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Custom Bruno

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29 October 2009, 14:42
Kiwishooter2
Custom Bruno
I have seen some very fine rifles on this forum and thought I would share some pictures of one that was built in New Zealand











This started life as a "TGF" Bruno model 1 in 22lr, The barrel was shortened to 19" a new front sight with integral barrel band was fitted along with the barrel band approx 1/2 way down the barrel. The trigger was modified and moved to the rear 30mm, new bottom metal was made along with a new catch for the magazine release. Leupold rings were modified to fit directly on the 16mm dovetail. All metalwork was polished and reblued. The stock was hand shaped and features skeleton ebony grip cap, checkerd metal butt plate and exceptional checkering at 24 lpi 4:1 diamonds cut with 60 deg cutters.....and the person that built this rifle also milled the tree that bit of walnut came from.

Sorry my photos aren't the clearest but they are digital photos of his photos.....I will see if I can take some clearer ones.........Kiwi
29 October 2009, 16:25
D Humbarger
Very Very nice. Is that wood on those stocks native to NZ?



Doug Humbarger
NRA Life member
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club 72'73.
Yankee Station

Try to look unimportant. Your enemy might be low on ammo.
29 October 2009, 16:53
daniel77
truly beautiful wood beer




http://dauphinhorsemanship.com/
29 October 2009, 17:19
TC1
What a fantastic rifle!

Hey James, are you seeing this? Cool

Terry


--------------------------------------------

Well, other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
29 October 2009, 18:00
fla3006
Really nice. First rimfire Brno I've seen customized. The milled bottom metal is particularly special. And the checkering.


NRA Life Member, Band of Bubbas Charter Member, PGCA, DRSS.
Shoot & hunt with vintage classics.
29 October 2009, 20:46
gunmaker
What an exceptional little rifle thumb

More pics!

My little Brno Mod 1 is one of my favorite rifles to shoot.


gunmaker
------------------
James Anderson Metalsmith & Stockmaker
WEB SITE

More Pics on FLICKR
29 October 2009, 22:05
butchlambert
Damn,
I may have to get mine out of the safe!
Butch
29 October 2009, 22:08
Chisana
Wow. That is a very attractive and well executed rifle. Makes me want to get a custom rimfire project underway!


NRA Life Member
GOA Life Member
Distinguished Rifleman
President's Hundred
30 October 2009, 18:41
mehulkamdar
Kiwishooter2,

Beautiful rifle. I have a nice Brno Model 2 action that I bought from a member here and am building a 17 HM2 FS rifle on it. The stock on your rifle gives me some ideas.

BTW if you don't mind my asking, is the bottom metal from Kopje in Australia? And, was your gunsmith D F Maisey?


Mehul Kamdar

"I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."-- Patrick Henry

30 October 2009, 22:06
srtrax
I've always wanted a high end 22 rifle, and your not helping things out at all... Big Grin

Very nice, I realy like the lines of the stock, love the looks of the grip!

Enjoy!!!


_____________________
Steve Traxson

31 October 2009, 02:11
Juglansregia
Blincoe, from up near Nelson way??

I am sure I have seen that rifle..............
31 October 2009, 03:15
Kiwishooter2
Hello Mehul,

No to both those questions, the bottom metal was custom made by the gunsmith......Kiwi

quote:
Originally posted by mehulkamdar:
Kiwishooter2,

Beautiful rifle. I have a nice Brno Model 2 action that I bought from a member here and am building a 17 HM2 FS rifle on it. The stock on your rifle gives me some ideas.

BTW if you don't mind my asking, is the bottom metal from Kopje in Australia? And, was your gunsmith D F Maisey?

31 October 2009, 03:19
Kiwishooter2
You are correct but no pictures have been posted of this rifle before, this is one he has just finished recently.
I have posted some photos of some of Don's Bruno's before and one of them is similar to this only the barrel on it is only 16 1/2 inches long......Kiwi

quote:
Originally posted by Juglansregia:
Blincoe, from up near Nelson way??

I am sure I have seen that rifle..............

31 October 2009, 04:56
Kiwishooter2
Some clearer photos of this rifle











I will post some pictures of some of his other rifles.
31 October 2009, 05:53
Kiwishooter2
Some of his other rifles

Brno #1 FS 16 1/2" barrel





He uses this one as his target 22 for 50 & 100 yd shooting





I love this rifle another Brno #1









Just to show he also works on centrefire rifles

A Brno Fox that was real rusty and missing a few bits when he got it.





BSA Monarch in 30-06



Brno Mauser 98





And a Sako Forester in 243W





Don does not do this as a job this is his hobby and he told me when I talked to him last that he isn't taking on any more work as he wants to finish some of his own projects.....I saw one he started many years ago a BSA Hunter in 222.

One thing I will point out is he does his own metalwork, bluing, stockwork, and checkering......such exquisite checkering the photos do not do it justice.......Kiwi
31 October 2009, 05:57
mehulkamdar
Kiwishooter2,

Thanks for the reply. It is clear that there are many more fine gunsmiths in your country than those of us who live outside know of. I do wish that they would make their skills better known - works of art like these do not deserve to remain hidden.

Good hunting!


Mehul Kamdar

"I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."-- Patrick Henry

31 October 2009, 07:11
Kiwishooter2
I totally agree, Don's talents have remained mostly hidden, which is one of my reasons for posting some photos of his work. All his checkering is done by hand and has to be the most precise checkering I have ever seen.

I do know Dean but haven't seen any of his work.

BTW the rifle isn't mine.......but I have been trying to convince Don for the last two years to stock a L/H CZ for me in mannlicher......He just keeps on saying "NO".....Kiwi


quote:
Originally posted by mehulkamdar:
Kiwishooter2,

Thanks for the reply. It is clear that there are many more fine gunsmiths in your country than those of us who live outside know of. I do wish that they would make their skills better known - works of art like these do not deserve to remain hidden.

Good hunting!

31 October 2009, 11:27
Chisana
Several of those rifles are really slim through the pistol grip and very racy looking!


NRA Life Member
GOA Life Member
Distinguished Rifleman
President's Hundred
31 October 2009, 17:36
DMB
Two words come to mind...
WOW and Awesome.
Those rifles are exquisite.
Was just thinking about a BRNO Number 1 this morning, but one that is stock, no mods.

Don