Help me decide on a rifle in 9.3x62mm

BlackLabelBrad

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So I've been planning to purchase a bolt action rifle in 9.3x62. I've got dies on order from Huntingtons and was planning to order a new Zastava from Trade Ex when the dies ship, but it seems that somebody else went and bought the last one a few days ago. Having been beaten to the punch once I figure I better go ahead and order a rifle ASAP while I still have some options.

With the Zastava M98's sold out in right hand models, it seems that the only options left on Trade Ex are the used Husqvarnas or a new Verney-Carron Impact. The Verney-Carron is a beautiful rifle, but a bit more than I was wanting to spend right now and I know very little about the brand. There are also a couple Husqvarna's that I was looking at, either the FN98's or 1600 series. The 1600 series rifle I was looking at seems to be in a bit better condition and comes factory drilled and tapped. I've done a little research which leads me to believe that the 1600 series are built to be more scope-friendly than the FN98's; I plan to mount a scope with quick-detachable rings so this is important. The FN98 I was looking at has Weaver bases installed but I'm not sure if the bolt handle or safety has been modified or if it will interfere with a scope in it's current configuration and I would like to avoid having any gunsmithing done for now.

Here is the link to the FN98 I was looking at.

So far the 1640 seems to be the better buy of the two Husqvarna's but my online research also suggested that while the 1640 and the 98 are both strong actions, the 98 is safer in redirecting gases in the event of a ruptured case or pierced primer. Is the difference significant?

Anyway, thanks if you've read this far. Any recommendations or insight regarding the Verney-Carron Impact bolt action and Husqvarna FN98 and 1600 series is most welcome. If you know of any other rifles available in 9.3x62 that you'd like to recommend, I'd like to hear about them too.
 
I have a sauer 202 outback, having owned Zastava before all I can say is the Sauer is a better quality rifle, worth every bit of the extra $ IMO
 
Zastava is a decent rifle . I have one and I do like it. But I have used the husquvarna which Is a lot smoother action but the wood cracks easy. I say look around , especially gun shows have some good deals. But it's your choice.
 
I just picked one up from Trade Ex a short while ago. I wanted one with a Mannlicher style full wood stock. I had a private deal going on one but when that fell through, I picked up a new M-70 Zastava from Trade Ex.



In preparation just prior to that, I acquired a set of RCBS dies plus a neck sizing die. Also, 100 new Lapua unprimed brass and 200 Prvi, 285gr SP bullets. Got a couple of boxes of test loads made up, next step is to go burn a little powder.
 
The 98 you are looking at has the low bolt handle as it came from the factory. It is good to go with plenty of scope clearance. It also has a sliding safety similar to the ones on the 1600 series. I have a couple of these from tradex, great rifles. Wonder how bad the stock is cracked.
 
Buy a CZ 550, it is probably the finest rifle for the money on the market today. I have and love the FS but there are several models in the 9.3..............There is also an old Sako on the EE right now which is a truly fine rifle.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone.

I have a sauer 202 outback, having owned Zastava before all I can say is the Sauer is a better quality rifle, worth every bit of the extra $ IMO

I'm guessing the Sauer 202 costs a bit more than I'm willing to pay at the moment. I'm hoping to find something for $1000 or less but could pay up to $2000 if I find something irresistable.

Zastava is a decent rifle . I have one and I do like it. But I have used the husquvarna which Is a lot smoother action but the wood cracks easy. I say look around , especially gun shows have some good deals. But it's your choice.

Yeah I've seen a number of people recommend them on CGN, that was the main reason I was going to get one. I've been looking around for a 9.3x62 at stores and the last gun show I went to but haven't found anything that way yet. So far I've only been able to find them online, mainly at Trade Ex.

I just picked one up from Trade Ex a short while ago. I wanted one with a Mannlicher style full wood stock. I had a private deal going on one but when that fell through, I picked up a new M-70 Zastava from Trade Ex.

*pic removed*

In preparation just prior to that, I acquired a set of RCBS dies plus a neck sizing die. Also, 100 new Lapua unprimed brass and 200 Prvi, 285gr SP bullets. Got a couple of boxes of test loads made up, next step is to go burn a little powder.

Yeah I saw a picture of it in your thread, it's a nice looking rifle! I had planned to get dies and all my components from Trade Ex as well, but it looks like all of the 9.3x62 dies are out of stock now. I ordered a set of RCBS dies and a neck sizing die from Huntington's but my order is in the queue now for 2 weeks, God knows when I'll get them.

The 98 you are looking at has the low bolt handle as it came from the factory. It is good to go with plenty of scope clearance. It also has a sliding safety similar to the ones on the 1600 series. I have a couple of these from tradex, great rifles. Wonder how bad the stock is cracked.

Thanks for the info, I don't own any mausers or know a whole lot about them so I wasn't sure. I'm not too concerned about the stock as I'm pretty sure Boyd's makes finished stocks for the Husqvarna 98s, even if I had to replace the stock it would only cost as much or less than my other options.

Buy a CZ 550, it is probably the finest rifle for the money on the market today. I have and love the FS but there are several models in the 9.3..............There is also an old Sako on the EE right now which is a truly fine rifle.

I had considered a CZ 550 but I haven't found a place that has one in 9.3x62. I did email Badger Arms today asking if they had any in stock but haven't heard back from them yet. May have to have a look at that Sako as well.
 
You can't go wrong with the CZ. I bought a M98 Husky because that was exactly what I wanted (flag safety, not drilled). But for a regular hunting rifle, purchased new, the CZ is tough to beat. The Zastava gets you in the game for a few hundred less but one may fit you better than the other and the CZ has more configurations available. I always thought the carbine CZ was a real beauty.
 
I have a few Rugers and love them but I don't have one in that calibre. Great calibre and I wish they (Ruger) still chambered it.
 
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