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Re: BRNO 21H 7X57 Question

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21 June 2004, 04:25
KurtC
Re: BRNO 21H 7X57 Question
Alf, reading that brings a tear to my eye.

I can add that the guide rib on the bolt seems to be present on some models and not on others. It is present on wartime models, but seems to have been omitted on models made from 1946-1948. It reappears again in 1949 and remains thru 1955.

It is also noticed that the wood on Brno rifles seems to be darker and well figured on pre-war models, as well as the 1946 to 48 period. Wartime and post 1949 models have light colored wood with little figure.

The year of production can be found as a 2-digit number on the left side of the breech.
21 June 2004, 02:47
JefferyDenmark
Gentlemen

I am posting this question on behalf of a non member that own this rifle and would like to learn more about it.
Any info about the rifle is appreciated.


Cheers,

Andr�
21 June 2004, 02:59
fla3006
What we call the 21-H (half stock) in the states. About 40,000 were made mostly between 1946-1955 at the Zbrojovka arms factory in Brno (not CZ). The first 23,000 or so were produced with round top receivers, the later with double square bridge or integral scope base receivers. The full stock version referred to as the 22-F. Both came in two barrel lengths (20.5" & 23.5"). A few like the one in the pic had single triggers, most came with double set triggers, all have small ring receivers, most have butterknife bolt handles. I've seen a couple with ZG-47 bolts, apparently transition or hybrid rifles. Calibers included 6.5x57, 7x57, 7x64, 8x57, 8x60. Very high quality.
21 June 2004, 03:29
ALF
.
21 June 2004, 03:38
JefferyDenmark
ALF

Royal Straight Flush

I think that this is more info then the Canadian Owner hoped for.

Cheers,

Andr�
21 June 2004, 12:24
ALF
.
21 June 2004, 13:12
fla3006
I have seen early round top versions w/o bolt guide ribs.
21 June 2004, 14:27
ALF
.
21 June 2004, 15:47
KurtC
Alf,

It is only missing on the 1946-48 models. It is present on pre-war, wartime and 1949-55 models. I have yet to find a reasonable explanation for its absence during that 3 year period. There is no evidence of the rib being deliberately removed, the bolts look as if they were machined without the rib.

I'll post some pics in a day or so.
21 June 2004, 16:00
martinincanada
Hi Alf,

thanks for the wonderful pictures. Your are a real rifle lover with a good taste. This tiny BRNO is one of the most aesthetic guns I ever held in my hands.

I wish you a steady hand (and your patients)

Martin
22 June 2004, 19:00
Atkinson
I have owned many of the little Brnos in a varity of calibers, kept selling them over the years as they just keep going up in value in leaps and bounds...I believe I have cleaned out Idaho and most of the pacific NW of them..

Presently I only have one as I recently sold my two 7x57s a 21 and a 22...I bought a pretty buggered up 8x57 and its now a 9.3x62 with all the barrel hardware on it and a 26" barrel..It looks original but its not..I really love this one and intend on keeping it..

At one time there were more than several round top 21s around here, as the old Brnos are very poplular with the locals. They float down this way from Canada where they must have a bunch of them..

Not much to add to what Alf said as to their heretage..
25 June 2004, 02:13
<eldeguello>
Wow, ALF! What a nice collection! I love those BRNO's!!