Curtis Custom Action - PRS Comp Rifle

[GunmanBlue]

G'day All.

FIrst post here, please be gentle.

Cutting right to the chase, I have just put my name down for a Curtis Valor action (RH, .308BF) for a new comp rifle build. Ill be chambering in 6mm CM. I have not yet purchased the Curtis and other actions are in the mix.

I think I have read just about every thread and watched every video out there on Curtis vs Terminus and I just cant find the info im looking for.

Im specifically looking for information on the Curtis Valor Action.

Does anyone (who doesnt shoot for the Curtis team...) have any real world feedback on the Valor as it stands today?
- How does it feed?
- Anyone running AW mags?
- Any QA/QC issues anyone noticed?
- How are the tollerences in the real world? Sandy conditons? Water ingress?


To answer the obvious question/statement. I have shot a terminus zeus myself and its slicker than a butchers dick. No doubt about it. Its a known quantity so far as Im aware.

Thankyou very much for your time and effort. If I wind up going through on this purchase ill be sure to add my own opinion annd experiance to the pool and if for some reason I dont, hopefully others will find your opinions on the Valor valuable.

Edit - Clarified question. After the two posts below. Thanks.

 

[Sogan]

If you have shot and liked the Zeus then why not go that route? I may be reading it wrong but it appears you are trying to make sure that the Valor is just as good as the Zeus, so at that point I’d just get the one you are rating the Valor against.

 

[Newbie2020]

OP I don’t have an answer as to Curtis vs Zeus but why did you decide on Curtis?

 

[GunmanBlue]

I didnt mean for the thread to be curtis vs terminus. Quite the opposite actually.

I havent decided what action I will go for. Mearly that I have my name down for a Valor. Lead times on the actions in Australia are...significant.

Im looking for peoples experiances with the Valor action specifically. I know how the Zeus performs.

I have heard that the Valor has "fixed" some of the issues that the Vector had such as feeding etc. A lot of people report bad experiances with customer service at curtis however specifics on actual issues seem to be limited with the Valor. I understnad that Valor to be their newest action and the one produced post split (please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks for your responses. I will edit the OP to be clearer.

 

[b6graham]

Number of report son zeus: high
Valor: non existent

I know which id pick. And it would be the one you already have some experience with and have had your hands on

No big surprise the Valor basically changed to everything the zeus did.

And Joel is a good dude. Someone id actually give money to

 

[Newbie2020]

Tons of love for the Zeus (as well as Defiance Tenacity and Bighorn Origin...) all across the Hide.

 

[Sogan]

Number of report son zeus: high
Valor: non existent

I know which id pick. And it would be the one you already have some experience with and have had your hands on

No big surprise the Valor basically changed to everything the zeus did.
And Joel is a good dude. Someone id actually give money to

Joel is a solid dude. He will answer any questions you have and is easy to talk to. I have a Zeus. I’ll probably be buying another at some point.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

I would buy the Zeus over the Valor. Why would you want a product that isn't made by the true creator?

 

[spife7980]

There is a reason people say to get a terminus over the curtis. And that reason is... curtis. They send out unfishined crap all the time.

 

[b6graham]

There is a reason people say to get a terminus over the curtis. And that reason is... curtis. They send out unfishined crap all the time.

Also Joel is A++ versus Curtis who is well....yeah...

 

[T-TurtleWang]

My axiom shoots great but who knows how the next barrel will shoot. PROOF dropped the axiom for prefits a while back if that says anything

 

[S3th]

There's a reason Curtis actively puts his actions on sale.

 

[GunmanBlue]

Thanks a lot for everyones responses. I was hoping for more information regarding the actual real world performance of the curtis valor rather than who is the better bloke. Im well aware of the hides adoration for Joel and the contempt for Curtis. I havent met either of them personally, delt with either of their companies or purchased either of their products. Ill reserve my judgement until then.

I didnt mention before, but im also looking at a Ruckus. I allready own a Deviant Hunter and have no questions about definace.

One other option available to me is the Falkor 7EVEN by Falcor defence. Personally I had never heard of them until the other day. Intersted in any info anyone might be able to offer. I admit i havent gone down the google rabbit hole on Falcor 7. I have been told that Falkor predominantly made high quality AR platform parts which could explain why I havent heard of them (only pew allowed in Australia, no pewpewpew)

 

[Stoweit]

Had two problems with my Axiom and Joel fixed me up really fast, he was still there then. I think people bring up the difference between companies because if you have a problem, Joel will take care of it quickly. Curtis reputation for CS not quite as good. Good luck with which ever way you go.
Ruckus is an awesome action by the way.

