I have a Santa Barbara Mauser (At least I think it is, marked Spain on the reciever lug, serial number starts with "Z") in 243, I don't really need a rifle in 243 and am wondering if this action is suitable to be rebarreled to 9.3X62. The action lenght is what I would call long, a 30.06 will fit. Not being sure of the total cost would I be better off just buying a CZ 550 in 9.3X62?

Thanks,
Ron

Haveing had a santa barbara action, checked it out, compared it to smootheness/slick of my '50s FN mausers and concured with De Hass's write up about it in his book, rather than mess with it, Changing the firing pin spring, replacing the cheap pot metal alloy bottom metal, etc, butt ugly bolt knob, Id rather just get a CZ by far.

The rifle has a Timney side saftey trigger, almost to lite, commercial shroud and yes the cheap alloy bottom plate. The bolt handle/knob is not that bad, a plain round knob. The bolt is a bit rough, not as smooth as other 98's I have had but not really bad. Given that a CZ 550 is about $575 that might be the best way to go. How is the action on the CZ's? smooth or a bit rough?

By comparison to a SAKO, Remington, Winchester or FN, they are a little rough but it doesn't take much to smooth them out. I believe that you would be far better off buying the CZ. You could probably get as much as 2/3 the amount for the CZ by selling the .243.