The 9.3 Dollar Question: Ruger or CZ?

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Googleplex

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Hello there, new here.
So here's the scoop. I'm looking for a bolt action 9.3x62 Mauser for under $800 and have found two interesting options. Before I disclose further information, let me discuss features that I am looking for in this rifle:

Bolt Action in 9.3x62 at less than $800(Huzzah for redundancy, but this is mandatory)
Good recoil pad
Weight of about 8 lbs. or more
Large ring mauser action (or based on is great, too)
Dependable rifle able to shoot under 1.5 MOA

Features that are desired but not on a make or break basis:
Iron sights
Floated barrel (only optional if the firearm can perform as stated above)


Now. I'm looking at a CZ 550 American. It has a floated barrel but no irons, and I trust the company. I'm also looking at Ruger M77 Hawkeye African that does have irons, but it's a quarter pound lighter and I'm not sure about the company. Here's my issues with ruger- the new mounts that are standard on all ruger centerfires require a special type of ring only produced by ruger (as far as I know), and quality control is questionable. Let me elaborate on this: My cousin has a ruger #1 in .223, and it wasn't shooting right. They looked at the mounts, and they were drilled wrong- the front holes didn't line up with the rear, so it wouldn't mount straight. Also I've heard of rugers having various accuracy issues. I've never fired an M77 in my life, so I have no personal experience with this particular rifle. So that's why I'm here. What do you folks think?
 
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That's the way I'm leaning but if there are more options available, or if my concerns about the ruger are moot, then I will do some more investigating. I thought about possibly seeing if Charles Daly/KBI makes a 9.3x62, but alas they don't exist anymore. The CZ and the ruger are the only options I've found thus far, and I've looked pretty hard. The CZ is looking pretty nice, but I'm still caught.
 
Googleplex, please don't do the "bump" thing. I think the reason you haven't gotten more replies is that it is a very tough question.

Personally, I have a lot of Rugers and a few CZ's. The only complaint I've ever had with CZ's is their triggers.

As I recall, my Rugers came with rings, so unless you had a 30mm scope tube, I don't understand the concern there.

Other than my two CZ-75's (9mm & 22LR), that have horrible gritty triggers, I've been happy with CZ's in general with the exception of the 453, and that is because I'm stupid and can't train my brain to remember to set the trigger. (You push forward on it to set it).

I think you would be happy with either choice.
 
I'm not aware of any other reasonably priced rifle options in this caliber, although if the Tikka T3 Battue were imported I would be all over it. I was considering this same question about two weeks ago, and ultimately decided to go with the Ruger. For me it really came down to the barrel length, iron sights and stock design. Rifle sights were a mandatory feature for me, so that pretty much narrowed the choice down to the Ruger African or the CZ 550 FS. I decided that I would like the extra 3 inches or so of barrel the Ruger provides. Also, the hogs back type stock that the FS sports had me somewhat worried. In reading about this stock design I found that some folks claimed that it lessens felt recoil and supports the use of irons and scopes. Other reviewers would claim the exact opposite, that it amplified felt recoil and made it difficult to get a good cheek weld when using a scope... Not having any personal experience with the design, and finding myself less than enamored with the 20.5" barrel, I decided to opt for the Ruger African instead.

Aesthetically, I really like the African rifle design better than the European CZ anyway. Whether that will turn out to be a good choice remains to be seen as I have not received the rifle yet. While there are several sour reviews of the normal hawkeye, pretty much every one I've read on the African version has been positive, and the authors seem to be getting good accuracy.

I guess you pays your money and you takes your chances....

Edit:
In case you haven't seen these, here are two articles, one on each rifle you're considering. The guy who writes these Real Gun articles does a good thorough job of reviewing each.

http://www.realguns.com/archives/152.htm

http://www.realguns.com/articles/316.htm

I'm glad to see that some interest seems to be building here in NA for this old standby.
 
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I think either choice is fine, too. Both Ruger and CZ are pretty well-known for having great customer service, so even if you were to find something wrong with your rifle, I don't think you'd be jumping through hoops to get it fixed - regardless of the rifle you choose.

That being said, they both have all of your required features (both are listed as being 8-lb rifles), and one has a floated barrel, while the other has irons. Decide which of the two optional features is more important to you, or make your decision based on looks.

I'd go with the CZ personally, but you may like the Ruger more. Like I said, either rifle should serve you very well.
 
