Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles My old Brno's are still working...

Interesting that the price was in line with a model 70 but they were not more popular. I'd guess because of the double set triggers and butterknife bolt handle that required high mount scopes.
The 8x57 21H that I just picked up had those two features already "improved" from the factory so all I need to do is swap out the safety for a model 70 style and I will have a rifle that suits me perfectly.

Back in the day American rifles were more popular here, go figure. As far as a price comparison goes, who knows? Could be due to a lot of things.

I've got two. One highly modified and another 100% factory original. Both are 7X57's. These are some of my all time favorites. Both of mine are the half stock models, I would love to find a good deal on a mannlicher one one day.

Terry

Actually, Terry and castnblast, the Brnos were more expensive, at least in my 1951 (published 1950) Gun Digest. Here are some contemporary prices, all from that issue:

Remington 721 .270 or 30-06 $79.95
Savage 99-R .250 or .300 Savage $99.00
Winchester 94 .30-30 $62.45
Winchester 70 Standard $109.50
Winchester 70 Super Grade $162.50

and by comparison:

Brno 21H or 22F $167.50

So, as you can see, the Brno was more expensive than a Win 70 Super Grade, was only brought in for a few years until imports from Communist countries to the US was banned, and was chambered in "weird" foreign calibers to boot. It's not that surprising to me that they weren't more popular. I like 'em anyway. :-)

Incidentally, here are some prices on a few other imported rifles:

FN Deluxe Mauser $137.50
Husqvarna (on FN action with Beech stock) $109.50
Sako L-46 (22 Hornet, the .222 came out the next year) $117.50

By the way, while the $30 difference between the Remington 721 and the Winchester 70 seems pretty trivial today, it was a major reason for the Remington overtaking the WInchester in sales, so it definitely was significant in those days. To give you an idea, according to the CPI inflation calculator, $30 in 1950 would be the equivalent of $275 today, and the $58 difference in cost between a standard grade M70 and a Brno 21H would be over $500 in 2011 dollars.

Some sweet looking rifles here gents. Would really like to have a lefty mauser.

Here is my other one. It's been used very little.




Terry

TC1 and all,

great rifles.

TC1,

what kind of mounts are those?

It's a BRNO ZKK-602 mount. These were actually made for the BRNO 602 series rifles, the ones that replaced the ZG-47's. They are rare birds these day's. I found it and thought it gave the rifle an interesting look. The Zeiss/Jena scope on top is a fine optic even by today's standards.



Terry

drooling!

WOW! Both interesting and sobering! Thanks for the numbers.

Fantastic rifles, all.

Continuing to wish I'd kept all the classic rifles that cycled through my safe down through the years. This thread particularly makes me pine for the M54 Winchester, the 1947 M70 Winchester (transition safety), and the Browning Safari. "Sigh..."

I got the Brno 22f out and compared it to an old M70 Featherweight that I use a lot. The thing is that someone, long ago, put a pad on the 70 and its LOP is now 13 1/4". It fits me better than the 14" to the uncut plastic plate on the 22f.

They both weigh the same at about 8 lbs scoped. A 308 Montana goes 6 1/4# by the way with a 2.5-8 Conquest.

The Brno has the most style what with its artful trigger guard housing DST's, full stock, euro cheekpiece, barrel band front sling attach. and more.

Very nice rifles & stories!

The old Brno's are my favorite rifles. They are built with old world chraftmanship and their quality is unmatched with current production. They have their quirks such as the safties but that can be fixed.


ddj

The one in the middle..

I'll take it!

PM me with shipping info....

SCHWEEEEEET! That is the most graceful one and would be my choice as well. The long barrel and short forend remind me of many great British rifles.

A great classic rifle is like a beautiful woman -- hard to describe, easy to recognize when you see one!

John

EXACTAMUNDO!!!!

Thanks Guys!

The 21 and 22's are 7x57's and the Hussar ZG47 and Brno ZG47 are both 30-06's.


ddj

castnblast - I'm wondering if you can provide me with Ralf Martini's info? I will pm also. Beautiful guns also.


ddj

Ralf Martini's info... http://www.martiniandhagngunmakers.com/

Ralf has handed off his gunsmithing business to one of his employees, in order to concentrate on building his custom rifles. See announcement that was e-mailed to me:
ANNOUNCEMENT!! FROM MARTINI GUNMAKERS LTD
Jan Kolenbrander , who has worked with Martini Gunmakers LTD for the last four years has now opened up his NEW GUNSHOP !!
PRECISION ARMS Mfg . Cranbrook B.C
Jans superlative knowledge of firearms and his Top Knotch ability as a gunsmith has been a huge asset to our company and our customers .
As Martini Gunmakers is now concentrating on building only Custom Rifles , we would like to announce to all customers , old and new ;
If you want only the best for your gunsmithing needs ,send all your work to .
JAN KOLENBRANDER at PRECISION ARMS Mfg
71 - 4 th Street South
CRANBROOK, BC
V1C 1H2
250 426 3829
jan kolenbrander <precisionarmshotmail.com>