I'm building one with a 26" barrel, but I'm not so sure if I must leave it like that or cut it down to 20 or 22 inches.
What do you guys think about?
How much fps I will loose?
Shooting distances will be under 150 metres.
Thanks
LG

Hola Lorenzo,
the 9,3x62 does not require a 26 inch barrel.
it's medium capacity case and large bore, looks like a perfect combination for an easier to handle 23 or 24 incher.
the fact that your shots will not be long range makes a shorter barrel than 26 inches a more sensible choice.
montero

My two FN Mauser actioned 9.3x62's have 24" barrels and they feel good. If I had a 26" barrel I'd leave it at that length and put the rifle together. Once complete and prior to bluing I'd hold it, swing it, etc., and determine then if I wanted a shorter barrel.

Ray Atkinson, a long tall Texan, has a 26" barrel on his 9.3x62 and attributes his extra velocity in this gun to those extra inches. Mine is 24". I get 2600fps with 250gr, 2700fps with 270gr, and 2400fps with 286gr.

What action are you using? How tall are you? What weight bullet to you think will shoot? What distances to you anticipate hunting at? All these potentially impact your barrel length choice. I wish I had an extra two inches; however, I have not hunted in the bush with this rifle. K-dude

Thanks everyone.
I'm using a 1909 argentine action.I think that the idea of playing a little with it before bluing it is a good idea.
Hunting distances are mainly less than 100 metres and ocassionaly 150 or 200 metres.
Pigs and axis will be my targets, with some africa trips in mind for the future.
Thanks
LG

Lorenzo,
Given the distances that you will be shooting, I'd suggest that you go with 23-24". This will give you enough velocity and will be handy. Don't fail to consider using a heavy contour barrel because you'll need some weight and it makes the barrel stiffer. My rifle is also on a 98 action, and it gives wonderful accuracy. Sub-MOA groups are regular. You are going to love this rifle, promise. Ku-dude

Hola Lorenzo , you are using a L Walther barrel wich diameter at muzzle ? 16.5 or 19.5 mm ?

Saludos

Daniel

I�m using a 20,5" barrel with a superthin profile... it gives up one helluva roar when loaded with slow powder, and it handles like nothing else in dense vegetation!! But for the more reasonable guys who care about velocity and recoil and stuff.. I�d go for the 24"....

Mines 24" and is the thin Walther. It is a very good compromise between carry and recoil with quite a fast pointability due to the big hole in the barrel. Theoreticaly it might swing better with more weight up front but I am used to it.

Hello Lorenzo

My favourite carry rifle is my 9.3x62 by Sauer - made in 1935. It has a 24" barrel, 15.3mm diameter at the muzzle, half octagon barrel and weighs 3.2kgs (a tad over 7 lbs).

In the Namibian bush you can carry it in one hand for 6 hours and it still flies to your shoulder as though it has wings.

I wouldn't change anything on it.

cheers edi

Edi,
Tell us what you like for ammo in your 9.3

Daniel,
Sorry I dont't answer before but the barrel is at the gunsmith.
The barrel is the 16,5 mm.
Saludos
LG

[ 09-12-2002, 13:34: Message edited by: Lorenzo ]