9.3 X 62 Dilemma

[tenmikemike]

After extensive research on several forums and much reading of reloading manuals and written articles where possible I have fallen in love with the 9.3 X 62 as a "do-all" rifle for just about any game on earth, save the biggest dangerous ones in Africa.

The dilemma is, I want something like a CZ 550 in the "European" configuration (NOT the Full Stock carbine) with full length (600mm) barrel and express sights. Problem is, they only seem to offer the CZ 550 American (with NO sights) and the Full Stock here in the USA. The other choice would seem to be try to find a nice old used Mauser or Husqvarna for sale (mighty slim pickings) or buy an old .30-06 and pay for a re-barrel. Either way I am trying to keep this under $1,000 (which is why I didn't mention the Blaser R-93 or Steyr or other expensive imports).

Given the above options, which way would you proceed and why? Or is there another option I may be missing? Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

[ECVMatt]

I like that round as well. It seems very well balanced and is a great hunting round.

I went with the .338-06 as sort of my do all round just because it was much easier to assemble brass and bullets. The conversion is also a snap, any 30-06 will do.

I would suggest you start with an 06 and then build the rifle you want. It would be better to take your time and save money or build the rifle in steps to end up with what you want. I have sold too many rifles that weren't right. Now I really think about what I want.

Good Luck and keep us posted. Heck if you post enough info, I just might have to add a 9.3 as well....

Matt

 

[paintballdude902]

you may want to check into a new savage, stevens, or marlin for the conversion something with a fairly eas barrel job

a guy on the marlin owners forum converted his .30-06 xl7 to .35 whellen

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'd suggest a phone call or e-mail to CZ. I had a rep CALL me on my cell phone after I enquired about the then new CZ 500 American in .375, they offered to sell me the shot-show demo. Not kidding. I was impressed.

You aren't asking for a custom rifle, you want something they already make. Seriously, contact them.

 

[brianr23]

Tikka offers the 9.3x62 in a battue rifle but it is a special order. I don't think they are imported on a regular basis. I also love the 9.3x62 so hopefully it will be chambered in more US rifles.

http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?battue

 

[viking499]

Have you looked on Gunbroker? There are a few 9.3x62's listed there right now.

 

[tenmikemike]

Appreciate the feedback from all. I keep checking Gunbroker and GunsAmerica and it is spotty. I will check tonight.

Brianr, I know about the Battue Tikka offers and I REALLY dislike the looks of it, but thanks for the mention.

Pac-Nor offers ready-to-install barrels for almost any rifle commonly available in America, and at ~$300 + fitting costs, this may just be the way to go, especially as (used) .30-06 rifles are common in every gun shop.

 

[JimmAr]

I would just get the cz american 550, 9.3x62 is also offered in lapua brass you cant get much better then that..slap some decent 1.5-x on it and should be under 1000.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My go-to heavy rifle is a .35 Brown-Whelen. This is the most radical form of the Whelen, with almost all the taper removed from the case, the shoulder made much sharper and moved well forward. I'm driving a 225-grain Nosler Partition Jacket to 2800 fps.

The beauty of this is that you can convert any .35 Whelen with just a chamber reamer and a headspace gauge (both of which you can rent) and make your ammo from readily-available .30-06 cases.

 

[Maverick223]

You may want to take a look at the venerable old .375 H&H, it is a bit longer and recoil is slightly greater, but it has a little more energy and is much more widespread (meaning more rifles and ammunition). Also ammo is not too expensive (compared to other dangerous game cartridges) so if you need to buy a box it won't kill you. The 375H&H is the oldest available dangerous game cartridge, so I don't see much changing as far as availability. The case of the 375 is also tapered to a greater degree making extraction much easier in humid environments, which is one of the factors leading to its widespread use and success in Africa. It is available in the CZ 550 with the Euro style "hogsback" stock which I too prefer.

 

[Snow Dog]

Any blued Tikka is available with regular iron sights as an option. I had a T3 in 9.3x62 with irons but foolishly sold it. Contact Beretta (the US distributor of Tikkas) and see if they would be willing to bring one in for you.