BRNO Effect

[ACP]

I've got a few things in for trade at my LGS and have the opportunity to pick up a BRNO Effect FS (full stock) in .308 Winchester for no money (I'll actually get the gun and about $100 cash).

If you don't know, the Effect is a break-action single shot, Bavarian/full stock, with iron sights and a dovetail for a BRNO scope mount. It weights 6 lbs. and is 41 inches long. it is no longer made.

I'm looking for something "different" and am mostly interested in either a single shot rifle like a Ruger No. 1 or a Winchester 1885 High Wall, or a bolt-action Mannlicher-type rifle like a Ruger or a CZ.

The Rugers and High Walls I can get for about $1,000 -- the Mannlichers for several hundred less.

If I get the BRNO it will cost me about $200-$300 to add a mount and scope.

 

[browningguy]

The BRNO stalking rifle has a very good reputation, I wouldn't hesitate to get one if it came my way.

 

[ACP]

Thanks. It is very trim and lightweight.

FYI, for less than the price of the BRNO I can pick up at the same shop a used Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08, a used Remington 700 ADL in 30-06 (wood stock with iron sights), and probably a used Ruger Blackhawk single action in .357.

But none of those would satisfy my desire for a single shot! They have several used Ruger No. 1's there, but none in any caliber I am interested in. They have a used Ruger No. 3 in 45-70, but I have read mixed reviews about that rifle.

 

[RPRNY]

The BRNO Effect is a jolly nice rifle and quite likely worth whatever you are contemplating.

However, if you are after a single shot more for the shooting than the cosmetic beauty, I suggest looking for an H&R Handi rifle in the caliber you desire. Most mainstream calibers can be had used for under $250. You mention 45-70. The Buffalo Classic in 45-70 is the best looking Handi out there and available new for $350. The uninformed look down on the break action single shot but they can be quite accurate out to 300 yards. Break actions work best with rimmed cartridges. The 30-30 has been a classic, noted for accuracy, 45-70 is another and the 35 Maxi much beloved. A 30-30 reamed to 30-40 AI will get you 180 gr at 2800 fps. My favorite 45 Colt / 454 Casull is a joy.

Worth a thought.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I am very partial to FS rifles so I say go for it. That forend scallop it has just sings to me.

 

[stubbicatt]

Yes, a beautiful rifle. I too have desired one for quite awhile.

I owned a Brno break action in 222 some while ago, and it, like the TCR 83 I once owned, were neat rifles, but the break action becomes onerous for the only use I had for them at the time, which was to shoot at a static range. So they went downriver.

Still, a beautiful rifle.

 

[ACP]

Stubbicat,

were you mostly shooting from the bench? I could see where a break-action would become a pain in that respect.

Also, what did you make of the Bavarian stock? I've heard they are better with irons, not as good with a scope, though it depends on the user...

 

[stubbicatt]

ACP. I like the drop comb stock, some don't. I have had several rifles with this stock and prefer it to a standard, straight comb, American style stock.

Yes, I was shooting off of bench rests, and as you might imagine, the rifle lost its lustre after a day or so of that struggle. I remember the benches were made of cinderblocks with a poured concrete top, and some worn out astroturf atop that. The first time I opened the action and the underside of the barrel was marred by the edge of the concrete table, I didn't know whether to cry or throw up. So I belched and sniffled. (LOL).

The other thing I found somewhat offputting was the less than stellar accuracy I was able to get. These were the early days of my handloading career, and I might have done something differently today. Nonetheless, I couldn't find a load I thought performed as it should have.

I still like the looks though.

If this style of rifle is to your liking, find you an original civilian Mannlicher Schoenaur. What a rifle.

 

[ACP]

Interesting comment about the accuracy. I was told by a shop employee -- someone I trust completely -- that the Brno Effect is supposed to be a very accurate rifle. I bought a used CZ 22LR from the same store and it is probably the most accurate rifle I have ever shot.

Seeing as how I already have a .308 bolt gun (albeit a Remington 700P) maybe I will pass on this after all...

 

[stubbicatt]

ACP, I have not shot the Brno Effect so I cannot comment on accuracy. It might be stellar. The Brno 222 I had was sort of lacklustre in that department, and the TCR83 was really not very accurate.

I always attributed the less than stellar accuracy to the forend having to grip the barrel like that. Something that a bolt actioned rifle with a one piece stock is not confronted with.