GAP Tempest or Ultimatum Deadline

[Dthomas3523]

Anyone have experience with both of these to give a comparison?

Already have a Lone Peak for a 90 deg throw. Looking to add a 60deg (not curtis as I’ve tried them and want to give something else a shot) that will run AW mags reliably.

Will be going into a KMW Sentinel with IMB.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Haven't played with the Deadline, but my Tempest has ~10k rounds on it now with no issues. 'Boring' doesn't really seem to do it justice in terms of reliability.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Haven't played with the Deadline, but my Tempest has ~10k rounds on it now with no issues. 'Boring' doesn't really seem to do it justice in terms of reliability.

That’s what I like to hear.

Running AW mags?

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

That’s what I like to hear.

Running AW mags?

AWs for 6 Creedmoor, and modified Alphas for 6.5 SAUM.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Does anyone else besides GAP sell them?

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Does anyone else besides GAP sell them?

Not that I know of, at least not any more. I actually got mine from Altus when they were first released, but they haven't carried them in a long time.

 

[jzwolen]

I've ran both the Tempest, and now running the Deadline. Both break in nicely and run smooth. Both had flawless feed/extraction using stock AW mags.

I switched from a Tempest because I had the cocking piece 'decock' while running the bolt in a few matches, and it would completely kill the stage. Not sure if that's the correct description for what was happening, but I know of at least one other person on this forum that had the same issues happen, and he moved on as well.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I've ran both the Tempest, and now running the Deadline. Both break in nicely and run smooth. Both had flawless feed/extraction using stock AW mags.

I switched from a Tempest because I had the cocking piece 'decock' while running the bolt in a few matches, and it would completely kill the stage. Not sure if that's the correct description for what was happening, but I know of at least one other person on this forum that had the same issues happen, and he moved on as well.

Did you ever contact GAP about it?

 

[jzwolen]

I did not...but at that time, I had contacted them about trigger hanger issues, and was less than impressed with their customer service.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I did not...but at that time, I had contacted them about trigger hanger issues, and was less than impressed with their customer service.

Sounds to me like you were using the wrong trigger hanger for your trigger. I've spoken with @KLin and the rest of the guys at GAP numerous times over the years and never had an issue.

 

[Supersubes]

I bought two from Altus right after the nitrided versions came out. One was for a buddy and I made it into a 6.5 CM. Mine is a 6cm. Both have Jewell triggers and run flawless. It’s too bad they had some hiccups with them early on.

Dthomas, the bolt is almost identical to an AI with a lug in the 6 o’clock position when unlocked(unlike a Curtis). Aw mags sure. For giggles I once swapped my AW extractor into the tempest and it ran fine.

Since you’ve had a Curtis already, you may be disappointed with the cocking effort. It’s very smooth but higher effort than a Curtis for sure.

 

[jzwolen]

Sounds to me like you were using the wrong trigger hanger for your trigger. I've spoken with @KLin and the rest of the guys at GAP numerous times over the years and never had an issue.

i was using the recommended trigger hanger for TriggerTech. This was an early Tempest, and While I loved the action, that perticular issue cost me a few stages in one day. I'm sure they have the issues ironed out by now. At that time, I didn't have great CS experiences, so I moved on. Nothing personal.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

I owned a first gen Tempest and currently run the 2nd gen tempest. Both ran flawlessly but the 2nd gen seems to have a much lighter bolt lift. Bolt lift wise it beats out my tuned remington 700s and is just barely heavier than a Kelbly Tactical.

I played with an early version Deadline (not the u300) and wasnt impressed. HOWEVER I got my hands one one 2 weeks ago and unfortunately have to admit the bolt lift was slightly lighter than my tempest....Id put it on part with the Kelbly.

The key to the tempest is the trigger hanger (firing pin protrusion), it can easily make or break the rifle for you. My advise is when you buy the action to get all of the trigger hangers. Also worth noting is the trigger matters also. Even with the correct hanger my Calvin Elite caused a heavier bolt lift then my Bix N Andy tac sport. If you get a Bix tell them what rifle it is going in so they can provide the correct sear. I have had zero issues with my tempest and I only run CCI primers. I also prefer a swept bolt handle when running 3 lugs, it just lends itself to smoother and faster bolt manipulation. EDIT: Felt this is worth mentioning, feeding is so smooth in fact I sometimes have difficulty noticing if Ive chambered a round. Compared to my 2 lugs I can easily feel loading a round even when run fast. Even though I cant feel the round, I've never had a failur to feed or the bolt override a round.

