Author Topic: What have I got here...(new pics)  (Read 4001 times)

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Offline DOCMAN

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« on: March 05, 2008, 08:33:13 AM »
Hey Guys,
I have found a lovely .22 rifle and need to know more about it.All I can find on the barrel is the date, which is '87,and the words BRNO Mod 2E.It has 11mm dovetails on the action.The stock is European style and of fine maple.It has black fore-end with a thin white insert,and a black grip-cap also with a thin white insert.What do I have here..?
« Last Edit: July 06, 2008, 09:09:13 AM by DOCMAN »
I PACK A .45 'COS THEY DON'T MAKE A .46!

Offline Old Coastie

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2008, 07:19:33 PM »
You might want to try posting your question over at Rimfire Central in the CZ forum. There is a lot of BRNO expertise there. Be warned, however, You will be asked to post pictures of your rifle.

Good shooting.
Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not really after you!

Offline Steyr 22

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2008, 05:34:03 AM »
This is a Pre-Script (as opposed to a Post Script) I am answering perhaps the wrong question, but I am answering the question "What is a BRNO Model 2E?" and not "What is this BRNO Model 2E rifle all about with the fancy stock?", so I hope I am on the right track. By the way - yes, I want to see what it looks like, so please post some pictures.

The BRNO Model 2E

Before CZ-UB became the name of the company that produces the current rifles (Model 452's etc), the name of the company was (CZ) BRNO and they produced the Model 2 (I think the E stood for the Lux model). I am not sure if BRNO simply became CZ-UB or whether CZ-UB took over the manufacturing from BRNO. I am sure that there are histories somewhere in this forum. Note Brno and Uhersky Brod are the cities in which the rifles are produced and CZ was used by everyone to simply denote the country of origin.

They came with the hogsback stock and a straight "american" style stock (though just called a straight stock). I am not sure when they changed the company name but it was about the time that your rifle was produced. Most stocks were Walnut without the extras that you mention, so I cannot be sure whether you have a special model or whether someone has replaced the stock at some time.

BRNO produced a range of models over the years (Models 1, 2, 5 and some others I don't remember). The model 2 was their longest surviving model (start date was in the 1950's) and is nearly the same as the CZ Model 452's (for instance you can use CZ 452 magazines in a BRNO). Here, the early ones (prior to some time in the 70's?) are still very much sought after as the finish was much better than the later ones (including the current CZ models).

I will try to take some pictures of my 1967 example to show the polished metal work and wood grain (not overly fancy) The photos I just took with the flash do not allow you to see these details.

Model 2's have proven to be THE most reliable .22 rifle, and are considered top of the range by professional rabbit shooters (for their accuracy and their reliability) and are usually treated as future heirlooms by the rest of us! Don't get me wrong, CZ 452's are equally respected by the proffessional rabbit shooters and for the same reasons - reliability and accuracy. I don't think a proffessional shooter would hunt down an old rifle just to shoot it into the ground, but I have come across a few that have a prized early BRNO or two in their collections.

I also have a CZ 452 (with better wood!), but the BRNO is my favourite.

Note: Old BRNO's still command a similar price to a new CZ 452! and are often purchased in preference to a new CZ 452 (if their overall condition is "good" or better). I suspect that very few BRNO's were sold in America due to the Trade Embargoes during the Cold War, so you have a very rare rifle for an American.

The only rifle that I have owned that was better was a Steyr .22 Zephyr. Accuracy was the same, but the Steyr was about 3 times the quality again - exhibition grade wood, exceptional blueing on every metal part. It was sold off to a friend of mine (who will respect what he has) because it was too pretty to take out shooting! (and a bit small for me).

I am not a Luddite, I am currently purchasing a Kimber 22 SVT  which I expect will become my favourite hunting rifle (and future heirloom?). I know discontinued and all that - I just happened across one that was unsold in a shop , but I will still never sell my BRNO.

A long rave and probably didn't enlighten you much. Perhaps one thing that was demonstrated is the passion which we have for our BRNO's here.


Offline Steyr 22

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2008, 05:42:53 AM »
PS I think BRNO is properly pronounced as Berno (sort of) but we call the rifles Bruno's.

Offline DOCMAN

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2008, 08:11:31 AM »
Hey Steyr 22,thanks for you time and effort.Your answer helped me a great deal.I bought the rifle,scoped it with Leupold,made a few changes to suit the job it will be used for,and then it will be passed on in the family (I hope) at a later stage.I will post pictures asap.
I PACK A .45 'COS THEY DON'T MAKE A .46!

Offline Steyr 22

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2008, 05:26:42 PM »
I hope this works!








I couldn't get the polished metal work to come out properly - it looks flat and dull. Note: That's a CZ magazine in the magazine well.

Looking forward to seeing yours. (sounds like two kids saying "You show me yours and I'll show you mine")

Offline Steyr 22

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2008, 08:58:06 PM »
Hi I just found out this morning that BRNO did make some special stocks in the end. So it would seem you have a doubly rare rifle!

Offline DOCMAN

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2008, 06:16:20 AM »
Hey guys,finally got around to posting the pictures of the rifle I found.Your input will be appreciated.









I PACK A .45 'COS THEY DON'T MAKE A .46!

Offline Steyr 22

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What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2008, 07:48:20 AM »
That is a truly stunning rifle!

The polish on the receiver sets it apart from any CZ model.

I am envious in the extreme!

I am not really serious - but do you want to sell it? (the reason for not being serious is only because of importation requirements which are very strict here - otherwise I would be making a generous offer). That is a serious "family heirloom" that you have got there!!!

Offline dancz

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Re: What have I got here...(new pics)
« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2008, 05:18:31 AM »


A slight correction to Steyr22?s post though, it can?t be set aside from the CZ?s by the polished receiver as it is a CZ and not made by the original Brno company. The Czech?s certainly made a few different models from the Brno?s through to the modern CZ?s. This pic shows about half of my rimfires and only a very small percentage of what are available.




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