It came in today mail, I have never seen a nicer factory gun, the blue was deep black and looked like old world, the same gun in .338 had a bead blast blue, but the 9.3x62 kept its obiance. The stock was straight grained but showed lots of grain.

The first shot almost cut the brass in half at the shoulder all the way around the case and showed the chamber must have a ridge in it. I shot two more, factory this time and the same..NOT GOOD!

I got on the phone to Boise Gun Co. and told Gary Hopper the owner what happened..No questions asked he just said send it back and I'll send you another one...I know a lot of shops that would have said send it back and I'll send it to Ruger or they tell you to send to the factory, that way you get to wait up to a year to get it back has been my experience int he past, but thats been a long time ago..

Its a good feeling and lends confidence to deal with someone like Gary Hopper, Boise Gun Company, Boise, idaho..I have known Gary a long time and he always deals more than fair...

I thought this needed to be passed on..

As for Ruger, I understand these things can and do happen, especially in todays society where employees sometimes don't take a real interest in the guy that feeds their family and companies are forced to hire folks off the street etc. etc. and I won't go into that but It didn't used to be that way, too bad..

The guy that chambered that rifle and the guy on the the inspection line, both missed a fired case that came apart showing a definate split all the way around the case missed and one wonders how in the hell you can miss something like that even on drugs!..I wonder what kind of employee would miss something like that and what kind of a gunsmith would cut a chamber like that, I suppose sooner or later it would come apart completely and send gas flying in every direction and cause injury to someone? Both the gunsmith and the inspection person should be gilflurted and stringhaulter, their ball nailed to a stump, handed a rusty horseshoe rasp and the stump set on fire! If they made it thru that then fire"um..

Thats my rant for the day!

I picked one up a couple of months ago. Have only fired it with irons, but the chamber was fine. I hope to get out to the range with it scoped this weekend to see how it does. Will post pics.

A 9.3x64 Brenneke reamer would clean that up.

Congrats on a sweet rig
Wish they made it in 35 Whelen in a 1 in 12 twist.

quote:

Originally posted by SDhunter:
A 9.3x64 Brenneke reamer would clean that up.

Lol, especially since Ray likes to load his 9,3x62 to 64 velocities.

It is sad that a lack of attention to the inspection process can result in an otherwise fine rifle being perceived as sub-par.

It is probably more a result of the worker's lack of interest than the employer's lack of desire to build a proper rifle.

Hopefully your replacement will be a good one. Let us know.

It should be possible to follow up on who screwed up here. I am sure that Ruger takes this kind of occurence seriously.

I my last two Ruger experiences were horrible. The first was a .358 that would only go bang about 60% of the time.Took it to a local smith who found a serious machining bugger in the firing pin housing.

The second was a Number 1 in .45-70 that simply would not shoot. I took it to another smith buddy of mine who quickly pointed out that the quarter rib was canted at a 5 to 6 deg angle off from the receiver. A closer look found that the barrel was set at an off angle to the receiver as well.

With those two in mind I've got a new outlook on Ruger rifles. Not now not ever again. Screw Ruger an their piss poor quality control from now on I am done with Ruger rifles!

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
It came in today mail, I have never seen a nicer factory gun, the blue was deep black and looked like old world,

Yet you didn't post any pics for the rest of us to enjoy. Bad form Sir.

Hiz,
Not bad form sir, but rather a lack of ability and too damn old to care, but I can send you pictures to your email or better yet you can go on Rugers web page and see the same gun..

My new .338 Win Ruger Afrian that I purchased about a month ago is a fantastic rifle, super accurate but it has a different blue in that its a bead blast..If the new 9.3x62 coming is a good'un I'll probably sell the 338 Win as they are so close in balistics I see no need for both so I'm sure I'll take a beating on that. I am just a 9.3x62 fan, and like Z1r said in his post, I load the 9.3x62 to 64 velocities, well within 100 FPS and that was why I got rid of my 9.3x64. that and brass was hard to come by back then..

quote:

It is probably more a result of the worker's lack of interest than the employer's lack of desire to build a proper rifle.

While there probably is a significant amount of truth to this statement, the blame ultimately lies with Ruger. A company that is committed to quality, designs their processes so that these kind of things don't escape. The described anomaly points to several levels of failure.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
Hiz,
Not bad form sir, but rather a lack of ability and too damn old to care, but I can send you pictures to your email or better yet you can go on Rugers web page and see the same gun..

Where is the fun in that? I can watch National Geographic and see lions, tigers and leopards but would rather see someones hunting pics and hear (read) the related story. Isn't that kinda the point of this place?

