Hi ALF et consortes,

I wonder how many original Brno 602 was made in caliber .358 Norma Magnum and during what years?


Thank you.

Thanks ALF,

Your knowledge in Brno rifles is so impressive!

I have a 1984 BRNO chambered in 8x68s but it has a 358 N.M. magazine box. I often wondered if the box is original or a replacement.

They should've made a run of BRNO 602s in .35 Whelen, although maybe they could've done it on the smaller 601 action (or whatever designation they used for the 30'06-length action).

I just weighed my 8x68s, with a scope attached. 11 lb 4 oz. I think they should have used the 601 for the 8x68s also.

I remember seeing an advertisement here in Norway for the 602 in 416 Rigby.
That could be back around 1980...?
I have never seen a rifle in that cambering though.

My first 602 in 375 H&H was marked on the barrel something like "Bauska Arms Kalispell MT" if I remember correctly.
Story goes that they were ment for the US marked, but the deal got stuck bye some reason.
So the rifles was sold in Europe instead.

My PH in Namibia had a 602 chambered for 300 Winmag.
(The 601 has the 308 Win size, and 600 the 30-06.)

That is really interesting Arild. There was a story not long ago about “American” rifles being found on poaching sites in Africa. They were CZ 550s marked with the Kansas address. The inference was that “someone” in America was arming the poachers. It was brought up whether the rifles were marked for the US market but never delivered. Sounds a lot like your 602.

Concerning rifles made in odd calibers,
Many years ago I talked to the last living gunmaker at Husqvarna Vapen in Sweden, Mr Bertil Granqvist.

He told me that the most interesting rifles made at Husqvarna wasnt born during production hour. But on the lunch breaks and evenings.

He told me further that there was Husqvarna Mod 1600 (Small ring Mausers) chambered in 8x68S, .300 and .375 H&H and many other calibers, never mentioned in their catalouge.

Also some odd large bore Nitro double rifles was made without the official knowledge of the management.