Recently acquired 1975 BRNO ZKK-602 375 H&H from gun show

[BJH65]

Went to this past gun show in Tulsa specifically to deliver 22 guns to one of the big Gunbroker sellers for consignment and after that mission was accomplished, I went and checked out the gun show. There weren’t a lot of big bore African rifles (which is what I had my eyes peeled for) but a few piqued my interest. A nice Hoffman 375 H&H, but it had some modifications. A brand new looking, appeared unfired Sako AV 416 Rem Mag Mannlicher carbine asking $1400 but would have taken $1250.

Came across a really nice, 1975 BRNO ZKK-602 375 H&H with QD mounts and Leupold 1.5x5 scope asking $2100. Had the factory pop up peep sights too. Hmmm… the Sako AV Mannlicher 416 rem mag was the better deal but the BRNO 375 H&H appealed to me more and I’ve found the sellers are usually willing to negotiate, at least the last several gun shows anyways. I made a note to come back to those two later. Came across a beautiful no salt FN Browning Safari, looked almost new, asking $1400 and seller would taken couple hundred less, but in 338 win mag! If it had been a 375 H&H I’d of taken it home.

After quite a few hours later, after we finished looking over everything, I decided I’d go back to see about the BRNO 375 H&H. Still there, so after some negotiating, I have several extra scopes sitting at home, we agreed on $1600 without the scope and mounts. So I went home the proud owner of a classic 1975 BRNO ZKK-602 375 H&H. This rifles feels a lot more livelier in my hands than my CZ 550 Magnums, much slimmer, smaller stock with less wood. I am not certain if the stock has been modified or if it’s a different stock?

Got home and took it out back for some impromptu shooting just with the irons. While I like the pop up peep sight, I I don’t care for the sight picture with the fixed rear sight combined. If I were shooting just irons and wanted to use the peep sight, I’d probably remove the rear iron sight for a cleaner sight picture. So I just shot half a dozen rounds of some old Federal 260 grain Nosler Partion. At 50 yards, windage was perfect but about 6 inches high. It was kind of refreshing to shoot this 375 after previously shooting my 458 Lott and 416 Rigby, recoil was almost pleasant!

I contacted JJ Perodeau to see about replacing the safety with a M70 type safety, adding a barrel band, and shortening the barrel and reinstall front sights. Damn, JJ has relocated near Tulsa and no longer does bolt action rifle work, just double rifle work. He's the only one I trust in Oklahoma to do this work so for now I’ll just mount a scope and use as is. Anyhow, still on the hunt for a high quality bolt action rifle but will wait and see what I I get from the consigned guns, will take a couple months.

 

[Dewald]

That stock is aftermarket. I would replace it. But you did well on the barreled action.

Also, those fullstock Sakos kick like a mule in .375 and up, and they often have accuracy issues when the barrel warms up. You picked the right one between those two.

 

[BJH65]

That stock is aftermarket. I would replace it. But you did well on the barreled action.

Also, those fullstock Sakos kick like a mule in .375 and up, and they often have accuracy issues when the barrel warms up. You picked the right one between those two.

What would you replace the stock with and why, just curious? It seems to be of good quality but I’m not an expert. Since it’s fairly slim and I like how it handles, I’ll probably keep as is for now.

 

[cajunchefray]

I like the stock with the short slim forearm. Good purchase.

 

[Dewald]

What would you replace the stock with and why, just curious? It seems to be of good quality but I’m not an expert. Since it’s fairly slim and I like how it handles, I’ll probably keep as is for now.

I think it has too much drop at the heel and comb. It will likely be balanced somewhat weight forward as well. It will be OK to shoot with open sights, but not practical with a scope.

If you want to keep it at a budget an original Brno ZKK602 straight stock is perfect. Otherwise a replacement McMillan would work well. Obviously you can also have one made after you get yourself measured.

 

[BJH65]

I think it has too much drop at the heel and comb. It will likely be balanced somewhat weight forward as well. It will be OK to shoot with open sights, but not practical with a scope.

If you want to keep it at a budget an original Brno ZKK602 straight stock is perfect. Otherwise a replacement McMillan would work well. Obviously you can also have one made after you get yourself measured.

Thanks for your assessment. After I get the scope mounted, we’ll try her out in the field. I didn’t realize how much wood my CZ 550 416 Rigby has and now understand why some have the stock slimmed down…this Brno 375 feels like one of my 270, 30-06 or 7mm hunting rifles.

 

[Monski]

Nice rifle, I like the stock on it. Lower combs work for me. I didn't see it before you did but wasn't in the market for it. Congrats! The Sako 416 rem was listed as $1250 when I saw it later on.