New Rifle Dilema (CZ For Sure, But...)

[Sporting_Man]

I want a rifle in 9.3X62 caliber... now, should I go with the CZ550 FS (full stock), or wait - save money and buy a custom Safari Express rifle by CZ, in that same caliber? The FS is a short rifle, has 20.5 inch barrel, while the express rifle is at 24 inch barrel. There are pros and cons for both. FS is about $800, while Express rifle is not less than $1900 (it has to be ordered through the dealer)... There are a couple of reviews of FS in that very caliber, and they seem to be dandy pieces... I lean towards the FS, but still doubt... This is practically something like Ruger Alaskan... CZ even has a carbine with kevlar stock that is the same as FS...
Oh, I forgot - that would be my "dangerous game" rifle (can be well used for West side Elk, Bear)... Do I need it???... hmmm, I know that I want it. I otherwise use CZ550 American in 30-06 and love it...

[Heredoggydoggy]

I know where there's a CZ in .416 Rigby for sale.  If Washington ever imports Cape Buffalo, you'll be ready! 

[wadu1]

I love my CZ 550FS it is in 9.3X63 great bear gun, have not got to use it on Moose or Elk yet.

[GoldTip]

I've always been a sucker for a full length stock, especially in carbine type calibers, 308win and such.  Don't know much about the 9.3x62, but if it would be well suited for a shorter (20.5") barrel, then I'd go with the FS.

[Sporting_Man]

Yeah, it is little bit less than .375 in diameter, but more than .338 - (actually, .366 cal) well proven in Africa, apparently picking up popularity here. The barrel length of 20.5 inches is as adequate for 9.3X62 as it is for 30-06, probably - that is my dilema, there... Brass is in the same ballpark, and therefore the capacity as well.
Wadu1, does your rifle kick too hard?

[Sporting_Man]

I know where there's a CZ in .416 Rigby for sale.  If Washington ever imports Cape Buffalo, you'll be ready! 

  Yeah, we may import Cape Buff to feed wolves, once everything else is gone... but then, they will be protected too... 

[addicted]

I originally ordered my CZ 550 stutzen(full stock) in 9.3x62.  i really wanted the caliber and over here cz's are the most bang for your buck, super accurate and very reliable.  The guy I ordered it through said that it would take 6-8 months for the 9.3 to come in though because cz only makes a couple calibers at a time for a few months. 

I had him look into it and he could get me an 8x57(another caliber i wanted) within the week so i had him put the order in.  It's no 9.3 but it gets the job done great. It has almost worked out better because it is a much more forgiving caliber while hunting roh deer while still big enough to bag a few boar and red stag.

I am still going to get a 9.3, but probably not till after my deployment.

On my rifle i have adjusted the trigger, It is something like adjusting an aftermarked timney i would guess. I took out all the creep, all the pull, a lot of the weight, while moving the trigger further back.  Even the set trigger is lighter now. I dont generally use the set trigger hunting simply because the regular pull is so crisp. 



I vote for the full stock the short barrel makes it a dream to handle while maintaining classy good looks. gotta love the full stock.

[addicted]

and for you guys who dont know.

the 9.3x62 is like a 35 whelen on horse steroids.  In africa where they have a minimum cartridge requirement of 375 H&H, they generally make an exception for the 9.3 

I already picked up some ammo for one even though i dont own one yet. a 285 grain .366 bullet will get any bears attention.

[Sporting_Man]

Addicted, thank you for your post... I knew somehow that you would chime in on this. I follow your posts.
And, yes, I am very familiar with 8X57 (we used to call it 7.9mm). Not available here, though... I think that is a great Elk caliber as well.
I am just a step away from ordering it... Federal Way Gun will do it for $780, I think... last time I checked...
I have 2 CZ550 rifles already. I love their triggers, heft and accuracy.

[carpsniperg2]

if the caiber has a "." in it addicted will be all over it

[SeaRun1]

I didn't realize there were so many CZ fans on the board.  I love them and was considering a new FS in 30.06 or 6.5 Swedish.

I have a few CZ's and my full stock is the most accurate gun that I own.  My .223 Rem American is not very far behind it and shoots almost everything very, very well.  I love that gun as well.

I vote for the Full Stock and put some pictures up when you get it.  Many times the FS guns get the best wood.

SeaRun1

[Sporting_Man]

Sure, I will post pic or two. Only thing is that wood quality on them is "hit and miss". I only wish it comes straight, because if FS comes warped, it is hard to fix it, it can cause a lot of pressure on the barrel. On the sporter, a guy can just shave it little bit... 

[addicted]

I have heard hit and miss on the wood as well. i have also read that if you strip it down and do the stain again it looks fantastic because the coating that CZ uses doesnt bring out the grain in the wood very well.  when i get back to the states, i was planning on glass bedding mine from bolt to muzzle.

I think i paid 850$ for mine.

I'm thinking a sauer 202, steyr mannlicher, or blaser R93 for my 9.3. then an interchangable 7x64 barrel 

I think CZ's are about the cheapest gun out there that you can still get a forged receiver with other than savage. cast receivers have no soul.

[Sporting_Man]

I think CZ's are about the cheapest gun out there that you can still get a forged receiver with other than savage. cast receivers have no soul.

I agree. I have tried a couple of new winchester 70 rifles, and they did not feel like CZs, not even close. I learned the hard way that CZ is the best bang for the money, even now, when they increased in price (due to the dollar - euro ratio)... Of course, this is my opinion, I wouldn't want to enter a pissing contest with anyone who likes other stuff.

[quadrafire]

dumb question------What does the full length stock do to the barrel "float"?