I also have had both. The surgeon was a piece of art for sure. Like mentioned above, the top rail being pinned is a big plus. The machine work on the back of the bolt shroud was also very impressive. My only dislike , if you will, with the surgeon was the fact that the bolt was really loose, and lock up to me didnt feel any different than a rem 700. I later learned, that surgeon makes an action with tighter tolerances, if thats what you need. Surgeon designs there round action to work in any situation, whether it be in the sand box, or at the range. I think my total price was right at 1050 with 20 moa rail.
Stiller predator. I have four of them, and i feel they are the best action for the money in the rem 700 clone class. The bolt feels nice, not near as much play as my surgeon. I really like the coating stiller applies to there predator action as well. I really love how well these action eject the small BR cases. I had to cut a couple springs loops off my exector spring, because the way they come from the factory, your brass ends up in the next county. Some folks may not care as much about this as myself, but, i have had a bad experience with another leading custom action manufacturer, and positive ejection is a must for me. The lock up on my predator action has that what i call " custom feel" to them. Very nice. Fluted firing pin,and fluted bolt bodies look very nice on the stiller. I am not sure what that means in real life, but like i said it looks nice, and it's just another step stiller is willing to take with there action for us.
Now what i dont like about the stiller predator actions. I think the bolt handles need to be welded on, instead of the sodering them, they way they currently are. I have also had a couple issues with there recoil lugs not being straight. The problem was always taken care of in a speedy order. I have only had dealings with Curtis but he has treated me more than fair. I once bought a tac-30 single shot that was brand new, from a private seller simply because the price was to good to pass on. I called Curtis and he traded me straight up for the action i wanted, and even shipped it to me on his dime. Actually i have done this twice.
Bottom line is that i feel both action are wonderful pieces of work. I dont think you can go wrong with either one. The stiller is about 200 less money, and i do not feel this action is 200 less in quality, so my money goes to stiller, every time. Please take what i have to say for what it is worth. This is my experience only!! Lee