 

[Widowmaker300]

Have just bought two Zeus switching from Curtis, one 223 BF and one 308 BF. Tired of the 223 bolt not extracting cases was my sole reason for switching. Couldn’t shoot the 223 in a match so it was pointless for me. Although will be keeping my current vector in 308 BF for solely hunting in 450 BM setup. I haven’t had a fail with my 308 BF bolt in my vector. (Knock on wood).

 

[Sogan]

Thanks a lot for everyones responses. I was hoping for more information regarding the actual real world performance of the curtis valor rather than who is the better bloke. Im well aware of the hides adoration for Joel and the contempt for Curtis. I havent met either of them personally, delt with either of their companies or purchased either of their products. Ill reserve my judgement until then.

I didnt mention before, but im also looking at a Ruckus. I allready own a Deviant Hunter and have no questions about definace.

One other option available to me is the Falkor 7EVEN by Falcor defence. Personally I had never heard of them until the other day. Intersted in any info anyone might be able to offer. I admit i havent gone down the google rabbit hole on Falcor 7. I have been told that Falkor predominantly made high quality AR platform parts which could explain why I havent heard of them (only pew allowed in Australia, no pewpewpew)

You are confusing me. We are all telling you to get Zeus (and you acknowledge that are all saying to get it over the Curtis) but you are still asking for only positive things on Curtis. There is a reason for what has been said here. I highly recommend listening to it. I understand if you had your heart set on one action and we are all telling you to change it. I know that can be tough when you already had an idea in your head. However, I’d stop listening to that idea if I were you.

 

[Raufoss]

Don’t get neither of those two.

Stop asking a question you’ll never get an honest answer ( cause you know PRS coolaid shit) and do yourself a favour and get a Defiance or a Lone peak action or a Zermatt.

Cause #90degreeboltliftactionlifemattermore

 

[S3th]

Don’t get neither of those two.

Stop asking a question you’ll never get an honest question ( cause you know PRS shit) and do yourself a favour and get a Defiance or a Lone peak action.

Cause #90degreeboltliftactionlifemattermore

Had LPA, didn't like it. LPA shipped the action dirty AF, bolt looked used due to the amount of uneven coating & CS was okay at best. Terminus >
I do have an Anti-X on order and look forward to getting my hands on it.

 

[Raufoss]

Had LPA, didn't like it. LPA shipped the action dirty AF, bolt looked used due to the amount of uneven coating & CS was okay at best. Terminus >
I do have an Anti-X on order and look forward to getting my hands on it.

YMMV but there is no 15 pages complain post on LPA like Curtis or even Terminus actions.

I’ve owned almost every action and for me it’s Defiance and Zermatt.

The only good 60 degree action is the AI ones. The second half decent one is the GAP Tempest but she’s full of issue too, I remember receiving mine all rusted up . That was before they DLC those action. Nothing else is worth it.

 

[DisplacedTexan]

60 > 90
I have a Tempest and Zeus. Never going back to 90. The Zeus is so buttery smooth, it kind of makes me want to sell the Tempest for another Zeus, but I have sentimental attachment to the Tempest as it was my first custom action. AWs feed flawlessly in both of these actions.

Bighorn is the sloppiest bolt I have ever felt, not sure why they're so well liked.

 

[b6graham]

60 > 90
I have a Tempest and Zeus. Never going back to 90. The Zeus is so buttery smooth, it kind of makes me want to sell the Tempest for another Zeus, but I have sentimental attachment to the Tempest as it was my first custom action. AWs feed flawlessly in both of these actions.

Bighorn is the sloppiest bolt I have ever felt, not sure why they're so well liked.

By sloppy you mean you can't run it right?

Just like I can say the zeus binds easily. If I run it like a goober and try to bind it I can do it all day. Same with impact or defiance. Doesn't mean I don't like the zeus. Just don't like the bolt lift.

Waiting for the day Joel makes a 90 degree. (Or zermatt makes a 60) but I doubt either of those will happen

 

[DisplacedTexan]

By sloppy you mean you can't run it right?

Just like I can say the zeus binds easily. If I run it like a goober and try to bind it I can do it all day. Same with impact or defiance. Doesn't mean I don't like the zeus. Just don't like the bolt lift.

Waiting for the day Joel makes a 90 degree. (Or zermatt makes a 60) but I doubt either of those will happen

No, I mean it has a huge amount of slop in the bolt. I have run my friends at a couple matches, didn't care for the slop or the controlled feed.

People that complain about bolt lift on 60s aren't using leverage correctly.

 

[b6graham]

No, I mean it has a huge amount of slop in the bolt. I have run my friends at a couple matches, didn't care for the slop or the controlled feed.

