Aero Precision Solus vs Zermatt Arms Origin: Dare to Compare
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- The good. The bad. But there’s no ugly here!
Thanks to all who watched the first video on the Aero Precision Solus!
Remember, this is a sample size of one for each action and does not necessarily represent every action produced. These thoughts are my personal preferences and observations! Enjoy!
Make sure you see part 1 the first look at the new Aero Precision Solus here
Aero Precision Solus: Is it a Home-run?
youtube/Bhy7nekwdgw
In this video I do a bench top comparison of the Zermatt Origin and the Aero Solus (like the title says).
I go over features of both, likes and dislikes of both, and hopefully provide you with some insight.
Both are identical in price, but very different in features.
Stay tuned for more comparisons at the range!
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This was a very helpful comparison. I like the idea of an integral recoil lug and scope mount rail. However, I will choose the smoother action every day of the week.
In addition, I built a couple of 308 ARs with Aero Precision bolt carrier groups. Both barrels were from the same manufacturer, but they headspaced differently. As it happened, the AP bolts also headspaced differently so I was able to match each bolt with one barrel and all was good. However, the difference in the bolts was unsettling.
I prefer a smooth action as well!
Thank you for your review. I did not know that Areo Precision was making a bolt action. I am a huge Areo Precision fan boy. With the exception of two Anderson lower receivers, all of my AR upper receivers and receiver sets, both AR1O and AR15 are Areo Precision. However, all of my bolt actions are Zermatt TL3 actions and based on your review I will be sticking with Zermatt. The TL3 has an integrated recoil lug like the Solus, bolt on picatinny rails, which allows for 0, 20 or 30 MOA rails, removable bolt heads and a variety of bolt knobs. A couple of things I observed in your video that I really don't like are the trigger mounting system and ejection system in the Solus. Again, thank you for doing this review. It was extremely informative.
Thank you for your kind words! I think that’s a wise choice on your part. I do actually kinda like the trigger hangar system, but I am definitely a fan of the control round feed and mechanical ejector.
Thanks for making this video. How you show the smoothness really helps us to understand how smooth it is. Looking forward to the shooting video!
Hopefully I get it going next week!
I think for about the same price, you're trading features (Solus) vs. refinement (Origin). Hopefully the Solus will wear in over time. It's still a great value either way with all the features they've built in! Thanks for comparing the two!
This is exactly my take away! It’s not one better than the other, it’s what you want more.
waiting for a long term review and your conclusions after running the same barrel on both. Great review!
Unfortunately this action didn’t pan out for me, but I’ve got it’s replacement and will be doing a lot more content with it! Check it out! ARC Coup de Grace: Fatal Blow to All Other Actions?
th-cam.com/video/YIztSpakA8Q/w-d-xo.html
I think the lack of break in and the greater surface area of the unfluted bolt is the difference in feel.
It’s more than that, it’s clunky as well. It has smoothed up a bit, but it bugs me more and more that I play with it lol
@@ShootingTheBChas it smoothed out at all since then?
I ended up just sending it back. Couldn’t get over a couple of things, one being neither of my origin barrels would headspace.
One thing I do like about the solus is the bolt lift. Had this been out when I bought my origin it would’ve been a tough decision but I have no complaints with the origin
It’s just so feature packed it’s hard to say no.
Still digging the SOLUS. Thanks for making this vid. The SOLUS will no doubt break in and be smooth. I don't like the Aero P response of, "Soon" for the action wrench. I fear they might delay the release until they get enough of their completed SOLUS rifles sold...
Sorry to be jumping on a year old video. Have you had a chance to get your hands on the Solus Obsidian? think it would be a better comparison to the original.
Might want to put some Bore Tech Friction Guard XP oh the bolt and raceways. Paramount Tactical’s channel shows how you can apply it with no residue left over. It’s gun oil with Teflon. Wipe on, wipe off dry. Bet it would be a lot smoother!
I tried 3 different types of lube, all same results.
@@ShootingTheBC Roger that. From what I’ve been told, this stuff is supposed to be different since it’s not just oil, or just Teflon dry lube, it’s both. But hopefully it smooths up with time and shoots straight.
Just saw your reply, I’ll have to look into that thanks!
I wouldn't call the Solus a Rem 700 clone - it has a Rem 700 footprint. I'd define that as same action screw spacing, trigger, and recoil lug location as Rem 700.
