ZEUS.. The option of being able to run 6.5 PRC or other SAUMs is enticing.

Yes but you’ll have to watch for when @MOUNTIC or other members have them for sale. Or have a regular short action bolt and convert it

The Zeus would I’m sure be much cheaper and much more available in regards to that option. They say the atxc will have the ability to change bolt heads but it’s AI so that could come in the 2nd quarter of 2028 for all we know.

Here’s some that were for sale last year

SOLD - Sold. New Gen 3 Accuracy International AT-X 6.5 PRC Converted Rifles

New Accuracy International Gen 3 ATX rifles in DE. In conjunction with Black Canyon Customs I am offering just 4 of these new rifles in 6.5 PRC at the moment. Bolt faces are opened up and barrels are spun up in 6.5PRC. These barrels are on Bartlein Blanks. MTU Contour, 5r rifling, 7.5t...

www.snipershide.com

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 16, 2024

Simia Dei said:
Have any of you compared the Curtis Valor to the Terminus Zeus?

Yeah I have 2 Valor and a Terminus Zues and all barrels will headspace on all 3 of the actions. Pretty cool. They are extremely similar in every way. I prefer running the Valor a little bit though the zues is a little bit nicer to look at but thats really looking closely. Both are fantastic and I've not ever had any issue with any of the 3. The Valor has a little bit of a lighter bolt lift and is just a tiny bit easier to run for me. All of mine are set up with the same TT Diamond.

Simia Dei · Jul 16, 2024

BuildingConceptsllc said:
Yeah I have 2 Valor and a Terminus Zues and all barrels will headspace on all 3 of the actions. Pretty cool. They are extremely similar in every way. I prefer running the Valor a little bit though the zues is a little bit nicer to look at but thats really looking closely. Both are fantastic and I've not ever had any issue with any of the 3. The Valor has a little bit of a lighter bolt lift and is just a tiny bit easier to run for me. All of mine are set up with the same TT Diamond.

Thanks mate, cheers for the info

diggler1833 · Jul 16, 2024

I wanted an AI for years...probably decades. I got an AT-X finally last year. I like it, but I'm one and done with AI's aftermarket parts availability and customer support.

The Terminus is going to have a lot more to offer regarding the availability of readily accessible parts from aftermarket vendors. Plus you can build one out now for generally less than the AT-XC.

K80/6.5 · Jul 16, 2024

I was told 3Q on Tikka inlet for AT-X I would do that with a sterk swept ball knob and heavier barrel. Poor man’s AI with better bolt lift and a dependable trigger you would have to use aics mags.

RonBurgundyy · Jul 16, 2024

anon said:
With an AT-X AICS, you can check the action screws without having to disassemble the rifle.

I'm prepared to wait a while, but, I will have either a short chassis AT-X or a short chassis AT-X AICS with a Terminus Zeus. Unless the Zealot becomes available to us mere mortals. Then all bets are off.

The AT-X AICS chassis was the first and only chassis I have bought. I never really liked any other chassis. But, I have also shot a bit of High Power with an AR and prone with a RPR, so it feels about right.

Do you see a benefit in short chassis vs long?

besides weight/preference

stanley_white · Jul 16, 2024

I bought an AI AT because I wanted a military-proven rifle that was designed from the ground up to use AW magazines.

If I had different wants I would have bought a different rifle.

-Stan

Firestarter123 · Jul 16, 2024

Coming from a major AI fan I'd say if you ever want to use a magnum bolt face go with something else.

I wouldn't believe AI when they say they'll be releasing a magnum bolt for the AT-XC until I can actually order it from MHSA or Euro Optic.

anon · Jul 16, 2024

RonBurgundyy said:
Do you see a benefit in short chassis vs long?

besides weight/preference

It's about 17 1/8" of AT-X barrel to the end of the long chassis. It depends on your choice of muzzle device, I suppose. Mile High had the 16 1/2" barrel listed for the AT-X for a while. I called and asked, really?

I don't ever expect to need the wrench flats, but a 16 1/2" barrel fits the short chassis as intended.

I have been changing barrels on an AT-X regularly and am pleased with that feature.

I haven't yet figured out my barrel weight budget for an F-TR barrel, so I don't know if the minimal weight decrease would help there. With a 24" medium palma 6mm and a Golden Eagle, I'm at about 14 1/2 pounds for sling shooting. I do know that I don't need the long chassis for prone matches from a sling.

BassNbrass · Jul 16, 2024

K80/6.5 said:
I was told 3Q on Tikka inlet for AT-X I would do that with a sterk swept ball knob and heavier barrel. Poor man’s AI with better bolt lift and a dependable trigger you would have to use aics mags.

Reliable info on the Tikka inlet coming? i would be pretty interested in that if its for real.

BassNbrass · Jul 16, 2024

For OP, i only have ever played with a Zeus for a few minutes but i own 4 Curtis actions which are almost identical to a Terminus Zeus. I have been very happy with all of my Curtis actions and they share an almost identical blueprint. Always have heard good things about AI but the product support and versatility of a custom 700 action is unmatched.
my vote would go towards a Zeus or Valor.
Good luck with the decision hard to go wrong either way.

hic28 · Jul 16, 2024

DocRDS said:
Consider the lack of accessorioes for the AI chassis. Their format (keyslot?) may be better but it suffers from lack of support.

