BRNO 602 vs CZ 550

[Luvthunt]

want to build a 458 Lott and have a choice of a CZ550 or Brno 602 action. Not sure which would be best. Want to build a Lott as I have one that my Grandson now uses so have all the reloading etc for the Lott .
Which action would be the best and why.

 

[IvW]

BRNO ZKK602 without a doubt...if it has the pop up peep sight in the rear receiver even better.

Build a 450 Rigby....

 

[Luvthunt]

IVW,
Thank you means a lot coming from you.

 

[John J]

BRNO ZKK602 without a doubt...if it has the pop up peep sight in the rear receiver even better.

Build a 450 Rigby....

I had one of these in my hands in 416 Rigby a while back and passed it up. Pop up peep and all. Definitely didnt know what I had. It's gone now since learning about them.

 

[neckdeep]

Not to rain on anyone's parade but I have had several people and one well known smith tell me that generally a CZ 550 is a better start to a project, a bit smoother action. The best part is both have spacious magazines for loading mono heads out longer and double square bridge for secure scope mounting with one less link to fail. I have had a couple semi custom 550's and liked them both well. I have just purchased a 70's BRNO 458 win mag with a peep and planning on turning it into a custom 458 Lott. I love the straight bolt handle on the 602, it's a nice looking gun to me.

 

[Dewald]

Just make sure the barrel threads straight into the action, ie, the axis of the barrel and the axis of the action are 100% in line or parallel.

I had a ZKK 602 in .458 Lott that was a nightmare to mount a scope on. It shot minute of clay pigeon at 50m every day freehand with open sights, and after some TLC to the rails and ramp fed reliably, but kept shooting 20 MOA low with the scope’s elevation maxed out. That happened with a Zeiss Diavari 1,5-6x42 and a Leupold 1,5-4. I first thought the dovetails were not cut true, but when the gunsmith heard of my problem he mentioned that he had seen a few do that. He put it on lathe, dialed in the 4-jaw on the bore and you coul plainly see how the barrel was straight but the action was sitting skew. I’ve subsequently read of a few that did that, both CZ550 and ZKK602’s. It pretty much cured me from any Brnos/ CZs made after the Mod21/22 and ZG47.

However, if that problem is not present, and a competent gunsmith converts the WM to Lott it does make a fine DG rifle.

 

[TokkieM]

CZ 550 as a base is better, basically the same actions except for the trigger and the way it fits into the action, there is no true adjustable trigger for the ZKK, it can be tunned, but it will never be a CZ 550 trigger. Not all ZKK actions where created equal and a pop up sight does not come on them all, also pointless if a scope is fitted. Which ever you choose, pick the best Gunsmith you can get, they both need work to sort them out.
Best of luck and enjoy the build. Side note, switch out the extractor collar to a original Mauser one, many folks who spend a lot of money fixing those actions without ever replacing that cheap peace of bent metal.

 

[CBH Australia]

Side note, switch out the extractor collar to a original Mauser one, many folks who spend a lot of money fixing those actions without ever replacing that cheap peace of bent metal.

Where is the best source for the extractor collar? I read an in depth article once and it sounded legit but I’m in Australia and I’m not sure where to get a replacement extractor collar and if they are all the same size?
Is there an after market pop up sight for the CZ550, sounds like people would but it if they make it.

 

[Luvthunt]

CBH——AHR in Mt can do a pop up for the 602 or 550. $550 is cost. Cannot help on the extractor upgrade, but am interested if you find info would like to know.

 

[flat8]

BRNO ZKK602 without a doubt...if it has the pop up peep sight in the rear receiver even better.

Build a 450 Rigby....

I know it’s an old thread .. just curious @IvW why you favor the .450 Rigby over the Lott.

 

[colorado]

Just make sure the barrel threads straight into the action, ie, the axis of the barrel and the axis of the action are 100% in line or parallel.

I had a ZKK 602 in .458 Lott that was a nightmare to mount a scope on. It shot minute of clay pigeon at 50m every day freehand with open sights, and after some TLC to the rails and ramp fed reliably, but kept shooting 20 MOA low with the scope’s elevation maxed out. That happened with a Zeiss Diavari 1,5-6x42 and a Leupold 1,5-4. I first thought the dovetails were not cut true, but when the gunsmith heard of my problem he mentioned that he had seen a few do that. He put it on lathe, dialed in the 4-jaw on the bore and you coul plainly see how the barrel was straight but the action was sitting skew. I’ve subsequently read of a few that did that, both CZ550 and ZKK602’s. It pretty much cured me from any Brnos/ CZs made after the Mod21/22 and ZG47.

However, if that problem is not present, and a competent gunsmith converts the WM to Lott it does make a fine DG rifle.

I'm very happy with my CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery. It's had Wayne's AHR CZ #1 upgrade ($500 at the time, a steal) M70 type 3 pos safety, single stage match trigger and straighten and fill bolt. Why do some people feel the Brno is better? Just wondering, not doubting.

 

[CBH Australia]

Good to see @colorado bring this back.

I'm still interested in the extractor collar questions I posted above.

It seems from what I have read many like the Brno 602, some say it's stock design