BRNO combo's and doubles

yodave

yodave

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I need a couple values on some hard to pin point items...

first is a BRNO 575-2 double rifle in 375 H&H with the factory issued 4 power Zeiss scope and scope mount, condition is near new

second is a BRNO ZH 304 7x57R over 12 gauge with scope and mount , Not sure of scope at this time, condition is fair to okay

they are from an estate of sorts and if the price is right could be mine............:dancingbanana::dancingbanana:

we just don't know what the 575-2 fetches, I figure the 304 with scope mount seams to bring about $495 in the condition it's in based on what I paid for one in 22 savage high power from tradex a year ago
 
You are underestimating the value of the second rifle. The tradex ones were a very good deal and the newer ones in 30-06 retail for over 2k.
 
conor_90 said:
You are underestimating the value of the second rifle. The tradex ones were a very good deal and the newer ones in 30-06 retail for over 2k.
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your comparing the new made in USA rifles to the old box lock/sliding actions of the Czech era, I have a chunky clunky 304 here in 22 savage high power, they are one of the same, just different chamberings
 
Well ... here's what I know (and a little I dont) ... a BRNO Super Express O/U was promoted by BRNO as having been awarded the 'Gold Medal at the VIIth International Fair in 1976. The rifle has genuine side 'locks' with the locks mounted on the inside of the plates as opposed to side 'plates' which are primarily decorative (ie for engraving purposes rather than operational purposes) they appear to be identical to those on the ZP 47/49 shotguns which are also easily detachable to permit proper and thorough cleaning. According to my old brochures and technical specs .. the Super also has 'double adjustable set hair-triggers' . The barrels are advertised as cold forged from a 'special Poldi electro-steel' BOTH barrels have been formed with their own locking system so they do not rely on the soldering of side ribs for strength .. (imo they are the strongest action of their type manufactured) ... as you know they have integral dovetails for scope mounting and this system is excellent. BTW ... the sidelocks employ 'helical' springs and are very durable. Other calibre barrels and combo barrels could be special ordered.

The last time I saw a 375 H&H BRNO Super Express was around 1986 at the Pragotrade offices and warehouse on Humberline Dr, Rexdale (Toronto) ... this was when they were disposing of firearms prior to shutting down their importation business ... I bought several ZKK rifles (NIB) including a fantastically stocked .308W (really pretty walnut) at their cost... they had one 'Super' in stock and it was spectacular! IIRC I could have purchased it then and there for around $3750 cash (and taxes) ... which I believe was well below their cost. I know the man who did buy it and I dont know if he paid more or less .... I believe I was offered a low price because of the package of other rifles I had purchased.

Personally I believe they are the best O/U rifles made for someone who intends to use the rifle for hunting. And say that having seen and examined a number of 'ye olde bespoke' Brit doubles while stuck in the UK at various times.

If the rifle you are looking at has been well maintained - I would think anything around $6-8k would be a very good price - if you are into doubles. They are probably 'worth' much, much more - but it is a very limited market.
 
Went and dug out my Brno literature and found 1986 Progotrade pamphlet for BRNO Super Express, barrels are dovetail joined at chambers and barrels soldered there length with a rib.
Kersten-type breach cross bolt
Coil spring sidekicks mounted on the inside of side plates.
Selective automatic ejectors.
Etched side plates.
Integral dovetail for scopemounts, and factory aligned front sight and folding rear sight.
Dense European walnut stock with hand cut checkering.
Rubber recoil pad.
The BRNO Super Express are equipped double adj. Set triggers.
BRNO Super Express 375 H& H O/U barrels are 600mm/23-1/2".
Overall length 1020mm/40".
Selective Ejectors.
Factory offers 6 grades of elaborate hand engraving.

If this sight was smart I could post pictures of pamphlet from phone, SORRY!
.
Last time I saw one come up for sale was a few years ago here in 458WM, $3500 with minimal engraving, and that was a giveaway price!
Hope this helps
Dale Z
 
How much engraving is there on the sideplates of the .375?
There are classes for the levels from the factory - from none to pressed to very nicely done chiselled engraving.
The .375 are not common, but they may not have the following of say, a nice AR with a bunch of tactical add ons.
Also, the .375HH is non-rimmed which purists look down on which lessens your market a bit more.
They are wonderful solid guns that work and work well. Heavier than some but accurate and tough. I have used a 9.3x74 Super for years.
$3-4000 is a good price for you depending on the engraving.
The 304 is likely closer to $1000 now. The hunting calibers tend to be more desirable than the .22 combo guns. I assume it is 7x57Rimmed?
Both are nice usable rifles. Number of buyers is the factor here.
 