The Deadline will require some fiddling with mag catch to feed properly due to the huge bolt diameter. The one huge benefit I see with the deadline is changeable bolt heads and the ability to use savage prefits. Other than that I'd call the rest of it a wash.

Not sure you can go wrong with either, its just which setup quirks you want to work with.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I’ll be using a diamond trigger and cci 450’s.

 

[kthomas]

i was using the recommended trigger hanger for TriggerTech. This was an early Tempest, and While I loved the action, that perticular issue cost me a few stages in one day. I'm sure they have the issues ironed out by now. At that time, I didn't have great CS experiences, so I moved on. Nothing personal.

Sounds like you are not getting enough sear engagement with the top sear on the trigger.

Even with supposedly the correct parts, there's always some tolerance stacking at play which can make what supposedly should function fine to something that is not 100% reliable.

These are the joys of custom guns. At least it should be an easy fix.

 

[Darqusoull13]

@Dthomas3523 if you're coming out to the TX Precision matches anytime you're more than welcome to put some rounds through the JP 6 Creed (Deadline Action). I haven't done much other than sight it in and get some initial velocity numbers but so far it's pretty fun.

 

[jzwolen]

I've been perfectly happy with my Deadline Actions. Zero feed/extraction/ignition issues. As said above, only real change that needs to be made is the mag catch trimmed to accomodate the larger than normal bolt body.

 

[Dthomas3523]

So, I’m still at the same spot I was at before. No idea which to get. Lol

 

[Steel head]

So, I’m still at the same spot I was at before. No idea which to get. Lol

First world problems.
Both actions have things I like.
I’d have a hard time deciding without some hands on time.

 

[Dthomas3523]

First world problems.
Both actions have things I like.
I’d have a hard time deciding without some hands on time.

The deadline on display at shot was really nice.

And I like the tempest probably feeling somewhat similar to an AI.

If triggertech would just make a diamond for an AI, we could avoid these shenanigans.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I just want something that’s as reliable as my AI and with a diamond trigger.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

I just want something that’s as reliable as my AI and with a diamond trigger.

I owned an AIAX same time I had my Tempest. Tempest was lighter in the bolt lift by a lot. There are 3 of us that run tempest in NC and only 1 had a bolt stop failure. I by no means baby my action, that bolt handle gets ripped in both directions and the stop or handle hasnt failed me yet.

Cant comment on the Deadline for this but my Tempest feeds single feeds great also, just chuck them in and no bullet tip hangup that you can get on other actions.

Also canot comment on Deadline but the Tempest fits in every 700 footprint stock ive had it in (mcmillan, manners, KRG, XLR Carbon) but a small relief cut needs to be made for the rear of the trigger hanger. This is a 5 minute or less job with a dremel.

Id love to see you get a tempest and join the group but want you to have the information.

The deadline is also substantially heavier in the hand if weight matters to you.

 

[Steel head]

The deadline on display at shot was really nice.

And I like the tempest probably feeling somewhat similar to an AI.

If triggertech would just make a diamond for an AI, we could avoid these shenanigans.

I didn’t know the tempest has a AI similar bolt.
That’s pretty nice.

 

[jzwolen]

So, I’m still at the same spot I was at before. No idea which to get. Lol

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I ran a Deadline last season, and will be running it again this season. Derek also offers awesome support for their products, and has his cell phone listed on his email signature. Class act.

If you've got any Deadline specific questions, feel free to shoot me a PM anytime.

 

[Simia Dei]

I didn’t know the tempest has a AI similar bolt.
That’s pretty nice.

Obviously AXSA bolt would be better but this is all I have, AXMC and tempest bolts

 

[BLKWLFK9]

My best friend has a deadline. I'll tell you, if i was getting back into the custom action game and out of my AI, i would be hard pressed not to get a deadline or terminus. His deadline has a much lighter lift than my AI and is pretty quick cycling. I really enjoy shooting his rifle. Its chambered in dasher and he runs AW mags with hrd kits. Feeds flawlessly. The bolt in that thing is a beefy bitch! They look tough AF and cycle great. The only issue is you would probably have to modify the mag catch due to the oversized bolt but its nothing that is too hard. He's got his in an MPA and Josh at PVA got everything built and running like a freshly fucked fox in a forest fire.