Ya I’d call it a clone. It’s a 3 lug but still built around all the amazing aftermarket ecosystem of rem700, but the smart move of origin barrel since there is not a standard tight tolerance rem 700 prefit barrel. When you order a stop it will be for a rem 700, when you get a trigger it will be a rem 700. It’s close enough for me to say it’s a clone.
So excited to see you shoot it
Unfortunately I decided to go a different route, but am working on some Coup de Grâce content right now!
This is a year old. I need an update on the SOLUS smoothness.
zermatt is a cheap design, but the machining is flawless and it works. I just don't see spending the money on the Zermatt to end up with no integral recoil lug, no integral rail, and a 2-lug. I am not a fan of bumping my hands into my optic over and over and over, so the 3-lug systems are a no-brainer. I am dissapointed in the Sig Solus not having a fixed ejector pin in the action. Plunger ejectors are stupid in comparison to fixed ejectors in the action in terms of design and function. I think both of these fall short of some of the "square" bottom actions that are much more rigid, such as the Howa action. The floating and swapable bolt head is a no-brainer also. Some people are still hung up on bolts having to be one peice.
I like the mechanical ejectors but most actions still use plunger style. Zermatt has integral lug and rail, but it comes with a price increase
Any idea of how precise their alleged tolerances on action to action? I’ve ran several Origins for several years and never had any issue with any of them… but the integral rail and lug are the main selling points of this action (at $800 price point) it seems. Kind of hard to judge it versus a tried and true action in the Origin but I understand you’ve just got it… everyone of my barrels I’ve shot with the Origins I have are shooting .1s w regularity and even in the .0s on occasion so that’s the piece for me that I’m most interested in. Features are all fine and dandy but how it shoots is obviously the biggest factor. I’m interested in hearing your follow up and thank you for the review.
Appreciate the comparison!
Thanks!
Seems like a lot of nit picking for unfinished build. Im surprised you dont at least mount on a test stock to compare. I believe the origin is wire EDM cut. Not a lot to go on here as the hunting for things were extremely small. Id wager once on a full build most you might find is one smother than the orher.
I'm curious about the Aero too. I haven't started Precision rifle league yet, just started looking into events in my area. Lots of weekend matches in Washington state. I recently bought a Rem 700P M24/M40ish in 300 win mag and shopping for a better optic now too. But the Aero has alot of features. I'd like to build a 6 creed or another rifle with a chassis. Good table top review, good comparison and internal view. I had no idea it was that different than Rem 700. More like a Tikka or Browning style design. Looking forward to seeing your completed build. See how it shoots
For a first PRS rifle it’s really hard to beat as a complete package or even a barreled action they now offer. They’re a good company with great customer service all around!
When AERO Precision has available all the tools to put together a barrel, I will be getting one. I already have a per-fit barrel for a Savage action installed on a Savage 110 action, it will be getting the old barrel back on.
If you’re using a barrel nut on your barrel, you don’t need the action wrench. Just the gauges. One would be useful for sure, but I believe you can do it without.
Did you put the solus into any other chassis such as MDT or MPA? any interfere because of the trigger hanger
I put it in an mdt acc and a krg bravo no issues
Correct me if I'm wrong but the origin is wire EDM'ed and the solus is not. The other thing to note, fairly certain the solus is 4150 or 4340 (not entirely sure, mainly a guess but my point is it's some sort of chromoly) and the origin, if I remember correctly (been researching quite a few actions because i want one but I'm picky) is 416r stainless. Big difference in terms of surface and smoothness within the action.
I don’t know if the Solus is wire edm, but my origin was pre stainless so it’s chromoly. The Solus is made from 416 on the receiver and 17-4 on the bolt body. Both are nitrided bolts.
Looks like a 90^ and 60^ bolt lift for larger scopes. AREO FOR ME.
I am liking the 60 degree throw for sure!
Is it possible to still find the Gold Triggertech Diamond Series with the flat face trigger?
I don’t think so, I think it’s a Black Friday sale only
I’m exciting to see it get a barrel! Of the features that Solus has, I think the bolt stop and 3 lug design are cool.
My biggest obsession in getting into a custom action is caliber conversion; specifically bolt faces. A .223 bolt face or 6ppc would be very cool to see, but Zermatt is more invested in this shooting segment. They’re the same price, and that CRF & Mechanical ejector seem badass. Shoot straight!
-Isaac
I don’t doubt it’s going to shoot well!
😊 Aero sent all of their actions out to get polished. Before they ship them. Wondering if you had something to do with that?
