Brno ZG47 or Brno 21 or 22

Leica Fortis 6 - Bright and powerful.
I have two ZG-47 in the closet, but have owned 5 of them.

I would say the 21/22 is nicer finished, more care taken in production.
But the ZG-47 is the superior rifle! Mostly due to bolt handle, safety. You can fit an scope low, without the bolt handle hitting it, and the safety is a marvel!
I wish more of these where made! Brilliant safety!!


Cheap as chips over in Sweden. I bought all of mine for €700 in Norway, but see them for €2-300 in Sweden. A bit more for "rarer" calibers.


I have mine stashed away for the moment, but they will get the full treatment once the house is paid down a bit more... :)


I consider them THE BEST Mauser ever built, except a few Oberndorf modells.
 
Well ive managed to find a deluxe one in 30 06 in average shape in need of tlc.
Which uk rifle smith you recommend for this?
 
Check your rifle configurations, because many of the front rear sights and front sight blades, hood, rings, etc for the CZ 550 fit the ZG47 and even some 21 and 22 rifles. The blades are inexpensive, and come in different heights, so you can adjust your zero range. CZ sells parts directly by mail.
 
Holt's have one of the Meopta telescopic 3x sights for these BRNO rifles, with correct period factory mounts, in their current Online Sale of Unsold Lots. I think it is just over 200.00 all in. These pre-date the later Zeiss Jena that are seen on the later ZKK series. Link is below:

Holt's Auctioneers
 
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To be honest i intend to have the barrel sights removed then have it screw cut for a moderator. I know its not the done thing with the older rifles but intend to use it and want reduce the sound and recoil.
 
Is the original deluxe stock design any good or does it increase the feeling of recoil as some stocks do?
 
I don't mean to be offensive, but in all seriousness, I must ask: Why are you interested in a fine, classic stalking rifle like a Brno ZG 47, 22 or 21, if you plan to amputate the front sight and put on a suppressor, and change out graceful walnut stock with a synthetic or laminated wood stock?
 
Southern said:
I don't mean to be offensive, but in all seriousness, I must ask: Why are you interested in a fine, classic stalking rifle like a Brno ZG 47, 22 or 21, if you plan to amputate the front sight and put on a suppressor, and change out graceful walnut stock with a synthetic or laminated wood stock?
Click to expand...

I too am wondering exactly the same thing. Jeddie, maybe you could consider concentrating your efforts on restoring it as close to original spec as possible? I can't imagine a fine old rifle like this ending up looking like anything other than a mongrel without a home if you go down that route. Take a look around the web at classic timbered stalking rifles that have been cut and moderated, etc, they honestly don't look too flash, eh. If you not so keen on louder muzzle blast or recoil, there are bound to be other deer killing options out there more suited than a hefty .30-06.
 
Just looking for advice really - which is now coming forward.
The reason i asked about the barrel sight removal was to find out my options before i proceed.
I shall be fitting a high quality Zeiss or Schmidt because scopes have come a long way since 1962 and believe this rifle deserves nice glass. Just wish there was a 30mm scope mount design that could also incorporate barrel sights for a quick close shot if ever needed- but that still leaves the moderator -which i think all UK hunting rifles should have.
I really like the stock if im honest, was just intrested to know if it was a effective design. I shot a parker and hale 308 with a stock like the Hussar mentioned in this thread and it felt like a stiff jab to the cheekbone (was four groups of five off a bench with no mod).
I reserched a lot about the Mauser actions before choosing this model/action and i am a believer in the school of thought with regards to rifles that they don't make them like they used to.
But i am not a collector and its intended use will be for deer and boar.
I do need to have the stock shortened because the length of pull is 14 inches and i need 13.25 including a good recoil pad.
 
The original mounts for the 721 and 722 were high, because of the bolt handles, and had a tunnel through them to use the open sights.

The ZG 47 bolt permits lower scope mounting, and has integral bases for the CZ rings.
Warne makes rings for the CZ 600/601/602/ 550, but I don't know if they work on the ZG 47.
Warne also makes them in a Quick Release model, and they return to zero pretty well ( I have a 601 and have had a 602 ).

The stock design is not made for bench work. It is made for stalking, for quick mounting, shooting offhand, maybe off sticks, or sitting or kneeling, not prone or with a bipod. Offhand, you are going to just roll a bit with the recoil. Don't try to muscle the rifle, or it will punch you, especially as you get up into .30-06, 9.3x62, .375 H&H, etc.

The stock has a hard rubber pad. Doesn't bother me, as half my rifles have hard rubber, steel or aluminum butt plates. My CZ Brno in 7x57 has a more modern stock with a Pachmayr Decelerator, which is nice and nice looking. But you can keep the vintage look and just slide on a Pachmayr or Simms pad, which adds about 5/8 inch of pull length.
 
The lowest mounts I have been able to put on my ZG-47 is Alaska Arms 1", .3 height.

I use a Leupold 2.5x20 as a back up scope on that one.


I would suggest Talley (screw lock) or Alaska Arms mounts for your rifle!

You need to watch out for Eye piece size on the ZG-47. To large, and the bolt handle will not clear.
 
It shouldnt be too hard to find an original mount for any of the BRNO's.
I have found some in the past by scouring the internet for zkk parts. Especialy looking in eastern european countries...
 
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pZ1j20z.jpg
 
Ralf Martini (ACGG) Custom Brno Model 21 Mauser-98 type small ring action (dated 1947), .270 Win Caliber, Controlled Round Feed, Recknagel trigger (adjustable, right now breaks cleanly with no creep at 2.5 lb.), Gentry 3-position safety, new Oberndorf-style bolt handle, Tubb high-speed firing pin and spring, action polished and tuned, steel pistol grip cap, all metal cold rust-blued, stock reshaped and refinished, checkering recut, wrap-around forend checkering, stock glass-bedded and reinforced, recoil pad, Talley scope bases, and numerous other features (see photos.) All custom work by Ralf Martini. 24 in. barrel. Ralf commissioned barrel maker Bob Jury (Red Deer, Alberta) to rebore the barrel from 6.5x57 to .270 Win. Recessed target-type crown. Very accurate. 1a.webp
 
robinpeck said:
Ralf Martini (ACGG) Custom Brno Model 21 Mauser-98 type small ring action (dated 1947), .270 Win Caliber, Controlled Round Feed, Recknagel trigger (adjustable, right now breaks cleanly with no creep at 2.5 lb.), Gentry 3-position safety, new Oberndorf-style bolt handle, Tubb high-speed firing pin and spring, action polished and tuned, steel pistol grip cap, all metal cold rust-blued, stock reshaped and refinished, checkering recut, wrap-around forend checkering, stock glass-bedded and reinforced, recoil pad, Talley scope bases, and numerous other features (see photos.) All custom work by Ralf Martini. 24 in. barrel. Ralf commissioned barrel maker Bob Jury (Red Deer, Alberta) to rebore the barrel from 6.5x57 to .270 Win. Recessed target-type crown. Very accurate. View attachment 400189
Click to expand...
In a word , perfect .

AB

PS I've been eyeing that 9.3x62 chambered 96 with the Hellqvist sight on it that you have on CGN .................. you're right , it's the perfect fly fishing rifle . I can picture myself grubbing around the Willmore with that in hand .
 
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