Brno # 3 Range report

[Diver]

I recently purchased a BRNO #3 from Sandyamac and I had the opportunity to try it out this morning. I am very pleased with it. I temporarily installed a simmons 4-12x AO on it. I will be getting some Olympic Peep Sights for it shortly. I cant wait to try them out. I tried three types of ammo with it.

The first was Winchester target T22. It absolutely hates this amo. I was getting 1.5" 5 shot groups with it.

Next I tried Lapua Club amo. I shot 6 5 shot groups. It consistenlty shoot 3/4" groups with the Lapua Club.

The last ammo I tried is Federal match amo. Sandymac gave me a few rounds to try out with the rifle. It shot 1/2" groups with this amo which is about as good as I can shoot.

I will be trying many different types of ammo in the BRNO in hopes of finding an inexpensive type that will consistently shoot 1/2" groups or better.

I fired a few groups ofhand. It balances very nicely. It is alot easier to shoot than the MU12 that I was previously using. Mainly because it is about 6 Lb lighter (not as barrel heavy) and also because it has a 5 shot magazine instead of being a single shot. Once I find a comfortable sling position, I dont lose it when reloading as I did with the single shot MU12. I will however have to get used to the heavier trigger.

 

[cz452shooter]

Nice shooting there

And nice gun as well.

 

[TheFrenchCanadian]

Good for you! You're gonna love it...

I bought a model 4 last winter and it's my favorite. Heck, even my wife, who's not much of a shooter, likes to go shooting with it! The action rivals even centerfire rifles for smoothness and tightness of fit, it just screams quality.

I've been collecting all sorts of ammo wheneve I come across it and one of these days I'm gonna go out and do a test on all of them to see which one it likes best... need to get a really good bench rest first though.

You'll get a big kick out of the peep sights, since learning how to shoot with them, I don't need a scope to have fun! The original Brno peeps are just fabulous - make a point of trying to get those instead of something aftermarket.

BTW, the trigger is adjustable to pretty much any weight you want...

TFC

 

[dudu]

Nice rifle and impressive shooting ! No surprise there with Lapua. Just wondering what was the distance?

 

[Diver]

Nice rifle and impressive shooting ! No surprise there with Lapua. Just wondering what was the distance?

Everything was shot at 50 Meters.

 

[ian_in_vic]

Try Federal bulk pack (I'm not kidding) it shoots like you wouldn't believe in my Model 4

 

[Diver]

Try Federal bulk pack (I'm not kidding) it shoots like you wouldn't believe in my Model 4

I have a Federal bulk pack at home and I will try it out this weekend weather permiting. I will post the results when I get them.

Thanks,

 

[10x]

I have a Federal bulk pack at home and I will try it out this weekend weather permiting. I will post the results when I get them.

Thanks,

I must have gotten a bad batch of Federal bulk pack then.
It gives the largest groups of all ammo I have used in a number of .22 rimfires including a BRNO #3 and #4. I've found T22 and Eley to be the most consistant, with Win Wildcat (cheap stuff) coming very close to the T22.
I have a brick of Lapua that will be tested when the weather warms.

 

[Bull's-Eye]

Very Nice Shooting. Thats a very nice rifle as well. It's hard to believe someon would part with something that shoots so well.

 

[super7]

Federal Bulk pack shot poorly in my #3. The best I found was Laupa Master M.

 

[10x]

Federal Bulk pack shot poorly in my #3. The best I found was Laupa Master M.

You must have the same batch of Federal Bulk pack that I have. It doesn't shoot nearly as well as T22 or Federal Champion, or even Winchester Wildcat in any .22 I've tried it in. I will chronograph 200 rounds with several .22s and see if the flyers have a diferent velocity than the rest.

Eley Tenex is the all round most accurate (and most expensive) .22 rimfire ammo I have found yet.

It is the consistancy in the amount of priming compound in the rimfire case that is most critical to accuracy. The method of metering this compound and the composition of this compound is far more important than any other facter.
The second factor is consistency in rim thickness. If the rim thickeness is the same, the firing pin strike is the same internally. This changes the ignition of the priming compound.
Anther factor is the hardness of the brass at the rim, this also changes the ignition of the priming compound.
If you have a .22 with excess headspace, that will open up groups, along with a .22 that has a light firing pin strike. I have curred accuracy problems in a brno #3 by reducing the headspace with a shim, and I have also curred accuracy problems and misfires by replacing a firing pin spring in a ruger 10/22.