People that complain about bolt lift on 60s aren't using leverage correctly.

Thumb on top. Push down as hand lifts bolt up. Proper leverage. Stay on target. Easy slop free cycling. A 60 degree zeus or other will never be as light as a zermatt

If you want to talk clearances. Yes the zues has basically none. Along with a bigger bolt. Same as a deadline. Never felt this slop in a zermatt though.

 

[Sogan]

I ran an AI as my first real precision gun. Liked the 60 so the Zeus was an obvious choice. Got the Zeus because at the time the .223 kits for AI were not out and I wanted a second gun set up without having to switch barrels everytime I wanted to shoot .223. I like the Zeus action, feeds reliable and I haven’t had it bind yet on me and I do the exact same bolt movement I do on my AI. No real complaints over here yet anyways. I’m using the non torque QD barrel change method.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

Don’t get neither of those two.

Stop asking a question you’ll never get an honest answer ( cause you know PRS coolaid shit) and do yourself a favour and get a Defiance or a Lone peak action or a Zermatt.

Cause #90degreeboltliftactionlifemattermore

Have to agree. I really love my 2 Zermatt actions. My Origin and TL3 are both just smooth and steady... I prefer the 90 degree as well, but both of the actions are just great. I know the Zues get a lot of love here too though, so I respect that. This is a very good pool of info on precision rifles!

 

[JeffLebowski]

Try a bat igniter......... Bat's are arguably the best actions made. This is their budget entry. It's essentially the 1600$ tr model minus all the options. Has integral lug and swappable bolt heads, 1100$. The one I had was great, was gonna build a prs rifle off it however received a trade offer for it I couldn't refuse.

He might if you found him one available in Australia. He is very limited in his choices there.

 

[GunmanBlue]

Whats a BAT action? They might as well not exist out here. Not in the PRS community anyway (so far as I am aware). The BAT igniter doenst have the criteria im looking for either. Im dead set on an integral rail

I do know of one guy who brings them in over in the west but he primarily builds BR guns and is a benchrest hall of famer himself.

I do really appreciate everyones responses here. I did really want concrete info on the Valor to help make my decision but it seems that the Curtis Vs Valor war has poisened that well. The more I hear the more I want to stay away from BOTH of these companies. If I ever meet Joel and he doesnt have a halo around his head and float a foot off the ground ill be dissapointed with the way you blokes talk him up.......

I wasnt ever set on the Valor, I merely had my name down for one. What i should of said was registered my interest in one.

 

[TwistedOneinSeven]

Whats a BAT action? They might as well not exist out here. Not in the PRS community anyway (so far as I am aware). The BAT igniter doenst have the criteria im looking for either. Im dead set on an integral rail

I do know of one guy who brings them in over in the west but he primarily builds BR guns and is a benchrest hall of famer himself.

I do really appreciate everyones responses here. I did really want concrete info on the Valor to help make my decision but it seems that the Curtis Vs Valor war has poisened that well. The more I hear the more I want to stay away from BOTH of these companies. If I ever meet Joel and he doesnt have a halo around his head and float a foot off the ground ill be dissapointed with the way you blokes talk him up.......

I wasnt ever set on the Valor, I merely had my name down for one. What i should of said was registered my interest in one.

Comes down to where you are located in Aus if you can meet up with someone with a Valor.
Danny at Rhinosport was supposed to have some Valor coming in a while ago so you could get feedback there.
I'm in Qld and have two Zeus.
Even apart from the debacle of being supplied first gen(no trigger screws, 0.750bolt and crap DLC finish) I love the Terminus and recommend them.
Had a Defiance but totally love the Zeus 60deg throw and sold the Defiance to get the second Zeus.
Now if the Defiance had a 60deg option that's a whole other story........

Remember, our product support done here is VERY limited so apart from brand, buy off someone you trust

 

[GunmanBlue]

Comes down to where you are located in Aus if you can meet up with someone with a Valor.
Danny at Rhinosport was supposed to have some Valor coming in a while ago so you could get feedback there.
I'm in Qld and have two Zeus.
Even apart from the debacle of being supplied first gen(no trigger screws, 0.750bolt and crap DLC finish) I love the Terminus and recommend them.
Had a Defiance but totally love the Zeus 60deg throw and sold the Defiance to get the second Zeus.
Now if the Defiance had a 60deg option that's a whole other story........

Remember, our product support done here is VERY limited so apart from brand, buy off someone you trust

Thanks for your response.

Since the original post I have spent a bit more time behind a Zeus and Im absolutely turned off from them. Turns out 60degree throw and the way the actions behave just isnt for me (grab your pitchforks!) This particular Terminus Zeus wasnt as "smooth" as id expect from a custom action either.

