ligonierbill
New member
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.
BRNO Combination O/U
- Thread starter ligonierbill
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wachtelhund1
New member
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.
I own two of these: a Sabatti 12ga/6.5X57 and a Valmet 12ga/223 rem.
ligonierbill
New member
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.
wachtelhund1
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So lets see some pictures.
Seedy Character
New member
.22HP is an awesome cartridge. Brass can be a challenge. Ballistics very close to .223
ligonierbill
New member
Pictures and more when I get home next week and pick up the gun.
ligonierbill
New member
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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Jim Watson
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That is an interesting action, it does not operate like anybody else's OU that I know of.
ligonierbill
New member
We will see how she shoots this week, at least with commercial ammo.
ligonierbill
New member
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.
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.
ligonierbill
New member
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.
