Should I keep my ZKK 602 .375 ?

[Steven C]

A question from a new guy. I have a Brno ZKK 602 in .375 H&H in really good shape. I picked it up a few years ago, as it’s pretty rare to see a bigger caliber here in my area. At the time I’d never even heard of Brno. I’ve shot it some and it shoots good, but have never warmed up to it. Maybe it’s due to the safety being backwards to me, as I have quite a few customs on Remington 700s. Here’s the thing. I’ve always wanted a 416 Remington for some reason. I have looked into sending it to AHR and changing the safety and trigger. But here’s my thinking, which has been know to be crazy at times. I am really only interested in hunting a buffalo in Africa as of right now. I have several .300 mags and a .338 for plains game if needed. I read so much of your thoughts and love for the ZKK. I’m wandering if I should try to trade it to someone here that has always wanted one, or looking for one that would appreciate it more than I do? I looked for a certain Ruger .22 mag for a long time and finally found it and paid a premium, but was more than happy. I would only sell it or trade it here on AH either way. With only wanting to hunt Buffalo I don’t see a problem with taking a .416. Sorry for the long post, but what do you guys think?

 

[Bullthrower338]

How about a picture of it? They are a wonderful rifle but if it just doesn’t trip your trigger don’t keep it because everyone else likes them. Get something you would be comfortable with and would use. You won’t have a problem selling a 602 on here.

 

[njc110381]

I'm of the same opinion really. If you don't like the gun that much you could sell it to someone who would and buy a more suitable rifle for yourself. The 602 is a nice gun, but only nice for you if you think it is!

I chose a .416 over a .375 for my future buffalo hunt. Being brutally honest both with you and myself, I can't shoot it that well yet. Unless you handle heavy recoiling rifles well you may need to invest a fair bit of time (and money on ammunition) learning to shoot it well enough to go on your buff hunt. You will have also seen a common trend on here of folk saying that a larger calibre shot badly is nowhere near as useful as a smaller one shot well. That's very true.

I think you need to do what's right for you. If you want a different rifle in a different calibre then trade what you have. That's what I'd do. But keep in mind that there may be some work involved before heading out on a hunt. I didn't have a problem with that and went into my choice with my eyes wide open, in fact I'm finding the process of improving my technique with a bigger rifle a very enjoyable challenge and I'm already a lot better than I was.

 

[Shootist43]

A couple of Pics would be nice!

 

[CBH Australia]

Yes is the short answer. Keep it.
If you really don’t like it then that’s another thing.
Can you buy the .416 and see which suits after some range time?
Can it be re barrelled economically?

It seems many prefer the Original Brno 602 over the current equivalent CZ550 magnums. Some company history but same basic action design but different stock design and some have a preference for the Brno 602, old vs new, classics, proven, personal reasons whatever .

I have a .37H&H in CZ550, easier to get and priced ok. I sold the same in .458wm to fund it. Maybe I should have kept both but didn’t think id need them both.

I want to shoot Buff. There is a thread for “Show us your .375 Buffalo”

Buy another rifle and enjoy

 

[IvW]

YES

 

[Shootist43]

Steven C, where is your area? Just curious. I have a theory that older guns were made better than what comes off the line today. Especially when we are talking about those brands at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. All too often I see posts where somebody reminisces over a rifle they once had. BRNOs are not exactly common in the States, I looked for several years to find a ZKK - 602. I finally picked one up, that being said I'm sure it wouldn't mind some company should you decide to sell yours.

 

[flat8]

If you need to sell it to buy your .416, then send it on it’s way. If you don’t, find yourself a .416, shoot both, and you may find you like that .375 a lot better!!

 

[Steven C]

Here’s a few poor photos. I will try to get better ones as soon as I can. Busy with rice harvest right now.

 

[Steven C]

Shootist 43 I’m in Northern California. I actually picked this up at Hunnington’s in Oroville. The Fred Hunnington museum in the store is pretty cool. Plus RCBS is next door. The small date stamp on the barrel appears to me to be a 91. It has some small dings in the stock and a couple on the barrel, also no front sight hood. What would something like this be worth ?

 

[Shootist43]

Steven C, I bought my BRNO ZKK-602 off Gunbroker about two months ago. Mine is a little older but doesn't look that much worse for the ware. It was missing the rear sight. I paid $670.00 for it.
I was very happy that I got it for that price. I have been looking for several years off and on to find a good BRNO in 375 H&H. Most of the ones I saw were in the $900.00 range. The timing was always bad. Either I had just purchased another rifle or my taxidermy bill showed up etc.
BRNO(s) as you well know, were never considered to be expensive rifles just good ones.