(.333 member)

18/03/12 09:08 PM

Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

The project began when we came on an early, 1967 made, ZKK602 chambered for the .358 Norma Magnum cartridge.
Fully taking the rifle to pieces revealed how well made it was and under the factory varnish we discovered a nice piece of very dense Circassian walnut.
We made our mind in converting this rifle to a no frills 404 Jeffery working gun.
First, as we want to preserve the high quality Poldi steel barrel with its integral rear sight base and recoil block, it was carefully unscrewed from the action and shipped to our friend Peter Hambrusch in Ferlach to be .423" re-bored and cut rifled with a 14" twist.
As usually with Peter, the work was top notch and we got a match grade barrel of famed Poldi steel.
We used a piloted Triebel reamer to cut the new .404 chamber and the whole assembly was re-proofed.
Then the action was completely overhauled for a perfect feeding, blue printed, hand lapped and inside polished and we replaced the original shroud and side safety by an Ed La Pour side swing conversion, with "FIRE" detail inlaid in gold.
We converted the set trigger to a single stage one and took the greatest care of the reliability of the system.
A three leaves, gold lined, express sight was regulated on a larger gold bead front while we retained its original quick release button and the unusual sliding protector.
To end the metal work, the caliber on the barrel and the SN on the trigger guard bow were hand engraved.
Now for the stock, apart from a full reshaping to our own standards, a steel grip cap, new checkering and hand rubbed oil finish, we relied on a full bedding and sturdier recoil block.
The story ends with a perfectly balanced 8lbs-10oz big game rifle, sturdy and reliable‚ and who prints three shots cloverleaves all the day.
Who has said that a BRNO must be ugly?

DORLEAC

(.400 member)

18/03/12 09:30 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Now that is bloody beautiful mate.

I have a 404j built on a 602 but not in that leauge.

Thanks for sharing.

(.400 member)

18/03/12 11:44 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Very nice!

(.375 member)

19/03/12 02:20 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Very nice! This is how all new CZ should look - would fly off the shelf.

Cheers

(.450 member)

19/03/12 02:28 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Superb, love it.

(.333 member)

19/03/12 03:22 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Perfectly done. Everything necessary with nothing extra

(.400 member)

19/03/12 03:59 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

That´s a great job ! best

(.400 member)

19/03/12 06:30 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

When I bought my ZKK602 .375 H&H in 1970, it came with an imitation Weatherby stock, adorned with contrasting foreend tip and pistol grip cap and other abominations, clearly intended for the American market. This was odd, because I bought it from Waffen Frankonia in Germany. I assume your rifle was not similarly stocked.

Whatever its origin, the result is admirable, and evidence that you CAN make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

I wonder how you went about converting the single set trigger to direct pull. Did you simply substitute the factory supplied direct trigger for the set trigger, or did you have to fabricate something? The reason I'm curious is that I have a ZKK600 action with a set trigger which I would like to convert to direct pull.

(.333 member)

19/03/12 06:57 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

The best way is to make a new trigger that fit with the minimum amount of play in the U shaped part of the sear.
After that you must alter the general geometry and sear engagement, but take care to not go too far as it's a "working rifle" and the weight must at least three pounds, with a clean let off.
Indeed, our original stock was the standard one with no MC or "California" styled addenda of the seventies.
Thanks for your interest.

DORLEAC

(.450 member)

19/03/12 07:04 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

That looks so nice,great job!

(.416 member)

19/03/12 09:02 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Magnificent rifle, Joel! Thank you very much for sharing pictures, my friend. But then, if you built something, it would have to be magnificent!

Thank you again and good hunting!

(.333 member)

19/03/12 11:36 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Here is a very similar 404 rifle that Lon Paul built for Tanzanian PH Andy Payne

(.333 member)

19/03/12 12:41 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Very nice '67 ZKK to start with... superb craftsmanship

BTW where did you source the replacement bolt shroud with integral safety?

(.400 member)

19/03/12 06:23 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

I love the rifle, has all you need & beautifully done !

I don't want to go off topic , but that is a huge Bull, must be over 50in's, not a lot of drop, but who would care ?

(.275 member)

19/03/12 06:52 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

That is absolutely gorgeous!

(Sponsor)

19/03/12 09:01 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Very nice indeed!
The Dorleac rifles always seem to show such beautiful flowing lines.
That rifle has the look which just makes you want to pick it up and take it hunting.
Love it.
Thanks for showing.

(.416 member)

19/03/12 10:12 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

G'Day Fella's,

Dorleac, thank you for posting the story and images, of this very nice Brno rifle!

As Sarg mentions,the spread of that Cape Buff is huge!
It's bosses aren't in the same league, so I assume it is a young animal?

