Terminus Zeus quick change action question?

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Sergeant of the Hide
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Nov 8, 2023
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Can you install a non-quick change barrel on a quick change (QC) action? Looking at the tenon drawings it looks like there are more threads on the barrel for the non-quick change barrel than the quick change barrel. Looks like about 0.25” of smooth barrel left as the bearing surface for the 2 hex screws for the QC option. I saw Gavin Toobe (Ultimate Reloader) build a rifle on a Zeus action where he torqued the barrel to (on a QC action) 90 ft-lbs in a barrel vise using the 3 lug action wrench. His Zeus action had the set screw holes on it. If a guy was going to build a rifle using the Zeus action, and you were not gonna change to a different caliber, is there any down side to getting the QC model? Is losing those extra barrel threads a compromise?
 
You can install a Non-QC barrel on a QC action. I suspect that some will want the full threads action for peace of mind and maybe a tighter barrel. That said in practical terms I doubt anyone will see the difference.mine is still waiting on a barrel but I expect it will be capable of better than I am able as a shooter of generating.
 
I will try to get Joel today. Just tried a couple times. He has increased call volume. I’m wondering if the QC actions are threaded full length but just have the screw holes through the threaded section allowing the screws to bear against the smooth section of the barrel tenon. If that’s the case, looks like no real compromise for non-QC barrels.
 
I just took a screenshot of a Utube Joel did, demonstrating the QC action. You can plainly see he threads the inside of the QC receiver with full threads. I will confirm with him but looks like the only difference between the QC vs non-QC receiver is the screw holes. If that’s the case, I don’t know why anyone would ever get the non-QC option. Both have the vent hole for gas relief in instance of blown primers or case head separation.
 

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I just talked with Joel. Those outer threads have been counterbored on QC action and are not engaged. You can install a full thread barrel on a QC action, no problem. He recommends 65 ft lbs torque for full thread barrel. He said to not install the screws and torque them down on a full thread barrel as you would gall those barrel threads. I’ll probably go with non-QC action as I don’t need QC capability. You can still get a full thread pre-fit if you decide to change caliber or barrel (wear out barrel) later. Just need a barrel vise and action wrench.
 
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We do this all the time in my shop. If the customer doesn't want or need the QC feature, I still turn the 1.062" x .225" bearing surface off the shoulder and we just torque them on like normal and throw the set screws in the QC holes finger tight so they don't get lost. Joel ships them with thread locker already applied and they've never backed out. Makes zero difference in accuracy and performance.

I generally push people toward the QC actions unless we're building something very specific, that way down the road it's there if they ever want it. Its a rock solid action, I'd argue it's one of the best, if not the best, repeater action going. Nice choice, OP!
 
But if you have a full thread (non-QC) action you can always change barrels if wear one out, even to another caliber, it’s just not “quick”. You can order a full thread “pre-fit”. Need the action wrench (60 degree, 3 lug bolt), barrel vice, torque wrench.
 
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Another reason I like the quick change feature isn’t just for the fact of changing calibers, I like deep cleaning after raining days, muddy matches, super dusty or dirty range days. It’s nice to pull the barrel to clean the lug area of the action. Makes cleaning much easier. I don’t change calibers, that’s all I use mine for. Love the Zeus. My current qc is torqued on after forgetting to tell my smith, so just going crack it and reset it hand tight