Brno ZG47 vs ZKK

Pheroze

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My understanding is that the Brno ZKK replaced the ZG47. But, I cant find anything on what the difference is. Am I correct that the ZKK is a modification of the predecessor? If so, does someone know what was changed? Which do your prefer?
 
@Pheroze The ZG 47 has the trigger entirely attached to the receiver whereas the ZKK mechanism is partly attached to the receiver and partly to the floor plate thus allowing change from curved to straight blade and vice versa.
Both rifles have safety catches (as opposed to trigger blocks) BUT the ZG 47 safety catch is mounted to the bolt whereas the ZKK safety catch is attached to the receiver.
The ZG 47 has a barrel-mounted backsight with screw adjustable windage whereas the ZKK version is tapped from side to side. Many ZKKs came with a fold-down peep backsight.
The ZG 47 is more finely finished than any of the ZKK models. The ZG47 is a standard large ring action. The ZKK 600 is also a standard large ring action BUT the ZKK 601 is a short action version for the 308 Winchester, etc. although it was also chambered for the .223 Remington; AND the ZKK 602 is a true magnum action.
All these rifles use a pre-64 Model 70 type magazine BUT the ZKK has a so-called reverse-round follower, with the first cartridge going in on the left hand side because that is easier when thumbing cartridges in, one by one, especially with a scope in the way.
Both types use the same interchangeable bead foresight, still available in various heights from CZ-UB, etc. (with aftermarket options from Recknagel) but my ZG 47 has a brass bead and every ZKK bead foresight I have seen was all-steel.
All rifles use the same two piece mount rings and the one piece mounts for the ZKK 600 will also fit the ZG 47 and the standard length CZ 550.
There are various qualities of ZKK, dependent upon production era and I am not going to enter that particular ‘hornets’ nest’ of debate nor am I am going to discuss the two types of ZG 47 trigger. Mine provides ample accuracy and in prone position my .30-06 is just as good as my 7.62x51 target rifle built on a Spanish Air Force action with Kongsberg barrel.
 
Jon Speed – the Mauser historian – in his seminal book on Mauser sporting rifles & derivatives – wrote that the of all the non-Mauser produced actions, the BRNO ZG-47 was probably the finest (regular production) commercial 98 action yet made. I wouldn’t be inclined to argue with that.

The only item which is arguably worth altering is the safety, a conversion to the Winchester Model 70 style (now also used by Rigby/Mauser) is nice.

The ZG-47 magazine box (which is slightly longer than the one on my pre-war commercial Mauser 98) takes up to .30-06 & 9.3x62 cartridges in length. The ZKK was of course available in a longer ‘magnum’ length.

The ZKK is a fine action especially after a little fettling but it had it quirks (the safety for one) but the availability of ‘magnum’ ZKK actions have caused BRNO to be blessed by many sportsmen.

I'd pick the ZG-47 every time unless I wanted a to use a cartridge longer than a .30-06


Regards
Russ
 
Thanks! Great information here. I recently saw several ZG47 come up for sale and it got me wondering.
 
If you have the opportunity to buy ZG47, take without thinking.
Witold
Yikes. I bought two ZKKs to build a set of rifles on (a 601 for a 308 Norma and a 602 for a 400 H&H). The Norma is almost completed. Now I find these ZG47 and seriously considered it. But I just cant justify the expense now.:( Timing is everything!

Btw I am keeping the set trigger and safety as is. I actually quite like them.
 

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