This is the first I’ve heard of this. I kinda doubt I had anything to do with it. Their customer service has been spectacular, but I think they view me as an anomaly not the norm. Can’t say I really blame em, but I doubt they’re changing anything because of me.
I appreciate the video, and taking the plunge for everyone's benefit. I am curious to see how it breaks in. I have several customs, and even the $1700 ones feel a little rougher than you'd expect out of the box. I'm eager to see how the Solus smooths out over the course of say ~500-1000 rounds.
It’s smoothing out already with maybe 300 cycles on it. I haven’t been able to shoot it yet, might have to take it to my gunsmith and have him torque on my barrel for me.
@@ShootingTheBC eh, I'd just get a barrel vice and an action wrench and do it yourself. With two actions that are threaded identically, you're going to want that setup anyway...then no more need for an ugly barrel nut.
I do wonder what type of action wrench this takes. I would assume it would accept a 700 style (like most do), but never know with their bolt design.
Good luck regardless, and thanks for taking the time to put these videos together. I know it takes a lot of time. :)
@@MikeMcCasland27 I’m glad you enjoyed them! I have a action wrench and barrel vise for my origin. The Solus takes a proprietary wrench that isn’t available yet. My smith has a universal wrench that goes over the outside of the action, that way I could get this to the range before the actual wrench is available. We tried 3 different 3 lug wrenches and none of them worked, then AERO confirmed it was proprietary for me.
On the controlled round feed, does a cartridge always have to come from the magazine? Can I just drop a cartridge in the ejection port and chamber it?
No you can single feed like normal
👍thanks.
👍thanks.
👍
Very curious about the bolt lift. Is it heavy, like a savage? Or light like a Tikka or other nice custom action?
As far as weight goes, it seemed close to my tikka and origin. It’s not as smooth as either so it makes it feel like a little more.
I'm liking the solus more than I thought I would. Aero needs to flute the bolt. I'm sure they will improve over time.... for now I have to stick with my Defiance and Impact
I’m glad it’s fitting your needs!
I wonder if aero will offer a left hand bolt option
I believe they plan to, at some point.
Good review. My solus shoots sub half minute so I’m good with it
That’s great! Did you go with the complete rifle?
@@ShootingTheBC Yeah i got the KRG one
Glad to hear!
I would wait till you have 2500 rounds cycled in the Solus before comparing smoothness then do a comparison . My biggest issue with the Origin action is the slop when the bolts all the way to the rear .
I haven’t noticed slop in mine, I’ll have to check that out. It’s so smooth I haven’t looked into it too much
Sounds super gritty on the Solus. I’d rather have a 2 lug as well. I mean you could sit there and mess with the action but makes you wonder how these would perform in dusty situations. Bolts with flutes on them are better in those situations.
As much as I love building ARs with Aero Upper lower and hand guards. I’m not sure it’s a go to. I’d rather go with Impact Precision, Zermatt, or on high end Bat Machine. Heck even Kelbly Atlas Tactical would be a good option too. Just a little more in money at a grand but still.
The issue is Aero doesn’t make replacement parts with their Solus. Where as Zermatt does. As well as it’s easier to change out Bolt Faces and Solus doesn’t even have that option nor can you get just the bolt as a whole in another face.
They’re coming out with more and more parts for the solus. I decided to go a different route but I think many will find it fits their bill!
I wouldn't worry about the smoothness if it's decent, it will definitely get better with use. I would just polish that sucker up anyway. Is there a price difference?
Nope both 899
To head space the solus do i need to remove the extractor? Im in debate between both of the.
I’m not a gun smith but I believe technically you are suppose to remove the ejector not the extractor, though many folks, my gunsmith included, do not remove the ejector.
@@ShootingTheBC sweet thanks for the response. I appreciate it
You bet
Great video. Not sure you can show barrel install and checking of the chamber. I seen your video before and enjoy them. Very interested in building one myself!
Maybe when I get the action wrench I can do that!
Not supposed to show install
@@US2A ya those darn rules…I won’t be showing the install as I have a video from a couple of years ago showing it with my Origin.
@@ShootingTheBC it's bs to be able to get strikes from old videos
Agreed
It appears the Aero has a heavy bolt lift with the 60° bolt. Wonder if running the bolt jars the rifle off target on multiple shots. Or will the bolt lift smooth out and lighten over time
It’s not the 60 degree throw that’s rough on it, that is actually not bad, it’s the cam engagement that isn’t smooth. That part is something that should smooth out over time.
