Gentlemen

I am starting a project to custom build a 9.3x62. I have, or can get, a 30-06 VZ24 action or a 270 FN Belgium action.

Any tips as to which is better? I am trying to build an ultra light rifle, and I think the VZ action is a few ounces heavier? Otherwise, any tips either way?

I can also start with a barreled Husquvarna action already in 9.3x62, which would be less expensive, but it is kinda rough and has some pitting. Any input would be appreciated.

If the FN is not cut on the left for thumb relief ,IMO ,it is better looking.

If the Husky's receiver pits are shallow ,polishing them out is an option.

I think I would send any of the three off for re-heat treatment.

I built a 9,3x62 on a VZ.24 and several other rifles on the Higgins Belgium FN Commercial actions (.270 Win, 338-06, and .376/.416 Steyr Improved).

My VZ.24 hardness tested well. I made my own custom mount that look kinda like a double square bridge when done.

All have eventually worked out well and resulted in very nice working rifles ... which sadly is all I can afford to build.

The VZ.24 is lighter. Less work required on the FN action as it doesn't have a charger hump that needs to be ground off.

The 9,3x62 went to Africa in late May and did a wonderful job for me. The Impala, Reedbuck, and Bushpig were DRTs. No complaints from me!

I also like the 1909 DWM Argentine actions ... they have very nice bottom metal and make pretty rifles but should probably be re-heat treated.

I like the thumb cut. I think it makes a more classic looking rifle. If cash is a big concern the FN will probably be a cheaper build.

Terry

Good Info- thanks, keep it coming....

I have a "working" 9.3x62, as my other two are a very sanitary Brno ZG-47 and an original, very good Oberndorf Type B, now almost finished.It is on a mint FN action from a pristine rifle my buddy bought, stripped and then sold me the 9.3 he started, ( I would NEVER have touched that .30-06 FN).

This is the best choice of the two that you have posted, IMO,and what I, obviously, would do. I love Mausers, but, the FN has the scope-bolt, best safety and all that, ready to go, so, I decided to be practical, for a change!

Good luck with it, I like this round more every day.

Do you want it back? LOL! i love it!

quote:

VZ24 or FN action for custom 9.3x62?

Either will do nicely.

I prefer to not have the "thumb cut" The FN actions work very nicely.

IMO the heat treat issue with either action is a small consideration as they were made quite well day-1.

If you want cheap, FN. If you want classic, vz24.

The FN will be scope ready as-is, assuming it is drilled & tapped. The VZ24 will require more work to get scope ready but I like the looks better and most are much more true than an FN.

I used a VZ-24 to build a 9.3x62 about 3 years ago...great action...I hardly notice the thumb cutout with a scope on it...outasite, outamind for all intents and purposes. You're the one that need to be satisfied...they both work for me.

Lotta grinding and futzing around with anything but a commercial action...that costs money and/or time, both usually.

I did the whole shmear because I wanted to do a military mauser conversion...but after all the time, money, grinding and holding jigs I made, conversion pieces and parts etc., if I just wanted a 9.3x62 rifle I would have been money and time ahead just to buy a new CZ and been done with it.

If you already have an action and the pitting causes you the redazz then maybe having it re-polished and blued or coated with one of the many finishes would save you time and money overall.

You have to do the math there.

Lots of ways to go...break out the pencil and paper and start a list.

Luck on your project.

Think about what you want to end up with in the end and go from there. The money stuff is a thing to think about but if you take the cheap way in the end you may not be happy with what you end up with. Put it together as a knock around shooter, a full custom or somewhere inbetween. Build it so that your happy with it not the other guy. All three actions will work fine, it's what you want to end up with.
You can have just as much money in the FN as the VZ-24, it all depends on what "YOU' want to end up with.