My hunting buddy was asking me about building or buying a 9.3X62. Since I have no first hand experience thought I would ask.

He has an idle MKX action and was thinking about installing a basic Walther barrel. Not counting the cost of the action by the time he stocked and barreled it say $500+

His second thought was just pick up a CZ550 American in 9.3X62. His cost $459.

What would he gain one option vs the other?

Does anyone know if a CZ550 would fit in a M98 semi inletted stock?

Tell your buddy to sell the mark X action and apply it to the purchase price of the CZ...final cost...about $200 or so

I personally like the mark X in that size. The .30-06 length is an excellent candidate for a custom. However in the end it might not be as good as a CZ....I hear both good and bad about them.

This will possibly muddy the waters.
I have a CZ American in 9.3 x 62. It is a nice rifle. As is usual with CZs, the action is a little gritty. If your friend is handy with Arkansas stones or lapping compound the CZ will smooth up fine. If he has big hands the American stock may not be comfortable for him. Mine isn't for me so I may trade it for the CZ Mannlicher style in 9.3 x 62.

I also have a Mark X action (a fellow with the Mark X really wanted an old AK 47 that I had for the grandkids to play with). It is very smooth. I will have it barreled for 9.3 x 62 and whittle a stock. McMillan also makes a very nice Mark X stock. You can get one as an internet special for $350.00. I don't know about CZ fit in a Mauser 98 inlet stock.

As always, refinement costs money, time, or both.

lawndart

I have a cz lux 9.3x62 and am happy with it, and for sure it's a cheap way to go over building on a mauser especially if you get the bug while building and start adding all those pretty mauser bells and whistles.

McMillan also make a stock for the cz 30/06 length actions it's called the AHR model.

I would like a couple of them for sure.

EArly last year or late in 2003 I bought a used 9,3x62 CZ 550 American from a board member. Price was right. Condition was good.

Had a scope screw up on a .338 Win Mag the Sunday before we were leaving for RSA on Wednesday. Quickly put the 9,3x62 into service and took it instead. Worked GREAT for Impala, Warthog, Wildebeast, Kudu and Zebra. Is a light, handy rifle that was a joy to hunt with.

I'd save the mauser action for a special project you can take your time doing into something really special that will be passed to a family member that will truly appreciate it.

The CZ is a superb hunting rifle with just a little bit of slicking and tuneup.

The 550 is a superb piece. It will need slicking up, but it's least expensive way to get into a 9.3x62.

Be advised that there was a problem with the firing pin spring retaining clip on some of the early ones. I understand the factory has gone back to the original system and the problem is gone. Do a search for "Okie John" and "C-clip" and you'll find my posts about a 550 that quit firing during a feral cattle cull. If you ever need a laxative, it's just the thing.


Okie John

Can you still get a CZ LUX in 9.3X62? I haven't seen one for sale in a long time.

Terry

More important, which action does he like best, not what the rest of us think is best, they are both good actions...The difference isn't much one way or the other depending on how nice he wants it....

As to his preference in actions. Let's just say he isn't that picky. LOL I have smoothed up his MKX and I would assume I would be the one smoothing up his CZ if he bought one. He would just as soon complain about a 7# trigger than fix it. So I normally handle those things. Least I can do since he has the FFL.

I too will vote for the CZ in 9.3x62. My brother bought one (he's always able to afford new rifles while I can just afford to dream about them), the CZ 550 American. It has dual crossbolts and is really a nice rifle. I started smoothing up the action for him by just working the heck out of the bolt. Ir still has a ways to go. As far as triggers, those CZ single-set triggers are the most easily-adjustable trigger that I have ever seen and the single set feature is fantastic. Duffy already has a CZ 550 Full Stock in 7xs57mm that is a very accurate little weapon with handloads and TC1, the full stock model has a lux-style stock and also comes in 9.3x62. I adjusted both the trigger on my CZ 550 and Duffy's full stock and the 9.3 to just a tad more than three pounds, with no creep or overtravel at all. The set feature lets the trigger break at about 12 ounces. I know this is way off topic. I just like to talk about the CZs and what great rifles I think they are for the money. Unfortunately, they are increasing in price, but are still an extremely good value in the gun marketplace. Tom Purdom

I have seen one of those 9,3x62 CZ550 sporters with Williams sights, PLASTIC follower , and loose bolt nob.

I have a CZ 550 American and it is a real shooter. The bolt handle rubbed against the stock when closed so I had to do a little sanding of the stock. I bedded it and free floated the barrel also. The bolt still needs a little more work as well. All in all I like my 550 American and I really like the way it shoots.

I too have just bought a CZ550 Lux in 9.3x62. As with them all the action was gritty and very stiff, but an hour spent working the bolt has slicked it up nicely. It came with the 3 position safety which I like. CZ are replacing the plastic follower and floorplate (thankyou!!) free of charge. I tried to use it with the open sights but have found my eyes are way past that stage, will be fitting a Leupy VX-III 2.5-8x36 within a few days.

A really nice lightweight rifle, a great companion for my 550Magnum in .458 Lott. Next CZ with be a 550 FS in 7x64.

My LW barrel shoots ragged holes with 232gr norma oryx.

Is your LW barrel the basic $199 barrel they list on their site or a full custom?

I'm with Ray on this one. Which action does he prefer? The end result for what he wants to spend, or at least how you've outlined it, will be about the same.

The CZ will be easier and faster to obtain while the Mk.X will be semi-custom. At least he could tailor the stock to fit him properly.

How much velocity loss do you think the 9.3 loses going to the shorter barrel in the fullstock? I think the difference is about 3 inches.

Since most people aren't going to be shooting great distances with a 9.2x62, does it really matter? Its not like this is a .270 or even a 6.5x55

Will the mannlicher stock hurt the accuracy?

quote:

How much velocity loss do you think the 9.3 loses going to the shorter barrel in the fullstock? I think the difference is about 3 inches.

About 25'/sec per inch...more or less

The CZ550FS in 9.3x62 has both a sturdy barrel and a sturdy mannlicher-style stock. Accuracy is outstanding.

The only time I have ever seen a mannlicher stock really effect accuracy is when the rifle has a pencil barrel, such as with the Ruger 77RSI series.

Well I can't speak to the 9.3X62 in s ahort barrel. However I do have a 358 Norma Mag with a 20" barrel. Norma calls the velocity for their factory 250gr at 2756. I get 2710.

Never had to make a decision on which 9.3. We had my old bosses retirement party and gave him the M70 375 H&H we had bought for him. So he decided he didn't need a 9.3.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.