Sounds like a nice rifle ... I felt compelled to chime in on my experience with Boise Gun; some time back I ordered a .480 Ruger revolver that ended up not being on California's Approved Handgun List ( I know, I know ...), I'd purchased it online from Boise Gun, thru a local FFL. We didn't find out it was in non-compliance until my FFL had it in CA (entirely mine / my FFL's fault) As it couldn't be transferred legally, I called Boise Gun, spoke to one of the guys there, I don't recall who but he was extremely helpful, he just told me to mail it back and he'd refund me or apply what I'd paid originally towards a "legal" revolver .. I told him what I wanted, he found it and we did the deal ... Seems every business owner should operate with this level of professionalism and customer service, but, as a business owner myself, this is sadly an exception these days rather than the rule.

Best Regards,
Craig Nolan

Yes, the Brenneke comment was tongue in cheek.
Now selling the 338, that is plain blasphemous coming from Ray.

Are you feeling OK?

quote:

Originally posted by SDhunter:
Yes, the Brenneke comment was tongue in cheek.
Now selling the 338, that is plain blasphemous coming from Ray.

Are you feeling OK?

I have a friend that used a 338 for many years and he couldn't stop talking about how great it was.
Then he bought my 9.3x62 and he has stopped using his other guns and only uses the 9.3x62 for all his hunting.
He thinks it is far better than his old 338

quote:

Originally posted by Norwegianwoods:
I have a friend that used a 338 for many years and he couldn't stop talking about how great it was.
Then he bought my 9.3x62 and he has stopped using his other guns and only uses the 9.3x62 for all his hunting.
He thinks it is far better than his old 338

I have killed several deer and quite a pile of hogs with a 9.3x62, and the only caliber I have found that I like better is a 9.3x74r.

Both have proven to shoot whatever load I cobble together pretty much into one hole.

Got out to the range today with the Ruger. Had some old Barnes 286gr X loads (not banded).

Cloverleafs at 100yds and 3" groups at 200yds, with my offhand resting on a sandbag. S&B scope at 4x.

42 degrees F with a 5-10 mph wind from 6 o'clock.

It was a pleasure to shoot. The new LC6 trigger is extremely light and crisp. The 23" barrel is bit long and heavy for my taste. I would like to see Ruger offer a 9.3 Alaskan.

I have no issues with the .338 and it will best the 9.3x62 beyond 300 yards..and with proper bullets its a better caliber than the 9.3x62..I mean a 210 Nosler at 3010 FPS or a 300 gr. Woodleigh at 2500 FPS is damn hard to beat. but I really like the 9.3x62 on buffalo at short range with a max loaded 320 gr. Woodleigh at 2400 FPS and can't tell one bit of difference in it and the .375 on buff..but I have also shot buffalo with the 300gr. woodleighs both solid and soft in the .338 Win and it killed the big bulls as well as anything..so the decision to sell one or the other is still up in the air with me!! It's a hard decision for me to make..They are mightyt close any way you cut it..The 9.3x62 even loaded right up there has less felt recoil to me, for whatever thats worth..

Best way to choose between the two is spit and cuss and point blindfolded..you can't lose.

Ray,
I was just having a little fun. I know you are a huge fan of both. And rightfully so.

I handled a Ruger Safari in 9.3x62 at a gunshop today. I can see why you like. Very nice handling rifle. But not enough to get rid of my Brenneke's.

I will never go back to 338 Win Mag after using my 338-06's for the past 10 years. I feel exactly same way about this, as you do with your 9.3x62 compared to a 64. You prefer more power in the 338, I prefer more in the 9.3. I think your choices may also be based on factory availability of rifles and supplies.

SD,
Many of my opinnions are based on total confusion! I suspect that many of the experts opinnions on AR are based on the same phenomina, but beware some will never admit it.

I don't claim to be an expert at all, but I do love my rifles, hunting and everything that goes along with it.

I have been known to be confused on occasion though.

I recently bought a Ruger African Safari in 9.3x62.

I was very impressed with the fit & finish, smoothness of the action and the open sights in particular.

The first day at the range it impressed - shooting .6" groups or thereabouts with ease.

Then the misfiring started - with both Lapua cases and RWS and my handloads. I stripped the bolt down and cleaned out the body just in case there was some gunk in there, re-oiled the firing pin lightly and reassembled the thing.

Next range session I took my Blaser R8 in the same caliber along. The misfiring started again and every round that misfired in the Ruger I fired with no problem in the Blaser.

Firing pin strike on those that did not go off was very light - and the rifle seemed to shoot about 3-4 rounds then misfire with about 3-4.

The firng pin extends about 50thou from what I can see so I dont think thats a problem.

Its been returned to the importers and hopefully I should have it back early in the new year - I really like the rifle. I suspect the hole in the bolt body may be a bit rough and catching on the firing pin as it travels forward - if so that should be a quick fix...

I have run into the misfire thing before also. I changed out the firing pin spring to a heavier one and had no more problems. It is not an issue anyone should have to deal with on a new gun but it happens.

I also just installed a David Tubbs Speedlock firing pin/spring and cocking piece on a Model 70. Be prepared for some gunsmithing work if you want to use this combo. I had to use a dremel to make the channel for the safety to operate. Just a heads up.