 

[Ono]

For what it is worth I have been running a Deadline Ultimatum for about 6 months. Have been impressed with every aspect of it. Bolt lift and close is very good and not excessive. Cycles flawlessly with my AW mags. Fitted with the TT diamond it is a great action and trigger. I am running a mpa chassis and as far as the mag catch I installed the mpa adjustable mag catch and ran it all the way down and tightened it up. Would highly recommend and feel like I am not giving up anything to any other action with this one.

 

[ddridan]

I tossed up between an AI and a Deadline build and ended up with the Deadline. After playing with a Tempest at a match I found it to be very similar to an AI and feel that my Deadline is a lighter lift and close than both, though not as light of a close as a 2 lug.
The only issues with fitment are as stated above, the mag catch and possibly trigger inlet depending on stock/chassis. My Deadline has fed flawlessly from AWs but have gone back to AICS mags to be able to use the MDT BR Mags later on and feed perfect through AICS as well. I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed with either.

 

[Twinsen]

Edited: This was a post about how much I disliked my tempest. I sent it to GAP and they said there was incompatible inletting in my McRee chassis and they fixed it.

 

[Supersubes]

Never handled a Deadline, but I can say the Tempest is the worst action I've handled. Mine cannot be used as a repeater and has to be single loaded. It still fails to feed regularly despite that. It also fails to fire and fails to eject. The bolt lift is the stiffest I've ever felt. Worse than a Tikka or an RPR by a lot. I cannot stay on the rifle and work the bolt. I have to bring the rifle to my chest to get enough leverage to work the action.

You'd be better off throwing your money in the toilet than buying a GAP.

Gosh you must have gotten a dud. Love mine, and I’ve experienced none of those issues.

 

[kthomas]

Gosh you must have gotten a dud. Love mine, and I’ve experienced none of those issues.

No kidding

I've only handled one or two tempest's, but from what I recall they were really nice to handle. Bolt lift didn't seem heavy, they were very reliable for the users (they loved them), handled dust and debris well and overall felt like a nice action.

Sucks that some are having problems though, that's never fun, especially with the amount of money we pour into these tools/toys.

 

[Twinsen]

Edited: This was a post about how much I disliked my tempest. I sent it to GAP and they said there was incompatible inletting in my McRee chassis and they fixed it.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I have an Ultimatum Deadline that I bought last December. 6 x 47L. I absolutley love it.

Running a Jewell HVRT and a Manners T2-A/Minichassis. The T2-A was purchased new and was inletted for the Deadline. Everything dropped right in and there were no mods necessary to the stock (other than final fitment of the length of the action screws and trimming the top of the stock for the Jewell safety). I'm running AICS mags and I did have to trim (shorten) the mag release and re-curve it slightly, but it wasn't a big deal. I'm not a fan of the trigger hangar, but it's a necessity on a 60 degree/larger bolt diameter action, no getting around that. Besides, I don't swap out triggers and I try to only ever install triggers once.

I'm old, don't run, hence don't do anything resembling PRS.

 

[Supersubes]

I'm actually really lucky. I've contacted GAP support and sent it back to GAP and they did absolutely nothing for me, but the other day I got tired of that $2,500 piece of garbage taking up space in my safe and contacted them to ask if they'd buy it off me because I can't sell it in good conscience. I'ma gonna get $1,000 for it from them! Only a $1,500 loss on the barreled action! Woo hoo! I'll lose more money selling the chassis, but that's a huge relief to know GAP didn't screw me out of the whole cost of the barreled action.

I hope they actually fix the pile of problens with the rifle before selling it and screwing over somebody else. That thing is god awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It's like a mosin nagant, except extremely unreliable.

Just wish GAP stood behind their products.

Let me guess, yours is chambered in 6BR or Dasher?

 

[Twinsen]

6.5x47 Lapua and built by GAP.

 

[Supersubes]

6.5x47 Lapua and built by GAP.

That’s a surprise. Don’t let them fuck you twice. Just part it out.

