Brno ZKW-465

[Fredrik]

I've been thinking that come january, I might just need a new rifle in .22 hornet to knock down some capercaillies from the treetops.
And it so happens that in two weeks time there's a firearms auction here with a nifty looking Brno ZKW-465 up for sale.
The idea is to put my Nikon Titanium 5,5-16,5x44mmAO on top of it, perhaps a bigger lens would be better, but I've already got this one.

So, if there's someone here who's got any experience with this rifle and would like to share, I would be much obliged.

Btw, here are some hunting vids to show what it's like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0EmCd1kkAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9Sh1QHbblo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjUFmLmoX18 (black grouse)

[SeekHer]

Standard Czech bolt with dbl. triggers--excellent rifles and the caliber is one of the classics of hunting and BR shooting...It is a great combination and you will have no problems, as long as you do your part, in taking the giant grouse...

I imagine this will be in Sweden...The only experience I've had with them, other then reading, is friends had hunted them in Germany/Austria/Bavaria region and in Hungry but they all used drillings usually 2x16 over 5.6x50mmR or something like that, (bigger then the Hornet) up to 6mm.…What is the 22 Hornet in Euro rating, 5.4x50?

I can't remember if the Swedish or Austro/Hungry region is thicker forest but everyone says the bigger the front optic the better to gather what light makes it onto the floor through the canopy...

How much does a rig like that go for in Sweden, if I may inquire?

[Whirlibird]

Buy it you will not be disappointed.

If you reload, try small pistol primers and 'Lil Gun powder if you find true accuracy eluding you.

[Denis]

Well, if it's of anything like the same quality as my Brno model 2 rifles in .22lr (I have two), it'll be great. Enjoy!

[Fredrik]

Well, I haven't bought it yet... it is an auction so you never know what the final price might be. It's valued to SEK2000-3000 which is about $280-420.
Usually the modern Beretta O/U shotguns are very expensive at the auctions, while some *really* nice older guns go for almost nothing.
For example, I got my AYA sidelock sbs for only $360 when it was valued to $975-1115 (gratutious pic)

Still, I'm wondering if I should go with another cartridge.
As an alternative I've been looking at a Ruger no1 in .243 win, but we're talking twice the money for the rifle now and when you're on skis through the woods, light is right.
But on the other hand, I've always wanted a single shot rifle and a .243win would be neat for stalking deer.
Oh decisions, decisions

.22 Hornet is 5,6x35R mm.

[Denis]

For example, I got my AYA sidelock sbs for only $360 when it was valued to $975-1115 (gratutious pic)

That SxS is lovely - well wear! As to the hornet / .243 question, I think you'd probably get more all-round use out of the .243 cartridge, but I'd prefer to have it in a repeater for deer, where you might need a quick follow-up shot. Or just get both...

[Aglifter]

I love Ruger #1s -- I don't really see needing a bolt action for deer hunting -- I could see the benefit of a semi-auto or a double, but I don't see how anyone could recover fast enough. (That, and I have seen some practiced men reload a #1 very fast.)

I would suggest something just a bit stronger than a 243 for deer, however. Maybe a 6.5x55 given where you live?

[Fredrik]

We hunt roe deer in Sweden (they weigh about 30-60lbs), so .243win should be sufficient