Chassis and Actions

[Lukeshoot85]

Hey guys, first post to the forum... so I’m planning a short action build and I’ve narrowed it down to the Cadex Lite Competition and the Remington Defense RACS but unless the RACS has any massive advantage (which I haven’t found yet), I plan to save the $1800 by going with the Cadex.

I’m planning to grab the Curtis Vector action unless I find that people say the switch capability will seriously affect accuracy... the other option I like is the GAP Tempest action. Would love some feedback on this build.

Starting it out as a 6.5 PRC

 

[flyer]

Anything Remington would worry me. Their financial situation is such that I wouldn't bet on their product offerings remaining stable beside the basic 10-22, 870 and 700 models.

There are lots of good chassis out there but what do you like, what do you want?

Same with actions.

 

[b6graham]

i'd buy an AI AT for the price of that RACS chassis lol

what are you gonna be using it for primarily?

Cadex is an option. tons of people here running AI chassis and AI rifles. J Allen also similar in price//features/build quality

 

[Lukeshoot85]

AI chassis was on the list especially since it’s pretty much the same cost as the Cadex... I’m just more into the Cadex aesthetics assuming everything else being the same.

I really like the 60 degree bolt throw with the Curtis Vector and I’d like to be able to use it for competition... having the switch barrel capability would be nice for practicing with a 6.5 Creedmoor or 308.

Are there any big negatives for the Cadex Lite Competition?

 

[Long Range 338]

The AIAX and the Cadex would be my top two. I've never shot a JAllen but they see very nice although heavy on the ones I've handled. I think the AX is a little less money if you are comparing with the Cadex no tool adjustable stock. Love the Cadex, and love the AI as well. The Cadex does allow changing of the grip handle as well. So many good options, we are blessed as shooters.

 

[wvlapua]

Don't get too caught up in short bolt throw. They come at a cost, such as heavier bolt lift.

If I were planning a new build right now, it'd be between Impact and Lone Peak Fuzion.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Lone peak FTW. If I do another custom build, it will be a LP.

 

[kthomas]

Hard to provide any suggestions when we don't know what your criteria/"want list" is in a rifle and action, and what you plan on doing with it.

Short of that, everyone is just going to throw out suggestions on what they currently use/like. Everyone loves a little confirmation bias.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Anything Remington would worry me. Their financial situation is such that I wouldn't bet on their product offerings remaining stable beside the basic 10-22, 870 and 700 models.

There are lots of good chassis out there but what do you like, what do you want?

Same with actions.

Silly question.
When did Remington start building Ruger 10-22's?

Sorry man, couldn't resist.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

[Lukeshoot85]

Hard to provide any suggestions when we don't know what your criteria/"want list" is in a rifle and action, and what you plan on doing with it.

Short of that, everyone is just going to throw out suggestions on what they currently use/like. Everyone loves a little confirmation bias.

What other specifics would you look at other than what I posted at 7:02pm last night?

 

[Lukeshoot85]

So, to narrow things down on the action, since I ordered the Cadex lite competition last night.

1. I’m set on a 60 degree throw.
2. Looking for a heavy duty firing pin assembly (robust, w/o using a 2 lug system)
3. Used for competition, so weights not a concern.
4. Best accuracy for a 3 lug system money can buy.
5. Lastly, want it to be smooth cycling.

Thoughts?

 

[flyer]

Silly question.
When did Remington start building Ruger 10-22's?

Sorry man, couldn't resist.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Brain fart, at least I got the R right. Does Remington make a popular .22lr? I have a pretty nice Remington 41P but it's about 85 years old.

 

[HogsLife]

Don't get too caught up in short bolt throw. They come at a cost, such as heavier bolt lift.

If I were planning a new build right now, it'd be between Impact and Lone Peak Fuzion.

^^^^^ This!!

I run an Impact on my 6.5 and love it. I will be building a 6.5 PRC Hunting rifle on a Lone Peak Arms Fusion TI soon as well.

 

[Simia Dei]

I have a tempest, and have a second due this week. To be honest, if I actually fit well with, and was comfortable behind the AIAT, I'd have one of those instead. I like traditional stocks so ended up building rifles using the tempest. The Curtis Vector wasn't available here when I started these builds (and still pretty much isn't), but I would suspect that I'd have at least one of those instead if they were.

If you haven't gotten behind either of those actions, I strongly suggest that you do as it may be what makes up your mind for you. I really like the tempest action but wish I'd gotten hands on a vector before doing these builds.

 

[b6graham]

why not get an actual AI or Cadex?

 

[kthomas]

So, to narrow things down on the action, since I ordered the Cadex lite competition last night.

1. I’m set on a 60 degree throw.
2. Looking for a heavy duty firing pin assembly (robust, w/o using a 2 lug system)
3. Used for competition, so weights not a concern.
4. Best accuracy for a 3 lug system money can buy.
5. Lastly, want it to be smooth cycling.

