Kutenay,

I think the 21's bolt will stay shut if a notch is put on the bolt near the cam. Other rifles have such a notch. There is a take back of course like everything. What happens then is one can feel the firing pin slip over the notch when the bolt is closed.

If it's done right it will help. I am not going to change the rifle anymore than this as, in my opinion, I have better rifles for actual hunting.

I will think this out later.

Yup, I agree, it is a cardinal sin to modify a nice one of these or a minty Pre-64. I have found a rifle with a fine bore, minty action and damaged d.s.t.s that I pulled the action out of and intend to build a light .338-06 on it. I have another which has lovely wood, is about 85%, has the little Meopta and this one stays original as does my minty M-S and a number of others. My .280 has a 2 pos. swing safety and the stock was split when I got it,so, re-chambering was acceptable, I think.

I actually paid about $250.00 USD for the one I stripped and it was shootable, but, a custom .338-06 is something I need as I explained to my wife when she saw the Visa bill!

There have been topics here on AR lauding the Brno 21H's and 22f's. Having owned and used pre 64 M70's including the Featherweight's for a long time I was enticed to look at the specific models.

This led to the purchase of a 1950 21h in 7X57. Mine is in good shape but well used. It's been modified with a pad and the installation of an aftermarket single trigger.

Comparing the 21h to a M70 Featherweight I read that when new the Brno cost $167 and a M70 then was about $40 less however I am not sure if the Brno came with a scope mount.

As to the rifles themselves I find that the Brno is not really a good design in some ways for actual hunting. First of all the safety is very poor. The 21h's safety is a lever to the left of the bolt shroud. It does lock the firing pin back but does not lock the bolt closed! This is an intolerable feature on a rifle that's supposed to be so perfect. On top of that the bolt has no detent for the firing pin to rest in like other rifles do so the bolt can ease open with the slightest touch.

Otherwise the Brno is a very pretty rifle. There are other comparisons such as the severe drop in it's stock thus one cannot really touch the cheek piece and see thru the scope at the same time. The pre 64 Featherweights here have Monte Carlo's and are just right for a scope but too high for the irons.

The trigger on the M70 is superior to any other sporter so that's over. I would have liked to have the double triggers on this Brno however as the rifle is for the fun of it and I can get used to that sort of thing having other guns like that.

Here is one of the threads on the Brno 21h

Although I am a pre 64 fan, I would take a Brno 21 or 22 over a pre 64...

As to the safety, that can be replaced with a M-70 3 pos. safty if you like..

I don't have a problem with a low comb rifle and a scope, I learned to shoot on low comb M-70s as a kid, then Bill Weaver gave me a scope and I never knew the difference and never have since...The low comb stocks suit me fine and I have them on all my rifles so that I can use irons also....

The fit and finish of the little square bridge mausers is just about the finest ever in a factory produced rifle and their used costs reflect that value...

Ray,

The beauty of something is in the eye of the beholder. Certainly these little Brno's are very pretty. However form follows function or handsome is as handsome does and the bolt can open and even fall out possibly on this rifle!

As to the very low comb I too am used to almost anything on rifles and can use them for hunting as you have.

Another thing is the floorplate. So far I can't even get it open! The M-70 has a hinged floorplate that works! The action on this rifle is also too long for the 7X57 cartridge.

I showed the Brno to a engineer last night who has companies all over the world. He says that their plant in the Checz Republic does indeed produce goods that are very competative in the European market and another plant is being considered. It's too bad that the Checz's have endured such hardships in the past. They have the ablity to produce value.

I have to admit that overall the little Brno 21's and 22's are as cute as it gets.

Both my engineer buddy and I would take a M70 Featherweight every day of the week.