OK M98 experts, which is better? Husqvarna or BRNO?

Which is better overall

  • Husqvarna 1600

    Votes: 14 23.7%

  • BRNO 21H

    Votes: 45 76.3%
  • Total voters
    59
rci2950

rci2950

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My friend is looking at buying a 30-06 for deer hunting. He is stuck on either the Husqvarna 1600 or a Brno 21H. I know the BRNO is more expensive but is that because it is actually better or is it simply because it is somewhat rare and collectable.

What does the experts say?
 
1600 is a fine gun for the price, but it's one weak point is the ejector, trigger pull is pretty mediocre as well.
They probably both will shoot similar, but these are the 2 main differences in the design.
 
A Husqvarna 1600 is NOT a mauser 98. Husqvarna never made 98 mauser actions - they bought actions from FN in Belgium, at least for the Model 649 that I have. They made many military and commercial 1894/1896 pattern actions, which then "evolved" to their 1600 series - not military, the receiver ring about the size of the small ring mausers, and just as "strong" as the various milsurp Model 98's, so far as I am concerned. I have a 4100 in 7x57, which is the 1600 series action - it is a fine little rifle.
 
Both are excellent rifles! The Brno will probably be slightly heavier, the Husky renowned for being a lightweight long before lightweight became fashionable. I wouldn't get too hung up on any perceived problems such as the ejector or trigger. There are literally thousands of them out there, getting used........a lot! and I have never heard of any ejector problems over here in NZ. As for the trigger, they are easily tuned, to a very crisp 3lb. If you're not in to a bit of cleaning and some careful work with an oilstone, then give it to any decent gunsmith to tidy any possible trigger issues. From experience, the Huskies will shoot, haven't found one that wouldn't, and I've got a few. Either rifle in 30.06 is an heirloom workhorse type rifle, the sort of rifle you never sell, just pass it down to your kids.
 
My go to hunting rifle is a Dahlberg 1600 HVA in 6.5x55, it's a dandy handy little rifle, but like I said the one piece ejector/bolt stop is a weak link in the design. For a sub $500 rifle they are a steal of a deal if you like lightweight, accuracy, metal and wood, but I can't deny the BRNO is a better design as much as I like the HVA offerings. OP is asking if the BRNO deserves its higher price tag, and I have to say yes is does, based on the design and build quality it's a better rifle no doubt. They are really nice rifles. Comparing these rifles from the same Era, BRNO was improving their quality, while HVA was looking for cost savings. As for wood there are some nice HVA stocks out there but you have to search, there are more outstanding BRNO stocks, and more often then not you will find really nice wood on these.
You can read about some real life problems with the bolt stop/ejector here
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...ks-wrong-about-Husqvarna-action?highlight=Hva
The 1600 is mostly based on a small ring 98 design, solid left lug with a different bolt stop/ejector cut underneath. It's a small ring 98 foot print if you are ever looking for a stock, 98 triggers, bolt shrouds, cocking pieces all fit these rifles as well, probably some other parts I haven't tried too. I prefer the first model steel trigger guard to the later model painted aluminum castings, they are just nicer. The steel ones are also 98 inlet from memory.
They are a smooth Mauser action, they are strong and made from good Swede steel. The triggers are hunting triggers, even if you can get a Smith to stone it down lighter, there is still an inch of over travel due to converting the 2 stage 98 design to single stage. Barrels are accurate and never had an issue with getting one to shoot.
 
I have never had , but would like to, get a BRNO very much . But have several Husqvarna,s , my first is 1958/59 Crown Grade model 3000 , in .270 Win. and It is a tack driver , I Really like it a lot , and Yes it is a Keeper for sure !! Also have a Husqvarna model "649" in 9.3 X 62mm., as well as older, 1942 Husqvarna in 9,3 X 57mm. I have Always liked Husqvarna,s .
 
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I've got 8 still I think, this one is probably the neatest, from the 1920's, single shot 30/30.
The early FN actions were also very nice.
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The Brno has:

Square bridges vs round bridge

98 style C-ring breech vs Mauser 93 breech

98 style extractor vs Mauser 93 extractor

98 style bolt stop and ejector vs the one piece husqvarna combined piece

The Brno in factory form will not allow as low a scope as the 1600 because of the bolt handle.

Both have excellent barrels and are typically very accurate.
 
I have a Husqvarna chambered in 8x57JS. It is a handy, attractive and accurate package.

I had a BRNO in my hands a couple of days ago...very nice rifle also, but noticeably heavier
than the Husky. Felt a little "clubby" to me, but it was shooting some fine groups, so it
would be a matter of personal preference, IMHO. Dave.
 
Too bad he is stuck on these two choices. They are both fine rifles but there are many today with better features.
 
I have a 21H in 7x57 and it is so boringly accurate I don't bother wasting components target shooting ,just a a couple rounds prior to hunting season.A 3 shot one holer with either 140gr or 160gr handloads.Very surgical that really deserves better glass.Leupold with rangefinding cut dials perhaps?
 
Those Husky single shots were made in quantity in 32-20 often re-bored to .32 Special or bigger. Weak point with no parts available is the extractor which is prone to breaking.They balance real nice.
 
rci2950 said:
My friend is looking at buying a 30-06 for deer hunting. He is stuck on either the Husqvarna 1600 or a Brno 21H. I know the BRNO is more expensive but is that because it is actually better or is it simply because it is somewhat rare and collectable.

What does the experts say?
Click to expand...

I am far from an expert but I have not seen a Brno 21H in 30-06. Maybe I just haven't looked hard enough. The 21H Brno's I have seen are mostly 7x57, 8x57 and 7x64 and a more rare bird in 6.5x57.
I occasionally see Brno ZG47 in 30-06 on the Tradex site and in the EE here on CGN.

You won't go wrong with either a ZG47 Brno or a Husqvarna Commercial FN.
Other options are the 30-06 made by FN, the Browning Safari which used FN actions or the JC Higgins rifles sold by Sears, also used FN actions. They do pop up on the EE occasionally.
 
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