Last fall I fulfilled one of my Dream Gun purchases, buying a BRNO 8x57S, full-stocked Carbine (20 inch barrel) with double set triggers and the spoon bolt handle. Always wanted one of the "guild" style rifles, and this one filled that void.

It looks to be original, except the rear sight was replaced with a Lyman adjustable unit at some point (elevation only). The only other detractions are a few minor dings in the stock. The date on the side of the action is 1947. Reciever is not drilled for scope mounts. Very nice rifle, and I hope to shoot a deer with it someday.

Shot it a bit yesterday, using Federals 170 gr softpoint load - at 25yds to get used to the "set" trigger and to figure out the sights. I'd shot it a couple of times last winter, just to make sure it would go bang, but none of the bullets hit the target at 100 yds - always a good sign. Now, at 25 yds, I was hitting two inches low, and about 1 1/2 inches to the left. At 100yds, aiming at the upper right corner of the target, it is hitting about 9 inches low, and 5 inches to the left. Nice thing is it put three shots into a nice triangular group of just over an inch.

Now, if I can just get the sights figured out, I think I'll be in business....

SBB

sincce the sight is not original why not replace it with a NECG rear sight.

Mark Stratton made custom bases for my 1946 Brno 21h in 8x57. They are perfect and I use Talley detachable rings. He made a cut on the bases so that I can still use the iron sights. You can search my posts to see the gun and a trip report I posted. My wife and I went to Namibia last May and took 9 animals with the gun. Mark might even make you the correct replacement sight.

quote:

Originally posted by D Humbarger:
sincce the sight is not original why not replace it with a NECG rear sight.

Which NECG are you referring to? I've thought about their two leaf, flip-up but need to contact them regarding what type of dovetail it fits. Not really interested in their other offerings. Don't really want to add scope mounts either - as is it just looks "right".

Thanks,

SBB

quote:

Originally posted by Super Bon Bon:
Don't really want to add scope mounts either - as is it just looks "right".
Thanks,
SBB

That's the story, Goodonya Mate.

The dovetail on the ERA sights (imported by NECG) is the size of the entire sight boss on your barrel. The sight blades are twice as large as your originals were. It you use the ERA rear sight (in any format), you will have to replace your front sight as well.

The Lyman sight currently on your rifle does not have the same dovetail as the original. Hopefully, whoever put it in modefied the sight, not the dovetail on the barrel boss.

You can sometimes find appropriate rear sights on E-Bay and other places. Keep in mind that these original sights are even smaller than the Lyman, and are difficult to see for many.

If you want to use an original sight, you will have to find a bullet load combination that works with a 1940's sight and I'm sure someone here knows what will get you close. I didn't have any luck with a number of bullets and powder combinations, although my gun shoots "lights out" with Barnes 180 and 200 gr TSX as well as the 196 gr Woodleighs and H380 between 47.5 and 51 grains. I think, althought I have nothing to back it up, that these rifles were probably set up for a 196 gr and 220 gr bullets and shoot better with the heavier bullets versus the 170 grainers.

The factory sight is flat across the top with a half moon cut which doesn't lend itself to you making any adjustments, which is probably why yours has the aftermarket sight in the first place.

Another option would be to have a gunsmith make you an express sight to fit the dovetail and leave it in the white (or use the one from NECG and have it fit to your gun). You could then develop your pet load and file in the rear sight during load development. Finally, send the rear sight off to be rust blued and Walaa! you have your rifle shooting just right for the load it likes at the impact point you want.

I filed in the factory sight on my CZ550 in 458 Lott and had it shooting dead on at 100 yds with a 500 gr Hornady running 2250 fps. When it came from the factory it was shooting 11" high! I'll do the same with my wife's 375 H&H.

Here's new_guy's post.

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/...=859106349#859106349

It's the most effective way to get your rifle shooting for you and you can use your original front sight bead. I find it very rewarding "regulating" my sights and I know how the rifle will shoot.

The height on mine is .417" although that doesn't mean much since I couldn't get mine to shoot the way I wanted with the factory sight. I would have it filed down to a starting point by the gunsmith which will save you bunch of filing time on the range with the one from NECG.

This is the closest sight to the original offered at NECG. It looks to me like it is set up for filing in with a round file, although I prefer the V. My standing sight is engraved with 100 yards and the folding 200 yards...

One-Folding Rear Sight



Width: .750"---Length: .620"---Overall Height: Standing, .550", Folding, .608"

Guys- I appreciate the information and observations.

Thanks!

SBB