I've looked at the 550 FS, I'm not sure about the shorter barrel length or the hog's back comb. Gtscotty, please keep me updated on how your ruger african turns out. One site I read claimed that 1.5 MOA was achieved out of the box with factory loads, which is not unreasonable by any means whatsoever, and that once they floated the barrel it narrowed to .75 MOA. Of course that's all hearsay, but if that's true than a good M77 is sure to be the best bet. I've heard ruger has put out alot of lemons lately, but every manufacturer has its occasional bugged specimen. After seeing that #1 I mentioned earlier, though, I'm reluctant.
Another thing that concerns me is the lighter weight of the ruger, but then again it's only a quarter pound of difference- four little ounces- so that may be a moot point.
Decisions, decisions.:banghead:
 
No, I've heard about problems with remngtons, too, but those are different ones. The remingtons had a bad trigger untill the X-mark pro came out. I've seen that problem with my own eyes as well. But that's the only recurring issue I've heard with remington. I've heard that ruger bolts ten to be rougher, that many have shot poorly, and that ruger mounts can only use ruger rings (is that true, btw? I know they come with rings, so it's not a make or break deal, but it is still inconvenient if it's true). But that's all hearsay. Again, I have no experience with ruger bolt guns.
 
Provided the rifle can shoot under 1.5 moa straight out of the box with factory ammo, than floating doesn't really matter to me all that much. also, it's something that can be done after purchasing the rifle. Installing irons, however, not so much. That's the bigger optonal feature for me. The ruger is gaining ground at this point, but without a concise positive testimony about the new hawkeyes in 9.3, I can't truly make a decision. I'm curious how frequent ruger lemons are produced as compared to others. from what I've seen, some people love rugers, some hate 'em.
 
Personally I didn't care for the CZ 550s, they were simply too large, heavy, and didn't fit me all that well. The Euro/hogsback style stock fit me a bit better, but neither were nearly as good as others (namely the Whitworth Express & Winchester M-70 Safari). Additionally the rifle didn't seem to be finished well and did not include a few of the features that I desired (namely a bbl band sling swivel stud). Unless there was a recall, I remember a problem with the safety as well...it would engage after firing some of the more powerful chamberings (the moderately powered 9.3x62mmMauser may very well not suffer from this problem, but if it did I'd get it fixed). The Ruger isn't without flaw either. It doesn't have a comfortable stock design (for me) either, and was not as well finished as the CZ (which still left a bit to be desired IMO). That said options for your desired chambering are severely limited, particularly if you want a new rifle...if not I'd start looking used, as you'll likely wind up with a nicer rifle (although that 550FS with the Mannlicher stock sure is purty). Here's one I found with a quick search of GB:

Springfield Bubba (looks reasonably well done, and comes with a solid action at a reasonable price...plenty of money left for minor alterations, a good optic, or loads of fairly costly ammo)

:)
 
I've heard that ruger bolts ten to be rougher, that many have shot poorly, and that ruger mounts can only use ruger rings (is that true, btw? I know they come with rings, so it's not a make or break deal, but it is still inconvenient if it's true)
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Not a big fan of Ruger bolties, but they aren't bad rifles. In contrast to some of the QC problems Remington has had as of late, Ruger tends to build a solid rifle, if a bit rough around the edges (it is a cast receiver...but a dag blame solid, well-made cast receiver using a true CRF action). It is every bit as good as a CZ, Commercial Mauser, or Winchester in that respect. IME reliability isn't a concern either. They have had some accuracy problems in the past, and remain to be average shooters (1.5MOA should be fairly easily achievable), but they are steadily improving in that respect. Their rings are proprietary in most cases (on all the Hawkeyes to my knowledge), but that isn't a problem because they provide the rings with the rifle and will swap them for a different size if necessary. Also, they are available at many retailers, to include MidwayUSA amongst others.

:)
 
That's interesting. I've always heard CZ finish are very classy. However, finish grade doesn't matter a whole lot to me, the gun will be a working gun, so pure aesthetics don't carry much weight. Feel and performance is what I worry about. If the bolt is a little stiff, it's not that big a deal, as it will probably break in after a while. If it's like trying to pull a walrus out of the water with a shoestring, than it ain't gonna work. Of course I doubt it will be too bad, being a new rifle. As for rings, if midway has backup rings and they work well, than that's a non-issue.
 
That's interesting. I've always heard CZ finish are very classy.
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The 550 (at least the big bore/Safari versions) seem to be the exception. Don't get me wrong, they are a solid rifle, based on my favorite action, but like the Ruger are a bit rough around the edges. For instance, the finishing leaves a bit to be desired, wood is lackluster, bolt isn't terribly smooth, but none of these hinder the performance in any way (the safety does, but that should be a fairly easy fix, if it's even necessary). Because of the girth of the rifle (the price paid for that cavernous magazine), I would highly suggest you at least handle one (if you haven't already done so) before even considering buying.