Serious question, not trying to be a dick but what is it missing?

Both AI and Dependabuilt make weights and pic rails are accessible, is there something I’m not thinking about?

spife7980 · Jul 16, 2024

hic28 said:
Serious question, not trying to be a dick but what is it missing?

Both AI and Dependabuilt make weights and pic rails are accessible, is there something I’m not thinking about?

View attachment 8460568

Edit, in case people don’t get the joke

louu · Jul 16, 2024

Once you have something that says terminus on the side you quit looking at anything else.

hic28 · Jul 16, 2024

spife7980 said:
View attachment 8460570

oldrifleman · Jul 16, 2024

spife7980 said:
View attachment 8460570
Edit, in case people don’t get the joke

View attachment 8460572

The AT-X has a built in ARCO bottom rail. Hook anything you want to that!

K80/6.5 · Jul 16, 2024

BassNbrass said:
Reliable info on the Tikka inlet coming? i would be pretty interested in that if its for real.

They exist across the ocean. Sent you a pm. This was on the atx fb page.

DocRDS · Jul 16, 2024

hic28 said:
Serious question, not trying to be a dick but what is it missing?

Both AI and Dependabuilt make weights and pic rails are accessible, is there something I’m not thinking about?

View attachment 8460568

Pic rails are overpriced compared to other systems. 2 round Quivers, sling point attachments, and the various do-dads of PRS are not available. I like the trigger, but triggers are also a "get what you get".

No opition for mag or 223/6ARC bolts.

Just not what i expected. Opinion of 1.

Bucket · Jul 16, 2024

I'm an AI fan, I've had my AT since 2014 and love it for precision service rifle shooting. I also have an AWSM and have owned an AW.
When I got into PRS I thought I had to have an AT-X, so I ordered and waited.....
Finally the rifle shows up and like others I found the bolt lift heavyish, but worse the bolt drop was pretty damn heavy. Like, difficult to keep the rifle on target on a dodgy barricade heavy.
I bought an ARC CDG and timed the trigger and it was a revelation, especially the bolt drop.
Very few people who bought AT-Xs here in Aus persisted with them and all but the first few lost a lot of $ selling them off an buying customs.
If you're mainly shooting prone off a bipod or from a solid rest, the AT-X is nice. From a barricade or less than stable position they leave something to be desired.

beetroot · Jul 17, 2024

BassNbrass said:
Reliable info on the Tikka inlet coming? i would be pretty interested in that if its for real.

I think I already exists, I was emailing Sporting Services and got the impression they have them in stock.

RonBurgundyy · Jul 17, 2024

K80/6.5 said:
They exist across the ocean. Sent you a pm. This was on the atx fb page.

What bag rider is this?

Imw787 · Oct 20, 2024

Is the QC mechanism on both of these essentially the same? Twist on barrel with an Allan bolt locking it into place?

Ty21 · Oct 20, 2024

Imw787 said:
Is the QC mechanism on both of these essentially the same? Twist on barrel with an Allan bolt locking it into place?

No the Zeus has 2 set screws that make it so the barrel doesn’t move and the ai has one screw that I think kinda clamps on the barrel so it doesn’t move.

Imw787 · Oct 20, 2024

Ty21 said:
No the Zeus has 2 set screws that make it so the barrel doesn’t move and the ai has one screw that I think kinda clamps on the barrel so it doesn’t move.

Please bear with me as I’m a bit slow. On the AI is the screw closing a clamp almost like a hose clamp or is the screw just pushing into the thread to hold in place?

For the Terminus must the barrel be timed for the set screws?

Based on feedback it sounds like both systems are fairly robust but not a lot out there on how they actually function and if one is a better approach over the other.

hic28 · Oct 20, 2024

AI the screw is tightening a section of threads creating clamping force around the shank of the barrel.

Ty21 · Oct 20, 2024

I think the ai is like a hose clamp but I don’t own one so idk and the barrel just needs to be cut for the set screws so there’s no threads on that part a lot of people make prefits for the Zeus and ai so I think if your trying to decide which one then I don’t think you can go wrong with eather one the ai has a military background

hafejd30 · Oct 20, 2024

Imw787 said:
Is the QC mechanism on both of these essentially the same? Twist on barrel with an Allan bolt locking it into place?

The Zeus has two set screws. They contact the unthreaded portion of the barrel between the threads and the shoulder

The AI is a clamp that clamps the action on the threads themselves.

Cagey-platpus · Oct 28, 2024

RonBurgundyy said:
Looking to get everyone's thoughts on this..

AI At-XC Action VS Terminus Zeus Action

I am either going to wait and buy AT-XC or do a custom build using terminus Zeus Action in AI AT-X Chassis.

What would make the AI worth the extra 1500? other than its an AI and its cool.

I have read very good things about the Zeus action and its reliability.

Rifle would be used for PRS style shooting along with possibly hunting with a Carbon barrel.

A little late to this so i am not sure if you made your decision. I own a AT-x and a terminus Zeus and a AIAT. I perfer the AT-X and would choose it over the other two. The terminus does have a lighter bolt lift as was mentioned but I have no issues with my AT-x and it feels about the same as my AT. I like the lower profile of the AT-X over the AT and it is easier for me to shoot. After having both (actually still have all 3) my choice would be the AT-X and it would not be a difficult decision either.

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