@@ShootingTheBC Cool… look forward to future reviews
Should have an update out next week
I really look forward to the comparison with the same setup. That’ll be interesting. It’s about the only way to truly compare accuracy given the only variable is the action. A developed load shouldn’t change with the swap give they both headspace the same.
Unfortunately that won’t be coming. Neither one of my barrels would headspace properly on the Solus, so I ended up sending it back. I’m working on an update explaining more.
That really sucks. I have two ordered.
I could have made it work, and if you get a barreled action from them you will be fine. Just make sure you check headspace, and aero had top notch customer service as well!
One is a barreled action the other is just the action. I’ll check them both once I pick them up. Thanks for the heads up.
I think most people have liked em, it just didn’t work for my needs and expectations.
At this point which one do you like more? Did the solus smooth out or would you say stick with origin?
Unfortunately for a couple of reasons I decided the Solus just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get either of my origin barrels to headspace correctly so I opted to go a different direction, but Aeros customer service was absolutely top notch!
@@ShootingTheBC thanks for letting me know I was on the fence of buying one. I really like the origin and think it's a work of art honestly. I'm wondering if I should buy another originand have 2 rifles in different calibers or just have 1 and swap barrels... not sure yet on the best way to go about it.
The origin is a solid action, don’t overlook the Coup de Grâce either though. I just got mine in and it’s everything and more I was hoping the Solus would be, for the same price. I think if you went with a barreled action or complete rifle l, the Solus would be a great option still, but I feel like you’ll compare it to your origin a lot.
Integrel lug and rail is a huge difference IMO.
It’s true
The Origin looks like it has some rounds through it, could that be part of the smoothness?
I don’t think so. It’s hard to say really. The whole Feel of it is different. The origin feels refined while in my hands and my opinion the Solus feels less so. Probably isn’t a deal breaker for most people, I just lost all excitement for myself when I ran the gun, which I mounted up and dry fired and ran about 500 cycles on it d’umore by side with the origin and a tikka.
What Remington 700 owner has ever changed their barrel in the field. Seen guys at comps do it
The recoil lug makes it almost impossible to do with a standard Remington 700.
Will look great in a MDT LSS chassis. a 18 inch bull barrel 25 Creedmoor.
It looks really nice in my ACC chassis!
well everyone should know the bolt left is some harder and stuff on a three lug 60 degree over a two lug 90 you having to do the same action is a shorter space the main thing to me is the control round feed over the push feed
The force feels very similar. What doesn’t feel similar is how the two action feel. Not weight or force. Friction. The origin is clearly smoother. The Solus feels like unpolished parts rubbing on each other, not that that is what is happening, but that’s what it feels like.
It’s called bolt bind.
Thanks for watching and commenting! It’s annoying is what it is🤣🤣 but yes bolt bind is probably the proper term lol
Now do a comparison between Terminus Zeus versus whatever would compare with it.
A comparison between terminus, lone peak, and impact I think could be awesome!
How did it shoot? I’m building one right now
I never even shot it. I sent it back due to some issues I was having. I’ve been told by aero they have made some big improvements and the obsidian is supposedly glass smooth now. I might pick up another one in the future but it just wasn’t working for me
@@ShootingTheBC man iv been having some insane performance my lowest recorded group is .185 but i think iv shot better using 130 Bergers , i did a aero with a Krieger barrel and XRS chassis.
That’s great! I had a couple origin barrels already and they wouldn’t headspace so I decided to go a different direction. Aero was great to work with though on it.
@@ShootingTheBC prefits arnt the answer in my opinion
I can see that. One was a prefit one was spun up for my origin and both had identical headspace. I bought the action partially because I had a barrel that o could throw on it and that didn’t work out for me. I’ve been happy with the CDG instead though
2500rds vs 0……🤔so you think there might be a difference?
Thanks for watching and replying! Even a brand new origin (I took this action to the LGS to see how it compared) as found on a proof rifle was well above the solus as far as smooth goes. I did dry fire it close to if not more than 1000 times and it never really improved.
That's all great, but the bottom line on a precision bolt action is... is it true. If the lugs and bolt face aren't true then it's no better than any factory rifle bolt action.
I have no way of measuring, but I do know That with modern machining and techniques, I don’t know if any custom action maker that is known for issues with lugs and bolt face being true. That being said, the Solus did seem to have more of a brass mark favoring one side of the bolt face than the other.
