Zeus quick change in PRS

[its_sean]

About the pull the trigger on a Zeus build and someone mentioned the quick change isn’t a great option in PRS because you could bump the barrel and lose your zero vs an impact, lone peak, etc.

Is this true? I really wanted to be able to change from 6 dasher to 6cm for practice and cheap factory ammo.

I’m a casual shooter, once a month local matches.

Torn between this and an impact. I’m considering the impact action due to less bolt lift and from research it appears to feed better with AW mags.

 

[jetjock07]

It would take you about two minutes to change a barrel on an Impact.

 

[its_sean]

It would take you about two minutes to change a barrel on an Impact.

I couldn’t find a lot of good videos. Does the action have the be removed and vice the barrel down? Or is there an easier way.

 

[oldrifleman]

Theoretically you could change the impact barrel with the stock on but it’s practically impossible, you need to pull the action from the stock.

 

[Punkur67]

I have 3 Zeus QC actions for the last 4 years. I have shot PRS, NRL hunter, and taken them hunting. I have never had the barrel come loose or loose zero

 

[oldrifleman]

I do not have a Zeus, I studied them a lot leading to a decision point and I could not find one and had no idea when I cold get one so it went to impact. That said I am not sure how it could comes loose unless you forgot to tighten the locking screws. To me it is like an AI, you screw the barrel in, tighten the studs and go shoot stuff. The Zeus is a top tier action, it doesn’t get that if barrels come loose.

 

[hairy_pineapple588]

About the pull the trigger on a Zeus build and someone mentioned the quick change isn’t a great option in PRS because you could bump the barrel and lose your zero vs an impact, lone peak, etc.

Is this true? I really wanted to be able to change from 6 dasher to 6cm for practice and cheap factory ammo.

I’m a casual shooter, once a month local matches.

Torn between this and an impact. I’m considering the impact action due to less bolt lift and from research it appears to feed better with AW mags.

I shoot prs. Never had it come loose. I remove the barrel for cleanings and my zero is usually a 10th or 2 off to the right when reinstalling. It’s so predictable I can dial in a 10 and usually be spot on. I shoot 6.5cm and am buying stuff for 6gt. Considering Karl Harmon won overall last year and shoots a Zeus quick change. I think they are proven.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

About the pull the trigger on a Zeus build and someone mentioned the quick change isn’t a great option in PRS because you could bump the barrel and lose your zero vs an impact, lone peak, etc.

Is this true? I really wanted to be able to change from 6 dasher to 6cm for practice and cheap factory ammo.

I’m a casual shooter, once a month local matches.

Torn between this and an impact. I’m considering the impact action due to less bolt lift and from research it appears to feed better with AW mags.

I very very much doubt you'd do anything that would jar the barrel loose. I doubt you'd do it even without the set screws and it just being hand tight but with set screws that's ridiculous honestly. There's no way that would happen. I have several qc's and you have to want to take that barrel off to get it to move. Absolutely not an issue

 

[Matt_3479]

I’ve owned my Zeus for 5 years, I pull the barrel regularly for cleaning and even transport once. I’ve never had the barrel come loose while shooting, from hunting, being bounced around. Im about to spin a new barrel up and it will be the primary over my impact (which was primary this year) for prs.

Changing barrels on non quick set screw actions (majority of them) is extremely simple too but does require action wrench, a barrel vise, a torque wrench and most of the time needs to be removed from stock. If you are running a 1.250 straight or very heavy low taper contour you could get away without removing most likely

 

[its_sean]

Seems like the consensus is it won't be the case that I could lose zero.

For those that chimed in, especially those who had the impact as well:
- I know bolt lift is heavier since Zeus is 60 degrees, but is it that much more noticeable than an impact?
- What magazines are you all feeding from. AW seems to be hit or miss, I will be running 6 dasher trying the new Gray Ops mags first unless other suggestions. I want AW for lower profile.

 

[Punkur67]

Seems like the consensus is it won't be the case that I could lose zero.

For those that chimed in, especially those who had the impact as well:
- I know bolt lift is heavier since Zeus is 60 degrees, but is it that much more noticeable than an impact?
- What magazines are you all feeding from. AW seems to be hit or miss, I will be running 6 dasher trying the new Gray Ops mags first unless other suggestions. I want AW for lower profile.

I tried MDT AW mags for my dasher and I couldn't get them to feed perfect. I probably could have dialed them in if i tried more. I just went back to AICS since I had soo many of them and didnt want to replace 10+ other mags.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

Seems like the consensus is it won't be the case that I could lose zero.

For those that chimed in, especially those who had the impact as well:
- I know bolt lift is heavier since Zeus is 60 degrees, but is it that much more noticeable than an impact?
- What magazines are you all feeding from. AW seems to be hit or miss, I will be running 6 dasher trying the new Gray Ops mags first unless other suggestions. I want AW for lower profile.

