All I have to say is I sold my rpr for a 457 and I definitely am not looking back .

 

I have more than my share of .22 rifles, probably 'cause when I was a kid I had mostly none, and dang near burned a hole in the Shooter's Bible page staring at that Winchester 62a so much. Then got an old (even then) Remington Model 4 rolling block .22. And because now I'm making up for that I've got half a dozen 62a's and I don't know how many more.

A few months back I got a CZ 457 At-One. I'm impressed. A worthy follow on to their 452 & 455 for sure.

 

I have a CZ457 At-One Varmint 24". Just bought a CZ455 Varmint bull barrel.
I would certainly buy a lovely old BRNO if I found one in pristine condition. But it would not replace my CZ's.
Rather, I'd buy it for it's 'old school cool', and the probability that in years to come it would retain or gain value (for when I'm too old to shoot). Don't know when that would be though.
See how I'm doing when I hit 90 and then decide.
So yeah...get both...you know you want too.

 

So yeah...get both...you know you want too.

This guy knows what's up.

 

Jmo, skip the BRNOs, A bit about BRNO 22 Rifles…, collectors pieces, at best, ratty old guns with difficult triggers at worst. Just not the right candidate for a first 22lr. And if you want and all purpose gun, skip the pro varmint, imho just too heavy and bulky for field shooting. Buy an American, they are nice accurate handy sporters, and can do everything you want . If you want iron sights, get a Lux, again nice accurate guns with a hogback stock. And theyll take a scope if you want. Also, imho, consider a 452, or 455 as well as a 457. The triggers arent quite as good , but your not bench rest competing, so a new spring and a lighter pull are just fine for multi use. And imho, the traditional action is just more satisfying than the 457 s new design.

 

First off, thanks for stating your use for it. Out of those three I would go with the Model 2 all day. It’s old world craftsmanship that you can’t just go out and buy anytime you want. Also if you’ll be carrying it around it’s lighter. Also you’ll have a better chance for better accuracy. Don’t get me wrong I have a half dozen 457’s and they’re great, but for the same price I’d buy BRNO’s every time. You can get the triggers on the Model 2 down to a pound or less with just a spring swap which a lot of people do with the 457’s too. I have a Model 2 with a 9 ounce, safe trigger. Not all will go that light safely though. Yes the 457’s trigger will get a little lighter with a little more adjustability, but if you’re hunting with it you don’t want it too light anyway.

 

I have to agree with Appalachian2.
You can buy 457s anytime.
I would definitely go with any model of BRNO.

 

Finding an excellent condition BRNO isn’t as easy as it sounds. As stated above, you can get a 457 anytime.
If I found a deal on a BRNO, I would buy it. If I couldn’t find a good deal on an excellent condition BRNO, I would buy the 457 and I would be happy. You can’t lose either way.

 

From your intended use I'd get the #2 or a 457,452,455 Lux with plans for open sight shooting.
The Varmint is better suited for rest or bench shooting. I have a 457 Varmint and don't care to tote it through the woods, or plink with due to the weight. I just shoot longer range from the bench with mine. And its great for that!
If you definitely want a scope then the 457,452,455 American is a great option.
Those are lighter, and the stock caters to using scopes. The hog back stocks dont offer the best cheek weld from a bench or prone. The hog back stocks are fine scoped when you are standing straight up, but they are designed for shooting with open sights in mind.
Enjoy your new venture!

 

Good solid Brno's are getting harder and harder to find, the 457 will be a great addition later if you feel the need, as to ratty old rifles with bad triggers, well not if you buy a nice one. 😎

 

As long as they’re not too bad I don’t mind a well used rifle as long as it shoots good. Especially if I’m going to be hunting with it.

 

I would snatch up the #2. Good clean Brno's are a tough item to find these days.

 

If it is a 1963 Brno then you can probably adjust the trigger down to 2 3/4 pounds just by backing off the trigger spring nut. That's certainly good enough for just about all shooting. In addition, the safety blocks the striker instead of the sear or trigger and the bolt can be easily disassembled for easy cleaning.

Full Disclosure: I have used Brno Model 2 rifles regularly since June, 1981.

 

Thanks all for the views and advice !
I guess ive got to start somewhere and im sure most of you guys have more than one .22lr in the collection..
Interesting to see the price of ammunition here in Australia about the same price as the US
For example: CCI std velocity round nose cheapest price ive seen here is AUD $60 for 500 thats USD $40.24 or close to .

 

For example: CCI std velocity round nose cheapest price ive seen here is AUD $60 for 500 thats USD $40.24 or close to

. Bugger. The cheapest that we can get CCI Target here in NZ is about NZ$115. On your question of rifles: I have a 1956 BRNO Model 2 which is a lovely rifle to shoot with. I have a higher average score with this rifle than I do with my T1x. There is something quite special about these older rifles that you don’t get with the newer rifles. And like some have said, you can have the best of both worlds with having the older rifle and a new 457 at some stage in the future. Good luck and keep us informed…..

 

Thanks to all replies ! Ive taken all the advice in and working on it .

 

Model 2 BRNOs are very good rifles

 

Late to vote, but I'd go with the model 5. They are light and very accurate, the model 2 was the basis for the 452 so high chances you may find a good deal on a 452 down the road. There will be plenty of 457 in stock until the 459 or whatever comes out.

 

I was not exactly in your position, as I already had 452, 453, 455, and 457 rimfires in my possession. However, when I came across this one at the LGS I had no second thoughts about giving it a home among its follow-on descendants. As several members have stated the 457s will be available . . . but the Brno is seldom found.

 

Excellent rifle. Mid 80s? GI bring back from Germany?

 

The barrel stamp shows 1992 and based on the info I have found it's 1 of 140,000. I did a lot of work in Germany but all online from here in Omaha. Found this one at the LGS and it's the only one I've ever seen firsthand.

 

It’s a beauty. The same box was used in the 1980s, 452 Lux rifles. Back then very few were imported into the USA, because of restrictions. GIs could buy them in Germany, and legally bring them back, with the proper documentation. The bolts were in a vinyl pouch. Does your have the import marks?

 

Model 2 would be my preference because of the tangent rear sight over the Model 5's Model 1 style sights. (after all the Model 5 is essentially a Model 2 using up remaining Model 1 parts).

Yup, ammo prices here are still OK. Paid $90 Aus ($58 US) today for a brick of SK Pistol Match Special - the ammo ALL my CZ's and Brno's love.