 

[Diver]

Try Federal bulk pack (I'm not kidding) it shoots like you wouldn't believe in my Model 4

I went to the 50 Meter range again today and tried out the Brno# 3. Conditions were excellent. Wind was 1-4 Mph from 1-2 O'clock. I used a different type or target this time, this one had a smaller point of aim. I believe this helped reduce my group sizes. Before changing amo types, I fired 10 fouler shots of the new type of amunition through the rifle. I am unsure if this was necessary but I did it anyway.

Federal Champion bulk pack 1.16" average group size

Winchester Expert bulk pack 1.23" average group size.

Lapua Super Club average group size 0.55" including a group of 0.195"

As you can see, I got the same results as a few other members with the federal bulk pack, not very spectacular. I was quite pleased with the results of the Lapua Super Club. This will be more than adequate for playing around and informal competition.

 

[Eagleye]

An accurate 22 rimfire is always a lot of fun to play with. I have enjoyed hours of shooting with a few real tackdrivers, and other hours of plinking fun with some rimfires that were just a bit less in the accuracy department. My 541S and 541T Sporter both will average under ½" at 50 meters with the right ammo, and some of the groups are truly scary! my CZ 452 is relatively new, so am still working on it. The trigger has to go, though. It's rough and creepy compared to the Remingtons, which both sport Timneys. My Finnfire is also too new to me to make a judgment on, but initial trials are promising. I have 2-581 Remingtons, which are quite accurate also, but not quite in the league of the 541's or the Finnfire. I would put them on similar ground to the CZ 452. I have a Mossberg 44US that will surprise a few challengers as well. Most of the rest of my collection are ¾"+ @ 50M rifles, but still shoot respectable groups with ammo they like. My favorite "plinking" ammos are CCI Blazer or Winchester Dynapoint, but Federal Bulk pack and T22 are also OK for just smacking tin cans aor empty 12 ga hulls. 22 Rimfires are inexpensive to feed (usually)and a lot of fun. Below is a sample of 541T targets. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[TOU]

Thats a very nice rifle as well. It's hard to believe someone would part with something that shoots so well.

Especially this one. There are Brno #3's (ZKM-455; manufactured 1949 – 1956)....and then there are the early ones like this one. They are very uncommon and especially as well preserved as this one. Many if not most were intended for the military use so most only came with beach stocks...and hence no checkering. They very rarely ever came with checkering and the Turkish walnut that this one has. I know...I only recently acquired one after watching for years. Mine has so many proof stamps and weird identification stamps that we feel it may have been used for some sort of evaluation testing and came by way of England...see proofs below. I'm curious, what kind of proof marks does yours have?

I call this a #3 "LUX" even though no such thing technically existed as it has the features of what I think LUX's have I am betting that yours is on of the very early ones produced. Actually, I would say the first year of production, probably 1949...early 1950 at the latest. The trigger is two stage adjustable Mauser type identical to the Model #1. I see that this one has the "exposed" crown (ie "belly-button", "nipple", "reverse" type crown) as opposed to the later recessed crown.

Brno did this only for a very short time...for obvious reasons. The actually came with a cup to cover it and protect it originally. Take special care to protect it as it's exposure leaves it prone to easier damage and hence why so few survived such fabulous condition....By the way congrats.

 

[Diver]

Mine has so many proof stamps and weird identification stamps that we feel it may have been used for some sort of evaluation testing and came by way of England...see proofs below. I'm curious, what kind of proof marks does yours have?

I must be lucky, my Brno#3 doesn't have proof marks on it.

I am betting that yours is on of the very early ones produced. Actually, I would say the first year of production, probably 1949...early 1950 at the latest. The trigger is two stage adjustable Mauser type identical to the Model #1. I see that this one has the "exposed" crown (ie "belly-button", "nipple", "reverse" type crown) as opposed to the later recessed crown.

You are corect, my Brono#3 was manufactured in 1949. The trigger is adjustable. It has serial # 07XX wich suggests an early production. It has the same reversed crown on it as yours. This is about the only thing I don't like about my rifle but it is a quite unique feature. I am very pleased with my rifle, it's a keeper.