The bolt lift is a little heavy and clicky, I'm not sure how to describe it but yes, it is. It's not something that will cause some big issue though, especially on a heavy rifle.. I prefer to run my Valor actions over the Zeus because of the little bit better bolt lift situation, though I'm not sure why. That said, it's definitely not something that I'd worry about a bunch. All 60's are a little different feeling and have more work to do over a shorter span so.... still no biggie.

I have always just used aics mags because I have quite a bit and have several with +2 extensions. Super reliable so, I've found no reason to mess with AW.

 

[Matt_3479]

Seems like the consensus is it won't be the case that I could lose zero.

For those that chimed in, especially those who had the impact as well:
- I know bolt lift is heavier since Zeus is 60 degrees, but is it that much more noticeable than an impact?
- What magazines are you all feeding from. AW seems to be hit or miss, I will be running 6 dasher trying the new Gray Ops mags first unless other suggestions. I want AW for lower profile.

I have both and run both regularly. The terminus is 100% cock on open 0 on close so they basically snap shut but that equates to heavier lift as well as being a 3 lug. I don’t find the terminus bolt lift especially after it brakes in to be bad by any means and the bolt close so so fast. The impact is 50/50 which lightens up bolt lift but makes it slightly heavier bolt close then the terminus plus it’s a 2 lug. I shoot my impact more as it’s my main prs rifle but the new pipe for the terminus it will take main rifle for 2025 season, with the impact as the back up.

I feed mdt aics msgs from my impact and terminus, and have run the arc mag out of thr terminus with the 25 creed

 

[Csafisher]

I’ve never had an issue with my zues barrel coming loose. If you are concerned you can actually snap them on hard enough to where you’ll need a vise to get it off.

 

[H4MM3R]

I rock 2 different zeus qc actions, one as a pistol, one as a rifle. I've had the pistol longer, threaded on a 9in 300blk barrel to it, forgot about the set screws... 200 rounds later I went to change over to my 350 legend barrel for ohio deer season... the barrel is tight on there... had to throw it all on a vice to change barrels, decided I'd hunt with my subsonic 45 70 instead... tight grip on the barrel to switch it out back too 300blk. Lest that a 10th for zero again. I don't know what your worried about. Can't beet a terminus action...

 

[its_sean]

Thanks, yall. Keep chiming in, but I'm leaning back towards the Zeus.

 

[stanley_white]

For AW magazines you will want an action with a bolt lug at six o’clock for best feeding, which leaves you AI, Aero Solus, and ARC CDG.

-Stan

 

[Rob01]

Forget AW mags. No use for a match rifle. Any action will feed AICS mags.

 

[its_sean]

Forget AW mags. No use for a match rifle. Any action will feed AICS mags.

Thanks, looks like ARC mags with primal rights spacing kit has best luck for 6 dasher.

 

[srt-4_uk]

About the pull the trigger on a Zeus build and someone mentioned the quick change isn’t a great option in PRS because you could bump the barrel and lose your zero vs an impact, lone peak, etc.

That came from using tensioning devices like the ARC Barloc with barrels that don't have shoulders.

 

[kthomas]

Thanks, looks like ARC mags with primal rights spacing kit has best luck for 6 dasher.

If you want a bit lower profile, the MDT mags have worked flawlessly for me in 6BRA.

 

[srt-4_uk]

My ARC mags with Area 419 extensions (14 rounds) are the exact same height as a 12rd MDT BR mag.
I don't have a 10rd MDT mag but based on their measurements, they are longer than a 10rd ARC too.

 

[kthomas]

My ARC mags with Area 419 extensions (14 rounds) are the exact same height as a 12rd MDT BR mag.
I don't have a 10rd MDT mag but based on their measurements, they are longer than a 10rd ARC too.

ARC will be shortest.

However, there are issues when ammo moves from the double stack to single stack configuration.

I've found ARC mags to feed decent enough with BR based cartridges (6BRA), but as cartridges get bigger the issues become more pronounced.

I think it's the friction when moving from DS to SS, and the larger cartridges can't overcome that friction force to feed reliably.

Personally, I don't trust the ARC mags for anything more than range use.

 

[louu]

Get the zeus qc, it's awesome mine has been perfect

 

[Matt_3479]

ARC will be shortest.

However, there are issues when ammo moves from the double stack to single stack configuration.

I've found ARC mags to feed decent enough with BR based cartridges (6BRA), but as cartridges get bigger the issues become more pronounced.

I think it's the friction when moving from DS to SS, and the larger cartridges can't overcome that friction force to feed reliably.

Personally, I don't trust the ARC mags for anything more than range use.

I noticed issues with my arc mag and 25 creed originally but it was the follower moving back and fourth and under pressure it would dip a smidge and jam up. I took some length off the follower and it’s fed the 25 creed beautifully.

That said, the mdt mags feed better and I trust them for matches with the br’s and bra’s for shre

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

ARC mags are hot garbage. I ran them for 2 years and had 2 mags.. replaced twice. Did everything under the sun to keep them running including cleaning after every match, lri billet follower and using dry graphite.

Buy the latest gen MDT 12 rounders (5 lines i think or buy from mdt direct). They are flawless. Have been running them in practice and matches for the last year and it's the first mag I have never had issues with. I have like 8 of them I rotate and they all just run. More reliable and a smaller footprint than aics, accurate, arc, or anything else.