I also had an opportunity to call in and speak to Danny in person. Even running his own Curits actions set in MPA chassis. Danny is a top bloke too. The Actions I ran (not shot) in his shop were certainly buttery smooth and one had seen thousands of rounds across multiple calibres. Its the bolt lift that bugs me.....

I had a chance to run and put quite a few rounds through a Defiance Tenacity immediatly after running the Zeus. After that, I just cant go past it. Its a thousand AUD cheaper than the Ruckus, Valor and Zeus and was slick as a butchers dick.

No integral rail of course but For 1700 bucks, ill get over it!

The Ruckus and the Falkor 7even are also still in the mix too.

 

[TwistedOneinSeven]

Thanks for your response.

Since the original post I have spent a bit more time behind a Zeus and Im absolutely turned off from them. Turns out 60degree throw and the way the actions behave just isnt for me (grab your pitchforks!) This particular Terminus Zeus wasnt as "smooth" as id expect from a custom action either.

I also had an opportunity to call in and speak to Danny in person. Even running his own Curits actions set in MPA chassis. Danny is a top bloke too. The Actions I ran (not shot) in his shop were certainly buttery smooth and one had seen thousands of rounds across multiple calibres. Its the bolt lift that bugs me.....

I had a chance to run and put quite a few rounds through a Defiance Tenacity immediatly after running the Zeus. After that, I just cant go past it. Its a thousand AUD cheaper than the Ruckus, Valor and Zeus and was slick as a butchers dick.

No integral rail of course but For 1700 bucks, ill get over it!

The Ruckus and the Falkor 7even are also still in the mix too.

Buy a Defiance Tenacity(what I had) or Ruckus from Huntsman (yes, 100% they're the go to for Defiance actions in Aus).
Move on and enjoy,
Cheers mate

 

[GunmanBlue]

Buy a Defiance Tenacity(what I had) or Ruckus from Huntsman (yes, 100% they're the go to for Defiance actions in Aus).
Move on and enjoy,
Cheers mate

I spoke to Colin and Craig this arvo actually!

Fingers crossed whatever I do, I have in time for the Biggendon match.

 

[Raufoss]

I don’t know in what world the Curtis/ Terminus fanboys live but there not as smooth as a Defiance or Zermatt or most 90 degree around.
You made a great choice

 

[S3th]

I don’t know in what world the Curtis/ Terminus fanboys live but there not as smooth as a Defiance or Zermatt or most 90 degree around.
You made a great choice

I have had a Curtis Axiom & LPA Fuzion. They were identical in smoothness. Currently have a Anti-X on order and will be picking up a Zeus soon. Axiom & Fuzion have since been sold & wouldn’t run either again.

 

[Islas82]

I was just about to start this very thread, glad I didn’t maybe I can revive it. Kinda in the same boat as OP was, wonder what he ended up going with. Anyway, am thinking downsizing to just one rifle I currently shoot a Tenacity 6.5CM on a foundation and a Cadex R7 6CM (yea, that’s a 50* throw so 60 won’t be new to me)on a Manners TCS and I like them both but I would like to have just one rifle capable of switching barrels at the range and not having to haul two range bags and 2 20+ pound rifles, keeping same trigger and ergonomics is nice too. I was looking closely at the AI AT-X but I don’t think I can give up my Manners and I prefer stocks over chassis if am being honest.

Earlier today I reached out to Altus and I inquired about the Zeus, they said a few weeks but that they would have Curtis Valors available tomorrow if I needed something “quickly” I am not familiar with Curtis, I mean I know they exist but have never used their products so I looked it up, still I couldn’t find much about the Valors except the similarities with Zeus. I know there’s some history between the two companies and I really don’t know much about it and am not a fanboy of either.

Unlike the OP I don’t have experience with either one of them so my heart is not set on any and after reading the comments on this thread nothing really got answer. Now that the Valor has been out for a bit what do people think? What are the similarities? Has anyone had any issues with either one? I guess in my mind am leaning more towards the Terminus just because of ample pre fit support, but wouldn’t mind some feedback. Again am looking at these exclusively for the QC barrel capabilities.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

I was just about to start this very thread, glad I didn’t maybe I can revive it. Kinda in the same boat as OP was, wonder what he ended up going with. Anyway, am thinking downsizing to just one rifle I currently shoot a Tenacity 6.5CM on a foundation and a Cadex R7 6CM (yea, that’s a 50* throw so 60 won’t be new to me)on a Manners TCS and I like them both but I would like to have just one rifle capable of switching barrels at the range and not having to haul two range bags and 2 20+ pound rifles, keeping same trigger and ergonomics is nice too. I was looking closely at the AI AT-X but I don’t think I can give up my Manners and I prefer stocks over chassis if am being honest.

