Brno ZKM 573 Model 5 info and owner's club thread

[jmrybak]

After seeing a few interesting posts recently relating to the Brno ZKM 573 Model 5, I thought it might be fun and interesting to create thread to share information, experience, and perhaps most importantly pictures...

So to start, a bit of background/ history as we know it... and before going any further I simply must refer anyone interested to a thread posted long ago by Paul (35WCF).

But in summary, as best we know (and I will happily update this as people weigh in and we learn more), the Brno ZKM Model 5 is essentially a Brno ZKM 452 Model 2 action and trigger, with a Brno ZKM 451 Model 1 barrel, and a sporter styled stock that has the bottom metal of a Model 2, and the barrel channel to accommodate the bulge in the Model 1 barrel. In fact, it seems as though the original 15,000 or so Model 5 proofed in 1957 may actually have been assembled from Model 2 actions/ triggers (serial numbers from this time seem to fall in line with other Model 2s from the time), and Model 1 barrels which had the Model 1 markings on them. These 15,000 Model 5 have been referred to to as the Egyptian contract rifles. Also in 1957, it seems as though production of the commercial Model 5 began, with rifles that had serial numbers starting over, and barrels marked and Brno Model 5. There were at least a little over 35,700 of these produced between 1957 and 1978 based on the serial numbers available. Importantly, around 1968 production of the Model 5 (like the Model 2) began to be transitioned over to CZ, at first with all Brno produced parts, then later with CZ produced parts. In 1968 the Model 5 also began to be produced with a 12 groove barrel instead of the previous 6 groove barrel like the earlier Brno, and over time there are significant changes in the finish level of the receiver. Paul details all this, and many other variations, in his thread.

Here is a 6 page commercial production pamphlet for the Brno ZKM Model 5 that another RFC'er shared with me a while back:








And lastly, here are a few photos of my 1958 Brno ZKM 573 Model 5. It shows its age a bit, but overall is in great shape, and it certainly still shoots!






I hope that others will be interested in this thread, and would love to see more information, experience, and of course photos posted here. Additionally, if you owners don't care to share a few details of their Model 5, that would be great! I would think we would be interested in:

1. Proof year
2. Serial number (as much as you are comfortable sharing)
3. Barrel markings (Model 1 or Model 5)
4. Front sight type (longitudinal with push button detent or traverse with dovetailed blade)
5. Number of barrel grooves

[Gillis2]

Great idea for a thread. I am much interested in all BRNO stuff. Of course I also have a nice no5...
Thanks for sharing.

Gilbert

[buck110]

Wonderful idea!

[jes]

Well I posted some of my information in a previous thread, including serial #'s, so I don't think I'll repost all of the material, however I will say that I have three Brnos which have model 2 receivers and model 1 stamped barrels in the 48000 range serial numbers. Although I do not have documentation, I had verbal verification from two different sources that two of these rifles were purchased new in 1957 from a gun shop in Canada. I don't know for sure, but I don't believe that my rifles were Eygptian contract rifles, or if they were, they were never issued and ended up being sold new, in the box to civilians in Canada. I was told they came with "model 2" milled bottom magazines. They have transverse, dovetailed front sights, 6 groove rifling. Two of my rifles could almost pass for new and have very nicely figured stocks, nicer than average. I also have a 1974, serial # 33029, Model 5 stamped barrel, 12 groove rifling, can't remember the front sight, will have to check, walnut stock. If I've missed anything please let me know, always willing to answer what I can.

[HUSHKABOOM]

My 1958 Model 5 with Model 5 barrel and push button front sight. Serial 075XX. Forgot to check barrel grooves but I know its not 12. Must be 6.

[pg339]

"Here is a 6 page commercial production pamphlet for the Brno ZKM Model 5 that another RFC'er shared with me a while back:

And lastly, here are a few photos of my 1958 Brno ZKM 573 Model 5. It shows its age a bit, but overall is in great shape, and it certainly still shoots!"


Is it just me but i am not seeing any links for these?

[jes]

You and I both, but I would love to see them.

[nevadany]

I have a 1957 contract rifle. The "5" on the barrel is deeper than the rest of the markings, which leads me to believe that it is an over stamped Model 1 barrel. I bought it from Sarco in PA a while back and It still had the import tags on it (from the early 90's, I think) showing that it came from Israel, if I remember correctly. Neat bit of history.

I used to own a 1970 Model 5 that I suspect was a BRNO spec receiver with the 16mm rail, maybe made by CZ (?), and it had a CZ made, 12 groove barrel. That was a nice rifle, but the machining around the ejection port has chatter... I have yet to see any "BRNO", that bad...not that it's horrible.

1957 Model 5:
...how I got it: http://imgur.com/a/lyIRv
...as it sits now: https://imgur.com/a/Dq9wM
...new stock, still yet to be fit: https://imgur.com/a/sADwx

1970 Model 5
https://imgur.com/a/EzlSl71

DW

[jmrybak]

Originally Posted by pg339

"Here is a 6 page commercial production pamphlet for the Brno ZKM Model 5 that another RFC'er shared with me a while back:

And lastly, here are a few photos of my 1958 Brno ZKM 573 Model 5. It shows its age a bit, but overall is in great shape, and it certainly still shoots!"


Is it just me but i am not seeing any links for these?

Sorry old links have gone bad... let’s see what we can do...

[jmrybak]

[pg339]

Brilliant! Thanks for taking the time to restore these, your rifle is a great example and i think your description is somewhat modest. I have not seen this pamphlet before and really appreciate getting a piece of the Model 5 history. My rifle is also 58 and i will post some pics and info on it soon.

[mauser22]

Here she is. Just enough carry wear not to worry about taking her for a walk in the woods.

Mounted Leupold 4x in Warnes and an appropriate AKAH sling.

[mauser22]

quick zero shooting into one fuzzy hole at 25 and a nickel at 50 with 4x and 68 year old eyes.

[beartrax]

Jim,
She is a beauty. Hard to find an early one in that condition. I notice the Model 2 style magazine - do you think it came with the rifle? Most have Model 1 style magazines in them.
John

[jes]

Two of my model 5's came with model 2 style magazines and in both cases I had verbal confirmation from the previous owners that those were the magazines that came with the rifles from the factory, for what it's worth.