 

[Twinsen]

Edited: This was a post about how much I disliked my tempest. I sent it to GAP and they said there was incompatible inletting in my McRee chassis and they fixed it.

 

[Baron23]

Just part it out.

Wow, I was kind of impressed that he would take the loss from GAP rather than foist this stuff off on another shooter.

Am I missing something here?

 

[Supersubes]

Wow, I was kind of impressed that he would take the loss from GAP rather than foist this stuff off on another shooter.

Am I missing something here?

Nope. The stock, trigger, and barrel ought to bring him near what gap is offering.

 

[65rpr]

I've had a gen 1 deadline for over a year now. Its well broken in, very smooth. 0 hiccups with the action. I just got a Curtis Vector the other day to compare to the deadline. The machining and finish of the actions are very nice. I still need to brake the Vector in but the deadline has much easier bolt manipulation so far. I'm hoping the Vector brakes in as nice as the Deadline.

 

[BigPrince]

Have a 6.5PRC Tempest build by GAP and it's rock solid and smooth. Shot 1k with it last week.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

My Tempest is now over 11k rounds and still going strong. Finally had to replace the springs in my AW mags when I got my 6GT barrel due to misfeeds, but they're running flawlessly again. I'm waiting on the next batch of actions to come in from GAP so I can get a second one, too.

No idea about the issues @Twinsen said he's had - either with the action or with dealing with GAP. I've never heard of anyone having issues like he describes, and his statements on their CS definitely don't line up with any experiences I have had with them.

 

[NavyshooterM40]

I am very happy with the Deadline in the JP APAC with Timney 2 stage trigger. Was looking at AI AT but went with the Deadline Ultimatum. Don‘t regret my decision. Running 6mm CR with no issues.

 

[jb41291]

I owned a first gen Tempest and currently run the 2nd gen tempest. Both ran flawlessly but the 2nd gen seems to have a much lighter bolt lift. Bolt lift wise it beats out my tuned remington 700s and is just barely heavier than a Kelbly Tactical.

I played with an early version Deadline (not the u300) and wasnt impressed. HOWEVER I got my hands one one 2 weeks ago and unfortunately have to admit the bolt lift was slightly lighter than my tempest....Id put it on part with the Kelbly.

The key to the tempest is the trigger hanger (firing pin protrusion), it can easily make or break the rifle for you. My advise is when you buy the action to get all of the trigger hangers. Also worth noting is the trigger matters also. Even with the correct hanger my Calvin Elite caused a heavier bolt lift then my Bix N Andy tac sport. If you get a Bix tell them what rifle it is going in so they can provide the correct sear. I have had zero issues with my tempest and I only run CCI primers. I also prefer a swept bolt handle when running 3 lugs, it just lends itself to smoother and faster bolt manipulation. EDIT: Felt this is worth mentioning, feeding is so smooth in fact I sometimes have difficulty noticing if Ive chambered a round. Compared to my 2 lugs I can easily feel loading a round even when run fast. Even though I cant feel the round, I've never had a failur to feed or the bolt override a round.

The Deadline will require some fiddling with mag catch to feed properly due to the huge bolt diameter. The one huge benefit I see with the deadline is changeable bolt heads and the ability to use savage prefits. Other than that I'd call the rest of it a wash.

Not sure you can go wrong with either, its just which setup quirks you want to work with.

Which trigger hanger are you using for the tacsport?

 

[6brshooter]

I've had 2 deadlines, they are very nice. They cock the fp just like an ai, 50% on open and 50% on close. I also like the nitrided badger 2013 I have, very smooth and light. The badger bolt is darn near identical to an ax bolt, the deadline is very similar besides the floating bolt head. All 3 use the bolt stop as a guide for the bolt.

 

[rothgyr]

I've ran both the Tempest, and now running the Deadline. Both break in nicely and run smooth. Both had flawless feed/extraction using stock AW mags.

I switched from a Tempest because I had the cocking piece 'decock' while running the bolt in a few matches, and it would completely kill the stage. Not sure if that's the correct description for what was happening, but I know of at least one other person on this forum that had the same issues happen, and he moved on as well.

Out of curiosity, did your firing pin end up protruding into the chamber and get pushed back when loading a round, thus causing a dead trigger with no sear engagement?