I have a near new Brno 21H with what looks to be the original buttplate. My gunsmith suggested that it is not, simply because it's about .05-.10" too short on the heal and toe ends, and slightly small on the edges. I don't have a picture, but I can describe the thing if that helps.
Any ideas?

I have 2 BRNO's that are close to the same way. Both of my plates are just ever so slightly smaller than the wood. I believe it is original.

ddj

Sounds typical of the BRNOs that I've owned. I don't know if the buttplate resin shrank over time or if they were originally fitted that way.

They are all like that. Look at the pic I have in the classifieds of the 22F. You can see that it just a hairline smaller than the wood.

One more voice confirming that they are normally smaller than the wood. The first ones I saw were about 1952 and they were undersize then as well so I don't think shrinking is a factor. They fit them that way as far as I can tell. I have two 21H rifles currently and they are close to identical in the amount of proud wood at the butt and grip cap.

Yeah, I believe something in the chemical makeup caused them to shrink over time. Most you find today are like that. ZG-47s too.

So, do you replace them? If so, who has a good replcement plate?

I think most of us just leave them as is. I slip on a rubber pad any time such a rifle leaves the safe, to protect the butt.

If you fit a generic synthetic plate, you will have to heat it up to match the curve of the wood.

I've replaced 2 with unmarked plastic take-off buttplates from Savage rifles. Curvature is identical. Sides have to be worked down. You can also use the undrilled buttplates from Brownnell's but they are hard as hell to bend to the proper curvature despite what Brownell's says.

Mine looks the same as your description.

Weagle

So then mine probably is original. It looks the same as the one in the picture.

How high are those scope rings by the way? Does the bolt handle clear the scope?

quote:

Originally posted by slancey:
How high are those scope rings by the way? Does the bolt handle clear the scope?

Those are low scope rings and I have plenty of clearance, but if you check out the handle you will see that it has been modified to clear a low scope. Also note that the stock has to be inletted to work with the low handle.

Weagle