When poeple get into such nuances, you know their clientel is a bit spoiled for the minor differences. what is the price differences in the two, if the two are the same price the best one wins. the amount of work it would take for the buyer to get to the same detail level of the Zermatt after buying would take some valuable time. I like the Zermatt better unless someone can verify the accuracy is worse.
Take ruger for instance rough action but the out of the box accuracy in bargin prices cant be beat if you want to buy and go.
They are identical in price, features vary and will be personal preference. Zermatt is noticeably smoother
Any updates on how the Solus shoots?
I ended up returning it to aero. Neither of my origin barrels would headspace properly. I’ve heard god reports from others though
I really wish aero would make left hand versions
Perhaps some day!
The Zermatt bolt maybe more more smooth since it has less surface area due to it being fluted.
Could be but it didn’t feel like that to me.
@@ShootingTheBC thanks for the reply!
👍
At the same price the origin is an easy winner
The solus has more features but the origin is a more refined action, I would stick with Origin between the two. And in fact I did lol
3-lug vs 2-lug. 3-lug always wins
Agree to disagree. There’s so much more than just the lugs when it comes to an action.
Bolt lift is quite different between 2 and 3 lug designs.
Absolutely. But a smooth bolt lift vs one that is not exacerbates the gritty feel, not the pressure. My tikka is also 3 lug and it’s buttery smooth too
What is price difference?
Identical price of 899
@@ShootingTheBC Man with rail and lug inter graded that is cheap compared to others
@@christittle1131 it’s a lot of value for the price
Have you shot the Solus yet?
I did not. I decided it didn’t meet my needs like I thought it would and I returned it.
Only thing you haven't talked about was price.
They’re both $899
Origin takes the cake between the two but spend a few hundred more and get the TL3 that beats them both.
The tl3 seems solid, it is a significant price increase though, and I think many will be fine without it. All of zermatt’s products are top notch!
You doubt 25 hundred rounds doesn't make a difference? Bro it's way more worn in
2500 rds makes a difference yes, but not as much as what I felt. A new origin action is still smooth as glass. The Solus is not the smoothest action, but it’s a great value for the money, just not what I would expect from a custom action is all.
I probably dry fired and ran this Solus close to 1000 times. I sat with it in a chassis and a barrel on it and did about 250 dry fire side by side with the origin and it was very noticeable difference. It’s not a ruger American type of rough by any means, but it’s closer to a factory action than a custom action. My tikka is way more smooth as well.
The Solus feels no better than a REM 700 action to me.
Supposedly, they have changed some geometry and coatings to get them to be smoother action, I cannot confirm they are slicker, but I can confirm they made changes targeted at that. Zero changes to headspace though.
the origin feels smoother because its a fluted bolt which has less surface area touching so it will feel smoother. its not superior, pin on recoil lug, bolt on rail, not in my opinion. i wouldnt buy eithier,i would spend the extra 150-200 bucks and get a stiller action.
It’s more than the fluting and extra surface area. My tikka im doesn’t have a fluted bolt and it’s very similar to the origin. It’s the bolt and action interface design. If it were as smooths as the origin it wm would be superior, as is I’m not so sure. Like I say I’m the video, or could be personal preference at this point. I didn’t know stiller was 1050-1100, good to know.
I'm guessing part of the smoothness comes from one being used and the other being new. I'm only saying part of it as I by no means know much about bolt action but I am trying to learn.
It’s part of it for sure, but that’s not what I was feeling. My tikka doesn’t have nearly as many rounds and it was better, as is my new coup de grace action
No recoil lug, deal breaker for anybody serious about shooting
It’s really my only complaint of the origin. Swapping barrels once or twice a year isn’t terrible but it’s annoying enough if like to upgrade.
Origin > Solus
Agree
Sure would be nice after having the action 2 months now and A proof barrel yo mount on it that Aero would release a action wrench to torque barrel down so I can finally shoot this build have all the parts Aero chassis and Trigger tech diamond trigger. Waiting waiting send emails to aero but no firm delivery date seems an over sight if we’ll know company with great quality releases an action with no wrench to mount barrel.
I can’t believe they still haven’t got something sent out for action wrenches! I feel like they should have held onto the action and just sold barreled actions and rifles until the wrench was ready.
They release action wrench and it nice for the money, in their webpage under Solus tools.
👍
Of course 2500 rounds will smooth up most actions! Not really a fair comparison.
While I agree, I compared it to quite a few factory rifles at my local store, and it fell between a bergara and waypoint, both of which are not custom level actions. I’ve since gotten the CDG and it blows the solus out of the water in every way!