Picked up my 308 today. I'm less than impressed with the wood to metal fit and with the garish BRNO Effect emblazoned on the monobloc and barrel. I'll shoot it a little, but I doubt it will stay in my safe for long. If it does, it will be because I put a nice piece of wood on it, replaced the barrel with a 26 or 28" tube, had the receiver surface ground and color case hardened....we shall see.

For $1,500 a rifle shouldn't be a "kit". If it's that bad I'd probably be returning it unfired.

I hate to hear this about the Effect. Does it have any redeeming qualities that show prior to shooting?

I'm going to go ahead and shoot it, because it has already been fired. I traded for it used. I'll sleep on my first impressions, look at it a bit more carefully tomorrow, then see what I can find good to write about the rifle.

I don't, though, think it's worth $1500 new...at least, not at this point. This is the first non-falling block single shot I've had...not counting a TC and an Encore I played with for awhile.

I'll put up some more thoughts tomorrow.

Well, I pulled the Effect out this morning to try to find some good qualities about it. The palm swell feels very good when I shoulder the rifle, but palmswells are ugly, in my opinion. Otherwise, it feels like I'm handling a toy gun. The receiver bottom line is angled upward to the degree that it would be very difficult, or impossible, to restock and get the overall flow right. This is, in my opinion, a $500-$600 rifle...nowhere near $1500. I don't even have a desire to shoot it.

The more I look at this rifle, the less I like it. I've contacted the store (this was an internet trade) to see if I can get my Kimber back and return the Effect. I don't believe this rifle is of the quality of the CZ550's. Sorry I couldn't find redeeming qualities. If y'all have specific questions, though, I'll try to answer them.

I spoke with the Gun Library manager at Cabelas in Owatonna, MN, this morning re: my dissatisfaction with the Effect. They are presently awaiting funds for the Kimber I traded to them, but still have it in the store. I was given the option of either getting my Kimber back (which would have made them back out of another deal) or cutting me a check for the Effect. IMO, this is excellent service...so I wanted to give them a plug here. I seldom encounter folks who are willing to go as far as they can to satisfy a client. Cabelas Gun Library in Owatonna, MN...specifically the manager, Matt Heuer, is such a person!

I hope others who get the Effects are satisfied with them. I was not, but that's what makes life interesting.

Sorry to hear about the rifle. I was interested in these, but had not handled one in person. I guess I don't need to now! I can also vouch for the Cabelas gun library staff........they went above and beyond for me a couple years ago and I will be a customer there again because of it.

Matt