Earlier today I reached out to Altus and I inquired about the Zeus, they said a few weeks but that they would have Curtis Valors available tomorrow if I needed something “quickly” I am not familiar with Curtis, I mean I know they exist but have never used their products so I looked it up, still I couldn’t find much about the Valors except the similarities with Zeus. I know there’s some history between the two companies and I really don’t know much about it and am not a fanboy of either.

Unlike the OP I don’t have experience with either one of them so my heart is not set on any and after reading the comments on this thread nothing really got answer. Now that the Valor has been out for a bit what do people think? What are the similarities? Has anyone had any issues with either one? I guess in my mind am leaning more towards the Terminus just because of ample pre fit support, but wouldn’t mind some feedback. Again am looking at these exclusively for the QC barrel capabilities.

I have 2 new Valors and a Zues. I like the Valor a lot as well as the zues. They are very similar actions. Very. The Valor has metal tabs inside the mag well that the mag sits against so you tune the mag latch to the action, which I liked because I could fit it perfectly and it's very easy. The zues has threaded trigger pins which make it easy to install or remove the trigger. Same barrel will go on both. The bolt size is slightly different but either will go in either action, I haven't shot it that way, just was curious. If you have any more questions, shoot me a PM and I'd be happy to answer anything. There seems to be some fanboy stuff back and forth which I really don't care about one way or the other. Both are great, and I can't see how anyone would have an issue with either action honestly. Very happy with both, the supply issues and such are a little different story but as far as the products, I've been very happy with both.

 

[Islas82]

I have 2 new Valors and a Zues. I like the Valor a lot as well as the zues. They are very similar actions. Very. The Valor has metal tabs inside the mag well that the mag sits against so you tune the mag latch to the action, which I liked because I could fit it perfectly and it's very easy. The zues has threaded trigger pins which make it easy to install or remove the trigger. Same barrel will go on both. The bolt size is slightly different but either will go in either action, I haven't shot it that way, just was curious. If you have any more questions, shoot me a PM and I'd be happy to answer anything. There seems to be some fanboy stuff back and forth which I really don't care about one way or the other. Both are great, and I can't see how anyone would have an issue with either action honestly. Very happy with both, the supply issues and such are a little different story but as far as the products, I've been very happy with both.

Thank you, sometimes it’s hard to get an honest answer.

 

[b6graham]

Thank you, sometimes it’s hard to get an honest answer.

Sometimes you need to pick based on who the company is...especially in the case of the actions being essentially identical

 

[Elite_KG]

My Valor has been excellent. Smooth from the start. Feeds perfectly in 6CM. No issues. Waited on Terminus 5 months with delays and excuses. It was always “2 weeks out.” Had Valor in 3 days.

YMMV.

 

[Islas82]

My Valor has been excellent. Smooth from the start. Feeds perfectly in 6CM. No issues. Waited on Terminus 5 months with delays and excuses. It was always “2 weeks out.” Had Valor in 3 days.

YMMV.

How’s the barrel QC working out? Am still curious, does it need any type of torque or just hand tight and tighten the screws?

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

My Valor has been excellent. Smooth from the start. Feeds perfectly in 6CM. No issues. Waited on Terminus 5 months with delays and excuses. It was always “2 weeks out.” Had Valor in 3 days.

YMMV.

Yeah I have to say, my Valor's have both been great, 6cm, 6.5cm, and 308. All excellent feed and qc works great.

 

[Islas82]

Yeah I have to say, my Valor's have both been great, 6cm, 6.5cm, and 308. All excellent feed and qc works great.

I guess the thing that keeps me from making a move and going with the valor is the proof profits that are available for the terminus, so east to just buy stuff off the shelve.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

I guess the thing that keeps me from making a move and going with the valor is the proof profits that are available for the terminus, so east to just buy stuff off the shelve.

The Valor and the vector and the Zeus all have the same barrel cut. I'm shooting 2 now for a zues, and one for a vector, just so you know

 

[Islas82]

Interesting, so Zeus and valor proof pre fits are interchangeable? Shit just got harder

 

[Elite_KG]

How’s the barrel QC working out? Am still curious, does it need any type of torque or just hand tight and tighten the screws?

Mine is fully torqued to 100 ft-lbs. 35 ft-lbs is the QC torque spec, but my barrel is cut for full torque. There is a 0.002” difference according to the prints for full torque vs. QC torque. Sometimes you can get a good head space both ways because of the go vs. no-go gauge tolerance.