Sid

Thanks for the advice - I will see what the importers have to say about it when I get it back but will certainly bear that in mind.

My past experiences with Ruger's services has been ho-hum also. I'm glad to hear most are pleased with their recent Ruger purchases, but I'll still pass on a Ruger simply because I don't believe they are a $1,000.00 rifle.

SD Hunter,
I sure wasn't referring to you, just making a general statement...I belive you to be damn well armed and I would use any gun you mentioned on anything that walks talks or crawls.

My problem with calibers and guns is I change my mind so often that folks keep referring back to previous posts like they are written in stone. I sure hope I never get to that point, my hobby and livelyhood would soon get boring as hell. I really prefer my state of confusion.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
My problem with calibers and guns is I change my mind so often that folks keep referring back to previous posts like they are written in stone. I sure hope I never get to that point, my hobby and livelyhood would soon get boring as hell. I really prefer my state of confusion.

I have often resembled that remark. I have hated many a cartridge, UNTIL I tried them.

Looks like my Ruger .338 African may be sold, its such a nice rifle in all respects, accurate, feeds love it..

BUT like I said confusion stepped in and my newly replaced 9.3x62 showed up..Nostalgia triumphed once again. I'm beginning to think I like to dabble in guns more than I do hunt or shoot, its been that way for years, an addiction? probably so..but I wouldn't have it any other way.

What I really need is a caliber I have not shot a buffalo with! I might even trade a new in the box 9.3x62 Hawkeye African for it if you hurry, otherwise I'll have to trade a slightly used one.

Very interesting mount/ring set up? what maker?

The scope is an S&B 1.25-4x Klassic with #2 Flashdot reticle in the first focal plane

Since the scope has the rail, I'm using EAW rail-to-Ruger adapters.

Very nice setup there Kurt!

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:
I my last two Ruger experiences were horrible. The first was a .358 that would only go bang about 60% of the time.Took it to a local smith who found a serious machining bugger in the firing pin housing.

The second was a Number 1 in .45-70 that simply would not shoot. I took it to another smith buddy of mine who quickly pointed out that the quarter rib was canted at a 5 to 6 deg angle off from the receiver. A closer look found that the barrel was set at an off angle to the receiver as well.

With those two in mind I've got a new outlook on Ruger rifles. Not now not ever again. Screw Ruger an their piss poor quality control from now on I am done with Ruger rifles!

I was looking at one of the new "Single-Ten" revolvers, and I have to say I was underwhelmed. A gritty, coarse action and roughly cut lock recesses were the order of the day. For a $600.00 gun that appeared to have timing issues, that's ridiculous.

Wow ! Great looking Ruger Kurt....
The 9.3x62 is simply great....

My post was never intended to belittle Ruger or the Hawkey African, as I think that its the best factory rifle since they invented sliced white bread..or since the pre 64 Win....I just got one that got passed the inspectors..My post was intende to praise the way the dealer handled it..

That said, I got my "NEW" Ruger African Hawkeye 9.3x62 today, and its a really nice gun. I have not shot it yet..

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
My post was never intended to belittle Ruger or the Hawkey African, as I think that its the best factory rifle since they invented sliced white bread..or since the pre 64 Win....I just got one that got passed the inspectors...

Nor mine, and I applaud your dealer for doing right by you. Having said that, I'm unaccustomed to fixing new things and will caution others where prudent. I'd tell you not to buy an Amana refrigerator too as mine died on its fifth anniversary. Heck, if nobody complained we'd be paying Verizon an extra $2.00 for doing nothing! It seems, today, that nothing is what it appears to be.

I got my new replacement Ruger African 9.3x62 yesterday..I shot in the iron sights and it touched 3 shots everytime at my 75 yard target and the 6 different reloads I had on hand all shot to the same POI adn all touched the bullets, its a true half inch gun an it has a perminent home..Not many guns find security around my place, they come and go pretty regular..I can't wait to wring it out with a scope at 100, 200 and 300 yards with scope and irons.

It was worth every bit of the trouble, to get a gun like this one, i'm sure it is a one in one thousand or 10,000!

Hey Ray,
I remember when you had a double, you referred to as Sweet Thang. So, I guess what I'm saying is, let me know when you want to sell this beauty. Sounds like a real winner. Good Luck with it.
Kidd

quote:

Originally posted by KurtC:

That looks really nice, nice optic too !

KurtC
Great looking set up, but isn´t the scope a wee bit to far aft?

This is how my African in 375 Ruger looks like with an oldish 2,5-8x36 Vari X III.
End of scope to end of recoil pad is 12,5" on mine.

Not really. Eye relief is perfect for holding your head naturally (not crawling the stock).

When you have to drill the scope rail, it's best to set eye relief while wearing bulky clothing and in a standing position. You don't get a second chance like you do with standard rings.

The photo is also a bit misleading, since the factory lens covers are pretty bulky.