I would love to put my hands on a #3S with the double set trigger. They were manufactured in 1955-1956. I was told that they are quite rare. I am keeping my eyes open. It would be a nice addition to my 22 collection.

Below is a sample of 541T targets. Regards, Eagleye.

Eagleye, That is very impressive shooting. Hopefully with lots of practice I'll be able to shoot a few groups like those. My next challenge will be figuring out the effects of wind on my shots. It is quite different than what I am used to with centerfire.

 

[TOU]

I must be lucky, my Brno#3 doesn't have proof marks on it.

Actually, this can be good either way. Since so few seemed to survive ( especially in good shape), take one like this any way you can get it...proof marks or not.

You are correct, my Brono#3 was manufactured in 1949.

I figured as much, but even though I suspect there may have been a few in 1950, I have not been able to confirm this and I haven't seen one like this with a serial # above 1000.

The trigger is adjustable.

Same as a standard #1 & #3.

It has serial # 07XX which suggests an early production.

Confirms above.

It has the same reversed crown on it as yours. This is about the only thing I don't like about my rifle but it is a quite unique feature. I am very pleased with my rifle, it's a keeper.

I know, the crown is odd isn't it. However that is one of the things that makes it so collectable....protect this crown at all cost and don't ever re-crown it.

I would love to put my hands on a #3S with the double set trigger. They were manufactured in 1955-1956.I was told that they are quite rare.

Correct...and correct to say the least. My understanding is that there were only 100 pieces total made and I understood that they may have only been made in 1955. They were only rumored to have ever existed and for more than 50 years were also rumored to have been destroyed due to political intrigue. However, recently they resurfaced my understanding is that only 60 pieces survived...I have one.

I am keeping my eyes open. It would be a nice addition to my 22 collection.

I hope I am wrong, but I also understood all 60 pieces made it to the States only.

Cheers,

 

[Diver]

I would love to put my hands on a #3S with the double set trigger. They were manufactured in 1955-1956. I was told that they are quite rare. I am keeping my eyes open. It would be a nice addition to my 22 collection.

Correct...and correct to say the least. My understanding is that there were only 100 pieces total made and I understood that they may have only been made in 1955. They were only rumored to have ever existed and for more than 50 years were also rumored to have been destroyed due to political intrigue. However, recently they resurfaced my understanding is that only 60 pieces survived...I have one.


I hope I am wrong, but I also understood all 60 pieces made it to the States only.

Cheers,

You lucky bugger, how did you put you hands on this thing? How does it shoot? How do you find the trigger compared to the standard #3 trigger. Is it marked as a #3S or just as a #3.

I know where there are 2 (like new) for sale in the US but it would cost me well over $1000 Cdn to bring one to me with the echange, import charges, taxes & freight. It's just way too much money for my means at the moment.

 

[TOU]

You lucky bugger, how did you put you hands on this thing?

Just bought it out right. I'm currently living in Vancouver, Washington...I'm a dual citizen.

How does it shoot? How do you find the trigger compared to the standard #3 trigger. Is it marked as a #3S or just as a #3.

Don't know on any of the above...what I should have said is that I have one on it's way as we speak and should be here any day now. I will follow up on the details when it arrives.

I know where there are 2 (like new) for sale in the US but it would cost me well over $1000 Cdn to bring one to me with the exchange, import charges, taxes & freight. It's just way too much money for my means at the moment.

That is about right....I will be into it just short of $750 US. It's a rarity and a piece of history. When I have more time, I will write some more info on them...got to catch a flight.

Cheers,

 

[Rigmover]

Hi very nice shooting i have one mine is a 56 with peep sights would love to mount a scope on it were can i find a good set of scope rings to mount on it any suggestions on the type of rings to buy they are great shooters i paid 200.00 for mine off a friend that had 5 of them that was 15 years ago .This is a .22 that i would'nt think of getting rid of to much fun to shoot a real tack driver.

 

[10x]

Hi very nice shooting i have one mine is a 56 with peep sights would love to mount a scope on it were can i find a good set of scope rings to mount on it any suggestions on the type of rings to buy they are great shooters i paid 200.00 for mine off a friend that had 5 of them that was 15 years ago .This is a .22 that i would'nt think of getting rid of to much fun to shoot a real tack driver.

B Square makes Lynx rings that will fit the baces. I believe they are 11mm baces.
There are also Australian rings that will fit.


http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=lynx+scope+rings&meta=