As for the springfield, I saw it and like it, but I don't know if I want something that old. I don't know what kind of shape the bore or other components may be in.
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Not terribly uncommon for the time period it was built in as they were commonplace, reasonably cheap, and a good solid action that affords excellent reliability...not unlike a Mauser (which is the basis for the '03 action). I would bet on it being a good action, with a fair trigger, but beyond that I can't comment too much. If in fact it needs a new bbl (which I doubt, as the 9.3x62mmMauser isn't a cartridge that folks tend to shoot a great deal, and the seller states it has a cut rifled bbl, which is promising though not necessarily an indicator of accuracy), you should be able have a new one installed for little more than the savings afforded with such a rifle. Personally I would take the gamble (with respect to the other options...it never hurts to broaden your search), as I think it will exceed your expectations, particularly if you are willing to put in a little time and or money for a few refinements like a good bedding job (which it may already have, but I'd not bank on), and a smooth, but not overly light trigger (again, it may already break like glass, but I seriously doubt it).

:)
 
My CZ 527 american in .223 is very well finished, it is extremely accurate ,even with factory rounds. It does not have irons, but unless your using it as a fun gun on the range
why would you need them. it has a floating barrel,a set trigger which I find is very good,the action is very smooth,all in all it is a very fine rifle, and to further recommend it I would certainely buy another.
 
Googleplex,

I don't know if you reload, but even if you don't, you should swing by Grafs.com, they sell the Prvi Partizan 9.3x62 for ~$25/box. Seeing as how pretty much every other manufacturer sells their 9.3x62 for >$40/box, thats a bangin deal. If you do reload, you can also pick up a bag of 100 Prvi bullets for ~$25, a bag of 100 Prvi brass for $45, and a set of RCBS dies for $33-ish. Worst case scenario, you'll only pay a $5.99 handling fee to have it shipped to your house, but if they still have their promotion going on, that combination of products should qualify to ship free (at least it did for me).
 
I would choose the CZ. Mine is well above average in the accuracy department and the tried and true Mauser design action is hard to beat. They also come with an outstanding trigger. The CZ is one of the best values out there along with the Tikka and Winchester Mod 70. IMO the Win Mod. 70 is the best though but mine is not as accurate as the CZ out of the box. I had to handload to dial it in. The CZ performs outstanding with factory ammo.
 
I would much prefer Savage. The carabine comes with 20" barrel Accutrigger quality synthetic stock and Recknagel front and rear iron sights. I would prefer 8x57JS chambering unless you're hunting larger then usual game.
 
The CZ and Ruger are both equally good options. It comes down to either; slim and trim-Ruger or big and burly-CZ. The Zastava is still imported and available in 9.3x62 although it is quite trim. There is a fellow over on Accurate Reloading that has a Winchester M70 SS in 9.3 for sale, although a little higher than you budget, it is extremely nice.
 
Personally I would take the gamble (with respect to the other options...it never hurts to broaden your search), as I think it will exceed your expectations, particularly if you are willing to put in a little time and or money for a few refinements like a good bedding job
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You're probably right, there. For $325 I could put the savings into a new recoil pad should I be dissatisfied by the stock one. A new stock could even be feasable should the old one be less than satisfactory. About how much would I expect to pay for a glass bedding job?

I don't know if you reload, but even if you don't, you should swing by Grafs.com, they sell the Prvi Partizan 9.3x62 for ~$25/box.
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That's exactly what I was planning on doing. Same site, load, and everything. I've also looked at Midway and Black Hills Shooter's Supply, but Graf's selection is far better.:cool:

NOTE: Ruger quality is on the upswing and Ruger now makes their own barrels and has stopped contracting them out to be made. In plain English their barrels have gotten much better
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That's good to know. It almost sounds like the ruger is the best bet of the two, however some cheaper options may be good if they work out.

The Zastava is still imported and available in 9.3x62 although it is quite trim.
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Really? By who, and for how much?
 
That's exactly what I was planning on doing. Same site, load, and everything. I've also looked at Midway and Black Hills Shooter's Supply, but Graf's selection is far better.
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Sounds like a plan, I ordered a box of loaded Prvi rounds, a bag of brass, a bag of bullets and a set of dies last week and everything showed up on my doorstep today. The loaded Cartridges look to be pretty uniform and high quality. I think this rifle is going to be a hoot to shoot, the bullets themselves are quite hossly, and the bag of bullets alone weighs over 4 lbs :D . Now if Buds would go ahead and get my rifle on the road, I'd be all set.
 
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