As the post says, thinking about having Joe build me one.

Anyone own one of his rifles? Opinions?

He builds on the GMA action, I've got a BRNO 21 I was thinking about using for the build - thoughts?

Thanks

A BRNO 21 is a pretty light weight action for a 9.8X62, unless you plan to down load it considerably or put it in a pretty heavy stock.
I'm in the middle of converting a BRNO 22F to 8X64S and I don't hink I would care to go much further in the recoil department,

The maximum OAL for a 9.3X62 is 83.6mm, so you should be good with the magazine, however.

I don't own a Smithson rifle, but I have Smithson mounts on my GMA action .505 Gibbs built by Lon Paul and I find them most satisfactory. They seem to be particularly suitable for the GMA action.

If I recall correctly, Phil Shoemaker (458win) tested out a Smithson 9.3x62 built on GMA action that is essentially a modern rendition of the BRNO 21, 22, vz33, and g33/40 actions. He said he liked it. GMA’s action comes with double square bridges, and is likely to be, marginally, a little beefier. I would not hesitate to use any of the above mentioned actions for a 9.3x62 build. That round is a pussycat, recoil wise. Especially if you stick to standard pressure loads. The small ring action gives one the option of building a really thin svelte rifle. If that’s not wanted, the barrel and/or stock can be configured to meet any requirement. I have an Oberndorf commercial sporter in 9.3x62 that weighs a rats hair under 8lbs, and a Lipsey’s Ruger Hawkeye African that goes 7lbs 10 oz. I think about 7lbs would be my lower weight limit. Eight pounds, scoped, would be nice. To each his own. We’re all built different and can tolerate different recoil levels.

I have a left hand GMA in .375H&H with a Lothar Walther pre war Mauser contour barrel. Goseph did all the metal work, installed his scope mounts, his open sights and did the feed work. Altered the magazine spring, five down and one in the spout. He is gifted and an artist. He can make you a museum piece or an ultra dependable beautiful and proud to own piece.
He was about three years turn around time for a full custom. Since there is no wait to have the action built, it might be a little faster.
He also with his son make the most classic Mauser synthetic stock that I have seen.
He also uses Kreiger barrels with Integral sling mount, scope bases, ribs. Etc.. nothing will break or come off, just an extra option.

Ralf Martini has one on his website that could be had for less than $8000. Might give him a call...

https://martinigunmakers.com/f.../bruno-zg-47-9-3x62/

Smithson makes one on a synthetic stock, that's what I'm considering.

Sounds like folks think the GMA is a better option?

All in, with a scope, what is ideal weight?

Thanks very much for the insights.

If you already have a nice clean BRNO 21, I’d use it for a 9.3X62 in a heartbeat.

Joe built a 416 Rigby for me a while back. It’s as nice a rifle as has ever been built. I’ve handled the previously mentioned Smithson 9.3X62 when I was at Phil’s place. It’s the only composite stocked rifle that has really appealed to me...I fell in love.

I have a few custom rifles built on ZG47s and BRNO 21s. My 9.3X64 is built on a ZG47 but if I were building a X62 version, I’d use a BRNO 21. Other than weight, nothing is gained by using a GMA action.

Forrest,

Is the GMA a benefit with the heavier weight, is that what you are saying? Appreciate the feedback.

The GMA action adds weight and nothing more over a BRNO 21. I’d prefer to use the 21 if it were my rifle.