September 3, 2021, 04:49 AM | #1 |
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BRNO Combination O/U
Anyone have experience with the ZH 300 series? These are rifle over shotgun in European calibers (Savage High Power is still used there.) and are relatively inexpensive.
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September 5, 2021, 03:08 AM | #2 |
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Shotgun/rifle o/u combination guns are popular in Europe. More than 95% of them are shotgun over rifle barrel combinations. The rifle barrel being below the shotgun was because the rifle calibers generally produce higher pressures. Being placed on the bottom they are closer to the pivot point of the action. Most of these combination guns begin around $2000.00 and up. The Brno 300 is one of the exceptions, with the rifle barrel over the shotgun. Usually costing less than $1,000.00 in Europe. It is an entry gun into European hunting culture and traditions.
I own two of these: a Sabatti 12ga/6.5X57 and a Valmet 12ga/223 rem. |
September 5, 2021, 03:57 PM | #3 |
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OK, I did buy one. So the next question is, is anyone shooting Savage 22 High Power, aka 5.6x52R? This looks like a coyote slayer, with the 1915 version of .223 over a 12 gauge.
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September 15, 2021, 12:51 PM | #4 |
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So lets see some pictures.
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September 15, 2021, 04:56 PM | #5 |
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Please
Love to see some Euro combination guns. The Savages have gotten quite pricey in recent years. They were always a low buck gun when I was a kid.
Is anyone in America making a combo gun currently?
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September 15, 2021, 07:08 PM | #6 |
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.22HP is an awesome cartridge. Brass can be a challenge. Ballistics very close to .223
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September 16, 2021, 10:33 AM | #7 |
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22 Savage HI Power
Brass was a necked down 25-35. Maybe 30-30 would work. Diameter is .228, FWIW, RWS still lists ammo, and bullets. |
September 17, 2021, 09:25 PM | #8 |
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Pictures and more when I get home next week and pick up the gun.
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October 16, 2021, 04:12 PM | #9 |
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Took awhile for my FFL and me to get together, but here is the combo gun. It's 12 gauge 2 3/4" IM choke under 22 Savage Hi Power (5.6x52R). As rumored, it is hell for stout, not a lightweight. I have acquired brass, dies, and some bullets, plus a box of S&B 70 gr commercial ammo. I mounted an old Cabela's Pine Ridge 2-7X, and we shall see if she deserves better. Looking forward to some range time.
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October 17, 2021, 08:23 AM | #10 |
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That is an interesting action, it does not operate like anybody else's OU that I know of.
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October 17, 2021, 09:27 AM | #11 |
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??? What is so different? It has a top lever, Kersten cross bolt design; looks just fine to me. OP - how does it shoot?
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October 17, 2021, 09:36 AM | #12 |
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We will see how she shoots this week, at least with commercial ammo.
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October 21, 2021, 12:22 PM | #13 |
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OK, brief range report. First, operation. The action is somewhat unique, in that the breach block moves back when you break it open. The safety is on the front of the trigger guard - you push it forward with your trigger finger to fire. The front trigger fires the top (rifle) barrel, but if you pull the rear trigger once, a second pull will also fire the top barrel. Why? These actions come in O/U shotgun, and that would sure make for a quick second shot.
I was shooting some (used to be) cheap S&B 70 gr. rounds. Did not set up the chrono, but I got it shooting 2" high at 100 and did a quick 3-shot group: 1 1/2". I'm sure I can do better with my loads. I also need to see how that shotgun barrel patterns. |
October 28, 2021, 10:46 AM | #14 |
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Since "Bruno" proved herself worthy, I replaced the Pine Ridge 2-7X with a "vintage" Weaver K8-1. It's not an old gun, but it is an old timey concept, and this scope matches it. The old Weaver has great glass, but what I had not counted on was that it is 15" long! But it fits and dialed right in on the laser sighter. Time for some serious range work.
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