The new grey ops aw mags are really nice too. Surprised it took someone so long to make a 12 round aw...but you certaininly pay for them as well. $160 a mag I think. But at the end of the day...a mag that works 100% of the time is worth every penny.

 

[carbonbased]

But at the end of the day...a mag that works 100% of the time is worth every penny.

Here here! The mag is more important than the darn rifle. Boring but true.

 

[Cody S]

I can say if you want to shoot from AW double stack mags do not get a 2 lug bolt. get a CDG or AI or soulless. something with a 6 o clock open lug. otherwise just use aics mags.

 

[hairy_pineapple588]

I can say if you want to shoot from AW double stack mags do not get a 2 lug bolt. get a CDG or AI or soulless. something with a 6 o clock open lug. otherwise just use aics mags.

This is what I’ve heard as well. I bought an AW mag for my Zeus and it was the only mag I ever had issues with. I sold it and am rocking the MDT 12 round Aics.

 

[its_sean]

Sweet thanks everyone. I’ll grab the mdt 6br aics

 

[JR1200W3]

About the pull the trigger on a Zeus build and someone mentioned the quick change isn’t a great option in PRS because you could bump the barrel and lose your zero vs an impact, lone peak, etc.

Is this true? I really wanted to be able to change from 6 dasher to 6cm for practice and cheap factory ammo.

I’m a casual shooter, once a month local matches.

Torn between this and an impact. I’m considering the impact action due to less bolt lift and from research it appears to feed better with AW mags.

I torque my barrels on at 40'ish ft/lbs using muzzle flats and a crescent wrench. Never had an issue with a barrel loosening or wandering zero. I would be more concerned with an unbedded chassis causing a wandering zero when the barrel gets smacked unexpectedly.

 

[Punkur67]

Sweet thanks everyone. I’ll grab the mdt 6br aics

Make sure to get the 4 rib ones. They aren't on their website yet but you put that in the order notes. I ran the standard ones with my dasher and the round would come out early and the nose of the bullet would tip down and slightly bind. They would feed but needed some bolt finess. I swapped ti the 4 rib and they have been flawless out of the box

 

[its_sean]

Make sure to get the 4 rib ones. They aren't on their website yet but you put that in the order notes. I ran the standard ones with my dasher and the round would come out early and the nose of the bullet would tip down and slightly bind. They would feed but needed some bolt finess. I swapped ti the 4 rib and they have been flawless out of the box


View attachment 8523640

Thank you!!

 

[Boomhauer_lives]

I have a quick change zeus and thats nonsense , also feeds like butter from grey ops aw mags

 

[holen'one]

Seems like the consensus is it won't be the case that I could lose zero.

For those that chimed in, especially those who had the impact as well:
- I know bolt lift is heavier since Zeus is 60 degrees, but is it that much more noticeable than an impact?
- What magazines are you all feeding from. AW seems to be hit or miss, I will be running 6 dasher trying the new Gray Ops mags first unless other suggestions. I want AW for lower profile.

I’ve had both an impact and a Zeus. The Zeus is the better action in my opinion. Tighter, better coating, more features and overall just better. The roller at the back of the bolt makes a big difference and even though it’s 60 degrees it’s not much of a difference in effort over the impacts 90. I sold the impact and kept the Zeus.

 

[its_sean]

Yup, I went with the Zeus!

 

[Boomhauer_lives]

Just bought a second zeus the action is absolute

 

[oldrifleman]

Almost bought one for my last project, but couldn’t find one anywhere, glad supply is picking up!

 

[Boomhauer_lives]

Almost bought one for my last project, but couldn’t find one anywhere, glad supply is picking up!

I bought one second hand and got a different bolt size so i can hot swap barrels and bolts and just bed the actions

 

[Cody S]

I just don't see that barrel mounting system as being super rigid but idk. I'd rather just torque the barrel on and be sure.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

I just don't see that barrel mounting system as being super rigid but idk. I'd rather just torque the barrel on and be sure.

It works fine but is not super repeatable. Torquing to 30+ ft/lbs is a superior method.

 

[Boomhauer_lives]

I just don't see that barrel mounting system as being super rigid but idk. I'd rather just torque the barrel on and be sure.

You still can with the qc setup if you want to ...

 

[Thebiglebowski]

For those running Zeus with AW mags and HRD KITS, are you having to modify the feed lips?

 

[EXSOCAL]

I’ve built more rifles on Zeus actions than anything else, probably closing in on 100 by now, if not more. My personal SA Zeus QC is around 6 years old with over 30k rounds through it with several calibers and different barrels. Never once has there been an issue with losing zero, anything coming lose or anything. There is absolutely zero benefit to torquing the barrel on with this setup. Done it both ways. Makes no difference. We’ve ran these actions harder than 99.99% of the folks out there ever will. I have zero affiliation with Terminus other than being a dealer and using their product because it produces a superior rifle, I could give a shit about a brand name, I’m loyal to products that work.