Thoughts?

I would get an AI. Would fit your criteria pretty perfectly.

 

[Lukeshoot85]

I have a tempest, and have a second due this week. To be honest, if I actually fit well with, and was comfortable behind the AIAT, I'd have one of those instead. I like traditional stocks so ended up building rifles using the tempest. The Curtis Vector wasn't available here when I started these builds (and still pretty much isn't), but I would suspect that I'd have at least one of those instead if they were.

If you haven't gotten behind either of those actions, I strongly suggest that you do as it may be what makes up your mind for you. I really like the tempest action but wish I'd gotten hands on a vector before doing these builds.

Any idea where I can get behind these actions? I live in the California Bay Area and I’m driving to Reno right now for a long me range shooting group, cause that’s the closest I can find right now... so far haven’t run across anyone that enjoys long distance shooting in my area (within 150 miles).

 

[flyer]

There are plenty of people who like long distance, just few places to shoot and in this enviornment it pays to keep your head down.

Look in to the Coalinga range, it has a 1,000 yard range and a siluette range that goes 800+ I think. Just get there early, the wind picks up by 10 or 11.

 

[Simia Dei]

Any idea where I can get behind these actions? I live in the California Bay Area and I’m driving to Reno right now for a long me range shooting group, cause that’s the closest I can find right now... so far haven’t run across anyone that enjoys long distance shooting in my area (within 150 miles).

Sorry mate, I’m in Aus so can’t help you there

 

[ThePretzel]

So, to narrow things down on the action, since I ordered the Cadex lite competition last night.

1. I’m set on a 60 degree throw.
2. Looking for a heavy duty firing pin assembly (robust, w/o using a 2 lug system)
3. Used for competition, so weights not a concern.
4. Best accuracy for a 3 lug system money can buy.
5. Lastly, want it to be smooth cycling.

Thoughts?

The Curtis action should fulfill everything on this list, but I can't confirm #2 since I've never seen their firing pin assemblies. I haven't heard of them breaking, but I also haven't seen a ton of Curtis Custom actions in the wild.

Their rollerball tipped cocking piece isn't just some marketing gimmick. The Curtis is a true 60* bolt throw, compared to the 72* of the Nucleus, and the bolt lift on the Curtis felt significantly lighter and smoother than my Nucleus did. The Vector is also fully DLC coated and they feel just as slick as about any action out there (Lone Peak and Impact are hard to beat though). The Impact Precision I have now has a lighter bolt lift, but that's because Impact actions are about 50/50 cock on open vs close and a 90* bolt throw.

 

[Dthomas3523]

If you’re dead set on a custom action, get the curtis. If you want to use AW mags, get the vector. If you’re gonna use aics mags, get the axiom.

And if you like the AT or AX chassis.....just save yourself the time and headache, just buy an AI.

 

[Dthomas3523]

So, to narrow things down on the action, since I ordered the Cadex lite competition last night.

1. I’m set on a 60 degree throw.
2. Looking for a heavy duty firing pin assembly (robust, w/o using a 2 lug system)
3. Used for competition, so weights not a concern.
4. Best accuracy for a 3 lug system money can buy.
5. Lastly, want it to be smooth cycling.

Thoughts?

Cancel the Cadex. Order an AI-AT. Fits all of your criteria including the “best 3 lug system money can buy.”

Or get the AX if you like that and can afford it.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I've been super happy with my Tempest, so my vote goes there. AIs are great, IF you like their chassis design and can get comfortable with it.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Another vote for tempest. If properly setup the bolt is actually very light. I owned one of the 1st gens (in the white) and had zero issues and now currently run the gen2 (coated from GAP) as my main match rifle again with zero issues. Not sure why everyone poo poos them.

Also something to consider is to me a 60degree action should have a swept bolt handle...something the other 60 degrees except AI dont have. The hand movements for cycling seem more natural with a swept handle than a straight.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Another vote for tempest. If properly setup the bolt is actually very light. I owned one of the 1st gens (in the white) and had zero issues and now currently run the gen2 (coated from GAP) as my main match rifle again with zero issues. Not sure why everyone poo poos them.

Also something to consider is to me a 60degree action should have a swept bolt handle...something the other 60 degrees except AI dont have. The hand movements for cycling seem more natural with a swept handle than a straight.

Mine is a very early one that shipped in the white, and I later had it nitrided through GAP. I agree on the swept handle, but I think some of it depends on how the handle is timed. Some of the newer 60 degree actions seem to have the handle in a lower position when closed, similar to a standard 700, where the Tempest rides higher. As a result, the Tempest bolt handle ends up around the same height as a 700 bolt handle when fully opened, where other actions have a handle that's much closer to parallel to the ground when opened. The straight handle might be better on those actions where the bolt handle rides lower. Personally, I prefer the Tempest arrangement.