Fudd Friday: Keep It Classy With The Latest Ruger No.1 International

If you’re looking for a new rifle with heavy-hitting power, but also a touch of class, then Lipsey’s might have what you’re looking for. They’re currently carrying an exclusive run of the Ruger No. 1 International, chambered in 9.3x62mm.

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A classic cartridge

As far as great hunting cartridges of history go, there are few that carry the pedigree of the 9.3x62mm. It was invented by a German, Otto Bock, and his fellow countrymen used it to great effect in their African colonies. Although the Germans mostly missed out on the great overseas land grabs of the 1700s and 1800s, they tried to make up for it with colonies in the areas that today comprise Tanzania and Namibia. And just like the British settlers on that continent, the Germans realized they needed heavy-hitting guns for the dangerous game that surrounded their outposts. While Karamojo Bell was using a .303 or 7x57mm rifle, most hunters wanted more knockdown power. In the case of the Brits, they often turned to big-bore double-barrel rifles (or sometimes single-shots with falling block actions, particularly those built on the Farquharson design).

But those large-caliber rifles were much more expensive than the cheaper bolt-actions that had been designed to arm militaries in bulk. The genius of the 9.3x62mm cartridge was that it could fit a Mauser 98 action, requiring a simple re-barrel of a common firearm instead of a pricey, built-from-scratch custom.

While the 9.3x62mm was not in the same power category as the .375 H&H, it wasn’t that far behind and African shooters realized that with proper, heavy bullets, it was enough gun for their hunting and defense needs. Although it was a medium-caliber rifle, it was considered powerful enough for heavy game.

Today, when many African countries have laws about caliber requirements for dangerous game hunting, the 9.3x62mm is still considered enough gun in several jurisdictions. Often loaded with bullets in the 250-285gr range, it can handle heavier projectiles if needed, such as the 293-grain Uni Classic. Here in the U.S., Buffalo Bore sells a 250-grain factory load, PPU sells a budget-friendly 285-grain load, and companies like Lapua, Nosler or Hornady that cater to high-end hunting budgets sell premium rounds for safari hunters.

In this case, you’re getting a 20-inch barrel topped with iron sights (an adjustable, flip-up rear and a fixed front blade). Integral scope bases are built into the action if you want to add an optic. And, there’s deep, lustrous bluing and a full-length high-grade American walnut stock that, once again, makes it look like an old-school European hunting rifle, even if it was actually made in the U.S.! Nice.

At a 36.5-inch overall length, this rifle would handle nicely in the brush of Africa or even chasing moose or bears here in North America. The 6.75-pound weight is decently low for a rifle with wood-and-steel construction, but you won’t get the benefit of extra beef to soak up the recoil from those beefy 9.3x62mm rounds. And there’s certainly no muzzle brake on this bad boy.

Make sure that you get plenty of target practice in before you head afield, because you only get one shot from those classic falling blocks, and then you’ve got to stuff a new cartridge into the action. Easy to do on the range, not so easy to do when a buffalo is about to stomp you into a greasy spot in the grass, so practice plenty before taking this out to shoot at animals that can kill you. Your first shot has to be your best shot because it might be your only shot.

Asking price for this built-for-a-lifetime rifle is $2,479, and again, that’s only through Lipsey’s. More specs are listed below; you can see more details on the rifle here, and order the gun through one of their dealers.

• ACTION: Single Shot
• CALIBER/GAUGE: 9.3 x 62
• FINISH: Blue
• FINISH TYPE: Blued
• STOCK: Wood Stock
• STOCK/GRIPS: High Grade American Walnut
• BARREL: 20"
• OVERALL LENGTH: 36.5"
• RATE-OF-TWIST: 1-in-10"
• CAPACITY: 1
• SIGHTS: Open Rifle Sights
• SIGHT TYPE: Adjustable Sights
• WEIGHT: 6.75 lbs.
• SHIPPING WEIGHT: 9.1 lbs.
• SAFETY FEATURES: 2 Position Top Tang
• ADDL INFO:
• ADDL INFO: Full Length Stock
• ADDL INFO: Red Recoil Pad