Doh!
Homer

(.333 member)

20/03/12 01:29 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

TilleyMan

Ed Lapour http://www.edlapourgunsmithing.com/ has supplied the new ZKK 3-position safety blank we have fitted to that rifle.
We haven't used its filler piece, choosing to make our own.
Notice that the parts made by Ed are extremely well done, even if they need a very careful fitting.
He makes a very good conversion for the CZ550 also.

DORLEAC

(.224 member)

21/03/12 04:31 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Dorleac,

That is as a bolt gun should be. Very nicely done and a wonderful caliber. I am very envious. I have had many rifles built for me. The nicest turned out to be a .275 Rigby and a .458 Lott. While they both shoot very well, they do not compare visually with your .404 Jeff. Excellent job. Excellent taste. A .338-06 and an 8x57mm is being completed as we speak, but still not in the league with your gun. A work of art and mastery.

Nyati50

(.275 member)

18/01/13 06:40 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

I know this is a bit of a necropost but I couldn't resist.

DORLEAC, This rifle is absolutely fantastic. A perfect classic "working rifle". The stock looks like it was made by Rigby in the 1920's. I think this (in 9.3x62mm) is my new dream rifle.

Administrator

(.700 member)

19/01/13 02:58 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Very nice rifle. Love the reshaped stock compared to the old shape.

(.224 member)

19/01/13 01:03 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Magnificent !

A beautiful make-over!

(.416 member)

19/01/13 02:43 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

G'Day Fella's,

Yet another Very Nice ZKK Brno!
Even better, it's in .404 Jeffery!!!

Doh!
Homer

(.416 member)

19/01/13 09:13 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

That is indeed a grand rifle in a top calibre.

(.275 member)

20/01/13 12:53 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Quote:

The project began when we came on an early, 1967 made, ZKK602 chambered for the .358 Norma Magnum cartridge.
Fully taking the rifle to pieces revealed how well made it was and under the factory varnish we discovered a nice piece of very dense Circassian walnut.
We made our mind in converting this rifle to a no frills 404 Jeffery working gun.

Who has said that a BRNO must be ugly?

What a truly wonderful looking rifle; it's just begging to be held and pointed! I have a very practical ZKK602 in original factory spec other than being rechambered to .450 Ackley, some work to get it feeding and an additional cross bolt. Great rifle in the bush but she's an old cow by comparison. Stunning rifle Dorleac! Quite inspiring.

(.700 member)

20/01/13 04:00 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Those rifles are quite special boys. My first 602 was purchased early in 1973 - January, it was and had a lovely piece of walnut for it's wood. Like the DORLEAC rifle, it-too was chambered in .358 Norma Mag., just like the top rifle.

About mid 1974, I re-barreled it with a .375H&H BRNO barrel that came off a new '602' unfired, that was barreled up and altered to .505 Barnes Supreme. The .375 H&H BRNO barrel screwed onto my action and headspaced perfectly. How about that luck, sights straight up and aligned! I used it with cast bullets as my first 100 yard 3-position rifle, with the little pop-up peep - I made Marksman with it - then built a real position rifle. The early ZKK602's were quite special.

Both barrels went with it when I sold it to a fellow over on Vancouver Island for his deer and black bear shooting. Along with it went a couple hundred 270gr. Power Points, brass, dies, etc. His friends & hunting buddies all laughed at him with "That Cannon", until he started dumping deer and bear on the spot, no tracking, and was able, as Elmer used to say, "you can eat right down to the hole".

I saw him again a couple years later and attempted to buy it back from him. He laughed and said he could hardly sell it to me as he's turned down every one of his friends - they all wanted it too.

They are Special! That DORLEAC rifle runs to SPECTACULAR in my eyes!!

Thanks.

(.300 member)

20/01/13 03:20 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

That is pretty much perfect, M. Dorleac! I've been debating what rifle to eventually build a .404 on, and I think you just answered my question.

(.224 member)

26/01/13 09:16 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Magnificent.....this rifle has now inspired me to restock and "Rigbyrize" my own ZKK 602...

(.275 member)

27/01/13 12:43 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Fantastic job. The only thing that would make it better would be if the bolt was on the other side and it was tucked away in my safe. chuck.

(.333 member)

10/11/13 07:10 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Fantastic rifle there for sure! Been away a long time from here and to come back and find this one is spectacular thanks for sharing.

Regards,

Mog

(.333 member)

11/11/13 10:47 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Very very nice

(.400 member)

12/11/13 08:49 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

It is very pleasing to hear the Peter Hambrush does great work in you opinion as I need his expertise in double rifles soon.
Nice rifle as usual.

