CZ 511, Anyone Else Have One?

[Podnik]

I am curious to know if anyone else here has a CZ 511?

I have had mine since the mid 1980's.  I like it but the ZKM 452 Lux is still my favourite.

I am aware this rifle is discontinued or at least out of production for a while.  I have an older book, in English, from (then) Czechoslovakia that showed a similar gun as the "ZKM581", it went out of production, then the 511 surfaced a few years later.

May be we might seee a return of the 511 or a developement of it?

[smutt]

I got a used one a few weeks ago,it has a plain birch stock with 71 stamped on the barrel. Not real sure if it's a 581 or 511 as it has no model # on it, all that's stamped on the receiver is ZBROJOVKA BRNO. Didn't get a chance to shoot it, maybe this weekend, will let you know how it does. BTW what ammo. does yours like?

[Podnik]

Smutt

I am sure the "71" indicates 1971 proof or manufacture.

I am looking at a very nice hard bound catalogue dating from the early 1970's from (then) Czechoslovakia.  It is written in English.

It identifies the same basic rifle as a ZKM581.  The 581 went out of production then a few years later the nearly identical 511 came out.  

I believe there were some minor changes from the 581 to the 511 but I do not know what these were.  I believe they may have been made to boost reliability, I seem to recall hearing that but it was a while ago so I can't be sure.

My 511 was made in 1984 and has very nice wood.  It is almost but not as accurate as my ZKM 452 Lux; probably due to the action, trigger and slightly lighter weight.

I have heard of jamming problems with some of these.  Mine will fail to feed occasionally.  Keeping them clean with just a hint of oil in them seems to help avoid this.

This was passed on to me by a very knowlegeable gunsmith who got a trip to the factory in then Czechoslovakia (prior to the changes there, now Czech Republic) so I assume he was fairly knowlegeable.  For the best functioning and reliability I suggest going with waht he told me; high velocity cartridges with solid point, copper plated bullets.  I use WW high vel in mine.  These were his reasons for ammo recommendations;

1. High velocity rounds seem to cycle the action more positively.

2. Solid nose bullet feeds better.

3. Copper plated bullets are not "gummy" and feed better.

The 511/581's are a solid feeling .22 and I like mine quite a bit, though my 452 is still my favourite.

I hope you enjoy yours.

[smutt]

Shot my 581, very dissappointed at first. It would only feed every other round and jam a lot. I inspected the mag. and noticed the front lips were closed to the point of scraping the lead. Opened them and fired 50 rounds without a flaw, hope this solved the problem. Did not shoot for groups as trigger is very bad, will work on it and post results.
(Guns sure are fun!!!!)

[Fred Flinstone]

Hi Podnic,

If ever you want to sell that catalog, I sure would be interested in it. Do you know if these are still available?

[Podnik]

Fred

I doubt any of these are still available unless Pragotrade/London Arms has any.

My first copy was given to me by a local gunsmith in the early 70's.  I had the other given to me in tha late 80's by another gunsmith who used to specialize in Brno and CZ's.

I use the older copy to look through, it is in good shape but shows a bit that it has been handled.  I keep the other copy tucked away and don't use it.

They are interseting for several reasons.  They show the CZ's as they were back then.  There ares some very nice pictures of the Czech landscape, especially some winter shots.  They have some sections on hunting in (then) Czechslovakia.

They also reflect the communist period, not for popaganda (I don't believe the majority of Czechs were very willing communists), but in the way that they were beautifly done but you can tell when they were compiled, they were not used to dealing with a market ecconomy.

I haven't thought of selling one of these and wouldn't know what price to put on them; if I do, I'll keep you in mind.

Podnik