BRNO Mod 2

Wow its Friday and almost February already!, on this overcast day we are parting the skies to illuminate the BRNO model 2 one of the greatest rimfire target rifles ever made. 

The BRNO Model 2 target rifle stands as one of the most respected and enduring .22 rimfire rifles to emerge from Central Europe in the twentieth century. Produced in Czechoslovakia by Zbrojovka Brno, the Model 2 series built upon the company’s long-standing reputation for precision engineering, reliability, and fine craftsmanship. Designed primarily for target shooting and small-game hunting, these rifles quickly gained international recognition for their exceptional accuracy and smooth operation.

With their solid steel actions, finely cut barrels, and well-balanced wooden stocks, the BRNO Model 2 rifles reflected a blend of practical design and traditional gunmaking skill that appealed to both competitive shooters and sporting enthusiasts.

At the heart of the Model 2’s success was its simple yet robust bolt-action mechanism. The rifle featured dual locking lugs, a smooth cock-on-opening system, and a crisp, adjustable trigger that allowed shooters to fine-tune their performance.

 Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, with some variants available in .22 WMR and .17 HMR, the Model 2 proved versatile across a wide range of shooting disciplines. Many versions were produced, including standard sporter models, heavier-barrel target variants, and trainer-style rifles for marksmanship instruction. Regardless of configuration, BRNO’s consistent quality control ensured that even standard factory rifles were capable of remarkable precision.

The target versions of the Model 2 were particularly admired for their heavier barrels and improved stability, which reduced vibration and enhanced shot-to-shot consistency. Combined with finely inletted stocks and quality iron sights or later, scope mounting options, these rifles became fixtures on club ranges and competition circuits around the world. In Australia and other Commonwealth countries, BRNO rimfires earned a reputation as “working rifles”: dependable, accurate, and built to last for generations. Many shooters still prize older Model 2 rifles today, often finding that decades-old examples remain fully competitive with modern offerings.

During the late twentieth century, political and economic changes in Czechoslovakia led to significant restructuring within its state-owned arms industry. Zbrojovka Brno, long known simply as BRNO, faced financial difficulties and declining military contracts following the end of the Cold War. At the same time, Česká Zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ-UB) was expanding its presence in civilian and export markets. As a result, production of many traditional BRNO sporting arms was gradually absorbed by CZ, leading to a consolidation of manufacturing under the CZ brand.

By the early 2000s, CZ had effectively taken over the production and development of many classic BRNO designs, including rimfire rifles descended from the Model 2 lineage. While the BRNO name faded from new commercial firearms, its engineering heritage lived on through CZ’s popular rimfire models such as the CZ 452 and later the CZ 455 and 457 series. These rifles retained the core principles established by BRNO strong actions, excellent barrels, and shooter-friendly ergonomics while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and materials.

Today, the BRNO Model 2 remains highly regarded among collectors and shooters alike. It represents a golden era of European rimfire rifle production, when durability, precision, and craftsmanship were paramount.

 Whether found on the range, in a hunting field, or carefully preserved in a collection, the Model 2 continues to embody the legacy of Zbrojovka Brno and its lasting influence on CZ’s modern success. For many enthusiasts, owning a BRNO Model 2 is not just about accuracy, it is about holding a piece of firearms history that helped shape generations of sporting rifle

From range benches to collectors’ cabinets, the BRNO Model 2 reminds us this Firearm Friday why true quality stands the test of time. You can always visit ours in the museum however you can also keep an eye out in the secondhand room to see if you could add one to your own collection.