I had my first opportunity to handle a Ruger African yesterday. Like to share my impression and ask what others think, perhaps some who own one will share.

The stock feels too light in proportion to the barrel and caliber. It feels muzzle heavy and too small for my hands. I have a Rem M7 that is just as light a stock but it handles ok with the 18" pencil thin barrel.

This African had the sling stud on the stock. An old model?

I tried an Alaskan side by side with the African and the Alaskan felt better balanced and better fit in my hands. The African has the looks. The Alaskan has the feel.

I was thinking about trying 9.3x62. Lack of ammo on the shelf has me reconsidering that idea. The African with a 20" barrel might work (or balance) better for a cute little 9.3?

for now:

I have the "old" model with the sling stud on the stock. (which I have replaced with one on the barrel). To me it is well balanced and the stock fits. My main criticism is that I find it heavy to shoot off hand.

Hugh

I've owned two. Ammo, ringmounts, and scope change the balance point. I even installed a lighter synthetic stock on one of my two with the scope and it was good. If you intend to use it less scope, you may want to cut the barrel back a tad. If I get the African 9.3x62, I will remove the front sight and cut the barrel back until I find the perfect balance point for my likeing and then reinstall the sight. Material removed from the end of a barrel on the larger bores make a huge impact on the felt balance.

I disagree with you on the stock, the shape of the Hawkeye wood stock is an excellent fit with the Ruger, it works well with both the fixed sights as well as low/medium ringmounts. Very good hunting stock in the hands, easy to swing and point quickly.

If you are buying a rifle to best fit ammo on the shelf, then you should purchase one of the top 5 such as 22lr, 308Win, 30-06Spfd, 243Win, or 7mm Rem. If you are looking to shoot a big game rifle outside of those chamberings, you need to reload, or in a worse case scenario order ammo in case lots.

Later

light.. after years of complaints about the RSM being too heavy
big bores SHOULD be muzzle heavy

stud on the forearm is dumb

its FAR easier to shoot accurately a nose heavy gun, off hand, then a light one ..

ever seen a BPC gun that even remotely looks balanced between the hands? No -

everyone that complains about the RSM compains of thick stock and heavy weight ...

can't please everyone.

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
I was thinking about trying 9.3x62. Lack of ammo on

when are YOU going to buy a reloading press?

Seriously, you talk ALOT but last time i asked, you hadn't reloaded the FIRST big bore round.

quote:

right.. after years of complaints about the RSM being too heavy
big bores SHOULD be muzzle heavy

First, Thank you for the advise and informative post on the new Ruger African.

The 9.3x62 is not exactly a big bore or hi power - but being call African I decided to post here. The 375Ruger is technically a big bore.

I like my RSM in 416 even though it has the heavy old style 24" barrel. I regretted not getting the RSM in Lott, but I am getting to like my CZ more and more. I never complain about either stocks, I like my hold on the big CZ stock.

I thought the RSM in 375 was too heavy and now I find myself question the African as too light. Yea, Go figure! Its not the weight it was just my impression of the feel. I found I liked the big grip and balance of the Alaskan. Perhaps if I did get the African and shorten the barrel it would be fine. I appreciate Gary's reply, that was actually useful.

Anyway, truly, I am not trying to start a Ruger bashing thread. I am seriously planning my next purchase. The African looks super in the catalog, I just got my first hands on one yesterday.

As for talk ALOT my goal is to surpass your 26704 posts

aww crap ..

ignore doesn't work when the guy starts a post...

please excuse my breaking my own protocol.

Has anyone seen a 9.3x62mm first hand? I think I might pick one up since I've a bunch of 9.3mm bullets and my 9.3 Ashley(RUM wildcat) is a little too aggressive on the bench. Last time I shot it I got a nice scope cut.

Brad

I sure have not and the other one I'd like to handle is the CZ Kevlar carbine.

quote:

As for talk ALOT my goal is to surpass your 26704 posts

Being a moderator and predating your appearance here by some 7 or so years would seeem to cover that ...no?

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