Nechako said:
Noel, so you prefer the 21H over your ZG-47. I've never held a 21H so I would like hear your thoughts about the two, if you don't mind.
We really need a drooling smiley!
Nechako
It might be a bit premature for me to judge the ZG this early in the game, I have only shot it a couple times on one occasion so far. For comparison, here are two of my three for the pros and cons IMO.
The ZG is design has a bit tighter pistol grip, and thicker too for a bit better grip. This would help for those with smaller hands as well as be a bit more robust for the bigger chamberings ie: 10.75x68 or 9,3x64.
The single set trigger is adjustable which is nice, and the single trigger/ big trigger guard combo give you alot of space for a gloved finger. You will also notice how low the scope can be mounted on the ZG47, much easier for shooting and give the gun a less bulky feel than the 21H in my first post would have.
Really my only beef is the ZG safety and the fact that it is safe in the forward position, fire in the back AND that it is on the right hand side of the reciever. The last thing I want to do when wandering in the bush is look down to see where the safety is. Again, it is only because I am not accustomed to it yet. I still prefer the safety being on the bolt stop side of the action, it is a much more natural movement (for me) to slip that one off.
The 20/21/22 whatever model in my experience seem to all have the same layout as far as the pistol grip goes, which I prefer as it is more roomy. I don't feel cramped on the ZG by any means but I just like the 21 feel more.
In my brief experience with the double set trigger I have found them to be very nice, I have only taken the rifle shooting twice but the back trigger if quite stiff (8lbs) and then the front being set as hair trigger then breaks at 1 1/2lbs Great for printing those tight groups or when you have lots of time for that shot at your trophy Mule Deer.
My Bride has very small hands and she is a bit uncomfortable trying to reach the front trigger on this DST 21H. Downside for this model I guess for some.
However, my other 21H I have is a single set trigger. It was like a military style pull when I got it, very draggy and gross. My Dayton Traister has fixed that in a big way, all I have to do is polish out those grooves in the trigger itself, a feeling I cannot get used to.
The only other problem I see with the 21H is they are a pain to scope. Between the drop at the heel which isn't all that bad, the bolt handle pivots way to high and will hit your scope bell unless it is jacked up like a cat in heat. IIRC, it is close to 1 3/8" above the bore. People will often grind or reweld the bolt handle and inlet the stock to give clearance and lower the scope but I cannot bring myself to do it. My CZ rings aren't pretty, but they get the job done.
It was only in the past month I found these pics I posted with the round top recievers, they IMO are much prettier than the full length groove or double square bridge both the ZG and 20 Series have. I have never played with the German claw mounts so I don't know what they are like for strength, but I imagine they are costly to build and install.
I really like the classic lines of the 21's and 22's. They are similar to the styles of H&H, Rigby, Purdey's etc. The ZG has more of a 1960's look to it if you will. It is very nice still, don't get me wrong.
Iron sights are great on both, the leaves are flat on each one, the 20 series I have seen all seem to have one standing, one folding sight for 100yds and 200yds respectively. My ZG47 has a standing for 50yds, and two folding for 75yds and 100yds. A bit tight together IMO but it should proove worthwhile when that very dangerous gopher pos up at 75yards yonder.
I prefer the style of the trigger guard on the 21's too. It really compliments the rifle in a way few other modified military guards ever could.
Off the top of my head that's about it. Oh yeah, one more, the 9,3 barrel has an obscene amount of freebore but it still seems to shoot well so I imagine it will be a non issue. All three of mine seem to shoot very well, as have any other reports I have heard.
It's a done deal Richard, go get a loan from Mommy, and let us know how it shoots!
Noel
