Vz-24 conversion to a 9.3x62 advice

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Hello all!

I don't need to tell you all that even though I already have enough guns to hunt everything on the planet I want more. I've been thinking about a 9.3x62 for years but never got around to it. Recently I purchased VZ-24 Brno Mauser in 8mm and, when taking it apart, noticed that it wasn't the all matching collectors piece I thought it was. The barrel had been replaced which was a bit of a disappointment but whatchagoingtodo right? At the range it didn't perform at all. 20 rounds and multiple iron sight adjustments left the 50 yard bullseye untouched and the outer rings on both sides looking like Swiss cheese, just could not get a group under 3 inches apart. So I was thinking of returning it, but wanted to ask you all if this could be a blessing in disguise. Do you think it would be worth it to look into getting it redone into a 9.3X62 with a re chamber, new barrel, bolt bend etc. or do you think it makes more sense to return it and put the money towards a new CZ 550 9.3x62? I'm really open to ideas, suggestions and opinions here so please let me know! Also, completely unrelated, I'll be putting out this years hunting report soonish, it's just been hectic.

 

[USMA84DAB]

I have done a half-dozen VZ-24 and Turk Mauser conversions - they are not the least expensive way to go - it is more along the lines of tailoring it to exactly what you want - much cheaper to buy a new one.

I have not tried a 9.3x62 in a VZ-24 - I shied away from it with my .35WAI (63mm case length) - the .30-06 length has not seemed to feed right out of the feed rails in the VZ-24 magazine - just a touch too long - that is why I used a Turk Mauser action for the .35WAI.

What about a .358 Winchester on your VZ-24?!

Hope this helped.

 

[Red Leg]

I am trying to understand. Do you want to create a 9.3 in something like its original military livery or is the intent to use the action to create a true custom piece? The first I don't get, and the latter can be a real adventure in expense before you are done. Were it my money and I was looking for an affordable but quality 9.3, I would suggest something like a Sako.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hello Eventually A. A.

Without ANY doubt I would go after a CZ or one of the few Ruger African in 9,3x62. If it was a Ruger I would not do any change. If it was a CZ I would change the stock and put a three position Win 70 type bolt shroud and safety.

Good luck!

CF

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

I have done a half-dozen VZ-24 and Turk Mauser conversions - they are not the least expensive way to go - it is more along the lines of tailoring it to exactly what you want - much cheaper to buy a new one.

I have not tried a 9.3x62 in a VZ-24 - I shied away from it with my .35WAI (63mm case length) - the .30-06 length has not seemed to feed right out of the feed rails in the VZ-24 magazine - just a touch too long - that is why I used a Turk Mauser action for the .35WAI.

What about a .358 Winchester on your VZ-24?!

Hope this helped.

I know nothing about the .358 Winchester, I'll have to look into it, thank you!

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

I am trying to understand. Do you want to create a 9.3 in something like its original military livery or is the intent to use the action to create a true custom piece? The first I don't get, and the latter can be a real adventure in expense before you are done. Were it my money and I was looking for an affordable but quality 9.3, I would suggest something like a Sako.

It was just an attempt to salvage something from a bad buy, so I can understand the confusion. I like the idea of a Sako, I have one in 6.5x55 but they are pretty pricey. Still, I can't argue that they are great guns!

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Hello Eventually A. A.

Without ANY doubt I would go after a CZ or one of the few Ruger African in 9,3x62. If it was a Ruger I would not do any change. If it was a CZ I would change the stock and put a three position Win 70 type bolt shroud and safety.

Good luck!

CF

Thanks for the idea! I have a cz in .375 that I really like but I can look into the Ruger, I have several Rugers and enjoy them immensely.

 

[sestoppelman]

The CZ 550 American or the more rare LUX version with sights are both very fine rifles and likely wont need any work at all, slick feeders and excellent barrels. Believe there is one here for sale still.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Agree, sestoppelman. I like the LUX version with sights. And, of course the CZ don't "need" any work to go afield. Only by like.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

The CZ 550 American or the more rare LUX version with sights are both very fine rifles and likely wont need any work at all, slick feeders and excellent barrels. Believe there is one here for sale still.

I took a look here first but I think that all of the riffles have already found new homes.

 

[neckdeep]

I sold the American to a forum member, I still have another that has been modified, I purchased it from another forum member.

I shot both and like the cartridge so much I am going to use one of my BRNO actions for a Ralph Martini project.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have done a couple 9.3x62 builds, but they were done on a Parker Hale and FN actions. The VZ 24 will work for the conversion but WILL require a gunsmith that knows how to work the rails and modify the magazine box to get it to feed 100% reliably. There are way to many mauser actions that have been bubba'd into crap.

The advice for the CZ, sako, blazer, or the Ruger are all solid advice.

If you just want to build a custom then go for it know it will cost more to do right than buying one of the mentioned rifles.

 

[sierraone]

There are way to many mauser actions that have been bubba'd into crap.

Dave I believe "bubba'd into crap" may be unique. May need to check into a copyright!

 

[Milan]

Re-barelling a VZ24 and making sure it feeds 9.3x62 should not be that hard for a competent smith. Thus it should not be that expensive. I would totally do this. As a matter of fact I have a 9.3x62 Zastava barrel waiting to go into a Czech 98 Mauser. But I won't find out how much work it will be till much later. Other projects on the go right now.

You could also try 8mm-06 and maybe it will start shooting. But the rails may have to be modified still, to feed the longer cases. But this way you might no need to buy new barrel.

The easiest conversion I ever had was a Brazilian 98 made to feed .243 win. I put a 30-06 barrel on it and it is one of the slickest 30-06 98s I've had.

 

[BC.Pat]

I have done a couple 9.3x62 builds, but they were done on a Parker Hale and FN actions.

I've done this as well (FN & Parker Hale) quite economically and have been pleased with the results. Both rifles had been 3006s

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I know nothing about the .358 Winchester, I'll have to look into it, thank you!

@Eventually_Africa_Again
The 358 while a great cartridge it is nowhere near as potent as the 9.3x62. The 358 is slightly less powerful than the 35 Whelen.
The 35 Whelen is another cartridge you may want to look at. Every bit the equal of the 9.3 but no factory rifles are made now. Either 2nd hand or custom if you want one.
Zastava makes a nice 9.3x62 at a good price and good quality.
Keep the Vz for another project or return it and go the 9.3x62 or the Whelen.
Bob

 

[mdwest]

I built a .35 Whelen on a vz24 a few years back… my wife took a monster eland with it in 2021… it’s been a wonderful rifle… accurate and feeds like butter…

 

[ZG47]

I would first ascertain why the original rifle has accuracy issues, before fitting new barrel. The action might only be good for parts. That being said, the 9.3x57 is a more appropriate conversion and the .358 Winchester (with modifications to compensate for the relatively poor feeding capability of the .308 Winchester cartridge design) would be even more appropriate. Have fun.