Are these things still used?

[H4831]

Or, are they dead as a dodo bird?
A Model 5 Brno made in 1966, all gussied up in the top sights of the day, like the Redfield International, along with that front aperature, complete with the little level.
Among the very top in sporting rifle competitions in a by-gone era, but what are they used for now?
Does anybody know what they use in Biathalon? I'll bet it isn't an old relic like this!

And here is a practice target from an obvioulsy pleased owner who had it then.

 

[ciphery]

The ones I've seen being used have straight pull bolts with caming bolt handles.....no turn bolts.

 

[jaydog]

My buddy has one topped with Tasco 20x scope. Despite less than stellar optics it shoots some sweet groups at 200y on a regular basis.

 

[mmattockx]

Does anybody know what they use in Biathalon? I'll bet it isn't an old relic like this!

This is what a modern biathlon rifle looks like:

http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?produktID=271&menu=99&sprache=1&produktShow=detail

Regardless of what they use now, that BRNO is a beautiful, superb quality sporting rifle.


Mark

 

[10mark22]

relic

Please don't call that Model 5 a relic. Old yes, relic no, some of the best old world craftsmanship that can be had. Mine is the least picky rimfire I have ever seen. Those 1/2" groups are attainable with many types of ammo in my 58 model 5. Now they are used to shoot tiny groups and varmints of all sorts. As nice as that one is, cherish it.

 

[Blueglass]

I agree as that is a very beautiful rifle for sure. It may be a wee bit older but just try to beat the quality thats built into it. I own 2 Annies and know great guns when I fire them and that Bruno is another of the worlds best target guns as well.

 

[buffdog]

.
Someone a few decades ago, took the time, expense and effort to build themselves a very accurate target rifle for the .22 Rimfire. To answer your question, YES they are still used, but not to the extent that they were 40 or 50 years ago, when almost any reasonable sized Town and most Villages had a 25 yard target range, and people took pride in their shooting ability. That target is dated 1969, and at that time, it was getting near the end of this shooting era, where RIFLEMEN were respected for their ability and their Sport.

NO, it is NOT a relic, and that rifle in it's present condition could probably hold it's own on any range today against the newer Target rifles.

Nice find. To me, that one would surely be a keeper. .

 

[H4831]

.
Someone a few decades ago, took the time, expense and effort to build themselves a very accurate target rifle for the .22 Rimfire. To answer your question, YES they are still used, but not to the extent that they were 40 or 50 years ago, when almost any reasonable sized Town and most Villages had a 25 yard target range, and people took pride in their shooting ability. That target is dated 1969, and at that time, it was getting near the end of this shooting era, where RIFLEMEN were respected for their ability and their Sport.

NO, it is NOT a relic, and that rifle in it's present condition could probably hold it's own on any range today against the newer Target rifles.

Nice find. To me, that one would surely be a keeper. .

Thanks for your good comments, you guys.
And buffdog, you are sure talking my language! So many times on some thread on CGN I have talked about the glory days of shooting, which started a couple years after the end of WW2 and as I usually say, petered out in the 1960s.
And all those shooting clubs in every town seem unbelievable now. What I have often thought about is the people who shot in the clubs. They were a cross section of society. In the town of 4 to 6 thousand (it grew fast) that I shot in, there were loggers coming into town for evening shoots, there were lawyers, doctors, store owners, you name it, they were represented in our shooting club.
When I got the rifle the other day that is in the picture here, there was a catch. I had to take two Brno's, the one shown and a Model 1, equipped for a scope. I showed the one in the picture to my wife and said there was a time, and she knew it, when I would have given my eye teeth for that Brno rifle. But I said I have no use for it now, so I will sell it and keep the Model 1, which is very similar, but not as nice a stock. I had it to the range today and it shoots beautifully. In the 1950s my brother had a Brno that looked just like this one, but I had forgotten just how smooth the actions really are.
Bruce

 

[Boomer454]

It's funny this thread came up just now.
About two weeks ago a girl who hauls oil for us called me and asked if I could "pick up" a clip for her .22. I said, it's a magazine, but I'll see, what is it?
"A Brno #5" she said.

She inherited it from her dad, and had t seen it in years. A quick look on the EE here didn't turn up a mag, but does anyone know where I could find one? I told her it likely wouldn't be inexpensive if I could find one.

To the OP.
That is a beautiful rifle you have there! They simply do not make them like that anymore. Enjoy it, treat it well and it will punch those tiny groups for many years to come.

 

[yodave]

Any CZ mag new or used will fit the BRNO rifles, they can be had in the EE for a reasonable price.

Hey Bruce if you think that action is smooth you should put that trigger kit in that model 5, remove the creep and drop the pull to a pound or less and then see what the old gurl will really do.

 

[WolfyW]

Nope, not used. People don't want to even want be seen with them. A total burden to the owner. So I'm here to help, strictly out of duty. Send it to me so you don't have to be burdened any longer.