Just found an 1976 dated Pragotrade BRUNO catalouge and found out Super Express was also offered in 9.3x74R and 7x65R, also says locks sidelocks are "Holland and Holland type lock".
Overall rifle weight is 3.8kg/8lbs6oz.
Barrels weight 2.1kg/4lbs10oz
 
In line with the 2nd gun, a ;) few years back, after seeing one my brother in law had and how handy it was, I acquired one. Mine is a ZH 304, 7x57R/12ga. with an additional set of 12ga skeet barrels. For what I wanted it for, it's ideal. It's :) used primarily for walks on windy rainy days in some of the local river bottom area skid roads when one is likely to run into either Ruffs or Blacktail. When I first started reloading for it, I used fire formed brass from 303Br cases. They turn out a little short in case length but they work. Since, I've acquired an 'adequate' supply of RWS and Norma unprimed brass.

 
Johnn Peterson said:
In line with the 2nd gun, a ;) few years back, after seeing one my brother in law had and how handy it was, I acquired one. Mine is a ZH 304, 7x57R/12ga. with an additional set of 12ga skeet barrels. For what I wanted it for, it's ideal. It's :) used primarily for walks on windy rainy days in some of the local river bottom area skid roads when one is likely to run into either Ruffs or Blacktail. When I first started reloading for it, I used fire formed brass from 303Br cases. They turn out a little short in case length but they work. Since, I've acquired an 'adequate' supply of RWS and Norma unprimed brass.

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I get the impression it would be easier for you to list what you don't have, rather than what you do.

Cheers.
 
MiG25 said:
I get the impression it would be easier for you to list what you don't have, rather than what you do.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

:) I wish, but, no, not really. There are a number of gentlemen on site that fit more into that category than I do, like Douglas for example. Generally speak what I have is an 'assortment' of shooters and hunters. The closest thing I have to a 'collection' is my three Schultz & Larsens. They are chambered in the three cartridges shown on the cover of an old Norma reloading manual;
- 7x61 S&H
- 308 NM
- 358 NM
These three were apparently the joint effort between Norma and Schultz & Larsen. and as, the Schultz & Larsen is my favorite bolt action rifle ;) ......... All I have in the safe get use.



There is one exception, Safe Queen if you will. An Elmer Keith commemorative, 44 Mag of course :d . That I have to remember the influence he had on many of my shooting interests. And, in the mid 70's, I was fortunate to spend a day visiting with him at his home in Salmon Idaho. My avatar is a photo I took as I was preparing to head home. A memorable day. I did see him once more at a gun show the following year in Kalispel Montana.



 
Johnn Peterson said:
:) I wish, but, no, not really. There are a number of gentlemen on site that fit more into that category than I do, like Douglas for example. Generally speak what I have is an 'assortment' of shooters and hunters. The closest thing I have to a 'collection' is my three Schultz & Larsens. They are chambered in the three cartridges shown on the cover of an old Norma reloading manual;
- 7x61 S&H
- 308 NM
- 358 NM
These three were apparently the joint effort between Norma and Schultz & Larsen. and as, the Schultz & Larsen is my favorite bolt action rifle ;) ......... All I have in the safe get use.



There is one exception, Safe Queen if you will. An Elmer Keith commemorative, 44 Mag of course :d . That I have to remember the influence he had on many of my shooting interests. And, in the mid 70's, I was fortunate to spend a day visiting with him at his home in Salmon Idaho. My avatar is a photo I took as I was preparing to head home. A memorable day. I did see him once more at a gun show the following year in Kalispel Montana.



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Very nice. Those are beauties.

I went to the Kalispel gunshow one year back in the 80's, I still remember my dad asking a vendor what he had to do to buy a handgun, I don't remember what it was but I remember his response "give me $200 and go away".
 
As there seems to be some BRNO knowledge here, I have a ZH203 o/u 12 gauge. Does anybody know if it could be made into a combo gun if I can get a barrel set?
 
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farshot said:
How much engraving is there on the sideplates of the .375?
There are classes for the levels from the factory - from none to pressed to very nicely done chiselled engraving.
The .375 are not common, but they may not have the following of say, a nice AR with a bunch of tactical add ons.
Also, the .375HH is non-rimmed which purists look down on which lessens your market a bit more.
They are wonderful solid guns that work and work well. Heavier than some but accurate and tough. I have used a 9.3x74 Super for years.
$3-4000 is a good price for you depending on the engraving.
The 304 is likely closer to $1000 now. The hunting calibers tend to be more desirable than the .22 combo guns. I assume it is 7x57Rimmed?
Both are nice usable rifles. Number of buyers is the factor here.
Click to expand...

of course the 375H&H has a rim ... a big fat one.....so big in fact it's called a 'belt'. It even head spaces on it. :) ... I guess I can understand why some might prefer a calibre starting with the number 4 ... but I cant believe that any hunter that knew what a 375H&H could do would look down on it.
 
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