Brno ZG47 - 30:06

M

Matrix

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Hey CGN'ers,
I'm hoping to draw on the experience and expertise of some of the CGN history experts. Due to the passing of a family member, I have acquired a very interesting piece, Brno ZG47 in 30:06. I have no background with European firearms other than Anschutz and so am reaching out to this community.
I have done a little digging on the internet. It seems the consensus is that it represents one of the best Mauser 98 actions ever built. That it was probably first built in 1947 and named ZG47 due to the initial production date.
The serial number is a 5 digits and this one is in the 02500 range. I have posted a picture that shows a strange stamp on the receiver with the number 56. Does anyone know if this is an indicator that it was built in 1956.
It has a Lyman All-American 2 1/2 scope and mounted in Weaver Pivot Mount rings.
The bore looks very good, the receiver is beautiful and the stock looks to be in very good condition.
All of the above lead me to believe it has been in Canada since the 60's or 70's.
So, my question is, is this a keeper or is there a market in Canada that values this type of firearm.
Thanks in advance for any direction you can offer.

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Thanks for the quick responses.
The consensus seems to be towards keeping it.
It certainly is very attractive but it does give you a fair wack in the shoulder due to it's light weight.
 
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No ................it's a 30-06 ..........I had one and it didn't kick any different than any other 30-06.........Harold
 
It's a real shame it's been drilled and tapped for Weaver bases. That's going to affect the value to a lot of potential buyers.

These are a fine rifle though and are definitely one of the better M98's out there. I have owned a few and have a 8x64 Brenneke that I will never sell.
 
As per many of the above, the 56 is for 1956. Value will be knocked down some for most buyers due to drill and tap for the unnecessary and ugly Weaver style bases. 30-06 is the most common chambering and that drops value to as well. I would venture you can expect to get about $800 for it.

Otherwise, I've played with a bunch of Mauser 98 pattern rifles and these are the best factory produced ones.
I can't see from your pictures, but a recoil pad would help with the felt recoil. Also, the stock is really meant to be used with the open sights, it's too much drop for most scopes and this affects cheek weld making the bump to the face more painful.
 
Interestingly I have my '56 dated ZG47 30-06 infront of me right now. Although I believe that mine spent most of its life in Sweden. It's a quality firearm that was hard to find and I will definately be keeping mine. I will restock it with a higher comb for use with a scope but that's the only change I plan to make. Ive had Mausers, Steyrs, Heyms, and other high end European rifles as well as a few expensive customs and more typical bolt actions like Winchesters and Husqvarnas and I have to say that Brno got it right with the ZG47. Use it and enjoy it.
 
I tried one of that exact cheek piece on my ZG47 and it didn't work well. It interferes with the bolt travel due to the leather sticking out ahead of the comb. It prevents you from cycling the bolt and makes it unusable.

I plan to use a Bansner High Tech (Legendary Arms Works) stock, high quality but needs lots of finish work. It will be a few hundred $ less than a McMillan and will give me a fun project to do.
 
The BRNO and the early JC Higgins are to me the two nicest M98 actions I have ever played with. I would keep it if I was you, in original form as well.
 
Thanks again for all the comments.
I did a little more digging and found that Brno was originally introduced into Canada through Ellwood Epps. A "Brno 222 Rem" was listed in their 1969 catalogue but apparently no details were listed as to model.
This is the thing I find interesting about the Brno's. There doesn't appear to be good records as to how these early models got into Canada.
I would assume that people who immigrated to Canada from European countries must have brought them. But that is just an assumption.
If anyone has any specific information, I would greatly appreciate the comments.
 
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