AI AT-XC action vs Terminus Zeus

RonBurgundyy

RonBurgundyy

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Nov 5, 2022
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#1
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.
 
#2
First you are challenging the AI gods here to gather and convert you :LOL:. 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).
 
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#4
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.
 
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#5
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.
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The AT-X is the only chassis I have ever owned, but I really do like it!
 
#8
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.
 
#10
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?
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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
 
#11
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.
 

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#12
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.
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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
 
#13
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.
 
#14
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.
 
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#16
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.
 
#17
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.
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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
www.snipershide.com

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 www.snipershide.com
 
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#18
Simia Dei said:
Have any of you compared the Curtis Valor to the Terminus Zeus?
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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.
 
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#19
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.
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Thanks mate, cheers for the info
 
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#20
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.
 
#22
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.
Click to expand...
Do you see a benefit in short chassis vs long?

besides weight/preference
 
#24
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.
 
#25
RonBurgundyy said:
Do you see a benefit in short chassis vs long?

besides weight/preference
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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.
 
#27
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.
 
#34
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
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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.
 
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#35
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.
 
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#39
Imw787 said:
Is the QC mechanism on both of these essentially the same? Twist on barrel with an Allan bolt locking it into place?
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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.
 
#40
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.
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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.
 
#42
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
 
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#43
Imw787 said:
Is the QC mechanism on both of these essentially the same? Twist on barrel with an Allan bolt locking it into place?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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#44
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.
Click to expand...
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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