(.400 member)

12/11/13 09:00 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Quote:

G'Day Fella's,
As Sarg mentions,the spread of that Cape Buff is huge!
It's bosses aren't in the same league, so I assume it is a young animal?

Doh!
Homer

A youngish animal but with length like that you rarely get growth in the bosses.

(.416 member)

24/04/14 05:43 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Dorleac,
I know this is an old thread, but I hope you can help us not so talented folks out.
With the 98 Mauser you can completely disassemble the whole bolt assembly, with the ZKK & CZ 550 series you could get down to basic sections.
What I'm trying to work out is there some conversion that we can do / buy of the shelf so to speak of to fully field strip a CZ 550 down completely like a Mauser?
I have a CZ 550 in .404J, nothing flash like this one that's for sure!
I much prefer the bolt shroud of the ZKK's to the new CZ types as the new ones are overly bulky (just my opinion here folks).
Ed LaPour in the US has something similar I believe, would this then accomplish what I am trying to do or am I assuming too much?
I'm hoping that some of our US members may be able to help me out, surely I'm not the only bloke to try & ask this question?
Cheers
93x64mm

Deutsche_Vortrekker

(.333 member)

24/04/14 07:26 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

I like the older ZKK BRNO Rifles .And what a fine job was done on the 404 Jeffery , many thanks for posting. I recently restored a 7x57 with the old pop up peep ;shown on Nitro (which my Czech friend Denny sells on gunbroker if you have an older Brno where one was removed)I currently have the 7x57 and a .375 I don't know if and when I will get back to Afrika but they will both be going along when I go.

(.333 member)

24/04/14 09:20 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

On the 550 you can also replace the shroud and side safety by an Ed La Pour side swing conversion.
Ed products are of very hight quality and work fine.
Putting the safety lever in the middle position allows the dismantling of the firing pin assy in the same manner as on the Winchester 70.

Best.

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com

(.333 member)

25/04/14 08:03 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

93x64

Here is a pic of my CZ actioned .416R. I replaced the hideous factory shroud with the 3 pos safety shown. From memory it was a Precise Metalsmithing (PME) one.

Cheers mate.

GG

(.400 member)

25/04/14 08:49 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

GG375 - You've made that look exceptional! Doesnt look as chunky as a normal CZ550 (in the stock etc).

Any chance of a full rifle picture?

(.333 member)

25/04/14 12:36 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Ash

How's this? Sing out if you need any other shots, close ups etc.

Cheers mate.

GG

(.416 member)

25/04/14 01:49 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

DORLEAC & GG375
Thanks for the info.
I've sent a email to Ed Lapour & see what comes of it.
Any drawings or notes on this will be most helpful - shame CZ don't bring them out that way!
Cheers
93x64mm

(.300 member)

27/04/14 10:45 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Okay, I'll add my .375 H&H BRNO ZKK 602 to this exercise.

It's an early 1990s model, no pop-up peep sight, although one certainly would've been nice because I've been an aperture-sight shooter since about age 8.

My 602 is a semi-custom, in the sense that after shooting it for a while "as is," I shipped it to Lon Paul @ Tanglewood Custom for what (back then - mid-'90s) he called his "BRNO conversion," essentially an upgrade to the handling and esthetics of the rifle, i.e., shortening the barrel, straighting the bolt handle, re-working the "hog-back" stock and adding cross-bolts, doing trigger & action work (honing & polishing), installing a 3-position saftey, Pachmyr decelerator, fiber optic red frt. sight, barrel band swivel, etc.

Scope is a Nikon 1.5-4.5x in Talley rings.

A great rifle, a classic cartridge.

No interest in re-chambering my BRNO for a larger cartridge ...

I've got an AHR 550 DGR in .404 Jeff for situations where the need for something bigger is indicated.

Deutsche_Vortrekker

(.333 member)

27/04/14 11:56 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Quite correct when stated that this is what the CZ should look like . I liked the bolt shroud set up of the Brno ZKK series ;the bolt handle would have been preferable to this one but was livable .Unfortunately when Brno moved to the new CZ factory they chose to install that hideous bolt shroud on the new CZ 550 series rifles. The firing pin setup remains the same (I actually have installed a CZ firing pin in a ZKK Brno but as the new CZ pin is hidden in that most hideous new bolt shroud when installed in a Brno shroud it sticks out unfinished in the rear of the ZKK shroud .I threaded the pin and installed a finished knurled cap to complete the job

(.300 member)

29/03/17 07:06 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Quote:

Ash

How's this? Sing out if you need any other shots, close ups etc.

Cheers mate.

GG

God lord, what a nice rifle.
I would give years of my life for something similar.

Who made that stock?

I'm about to make a new stock for my own 602. So I'm interested in some more info please?

(.416 member)

29/03/17 08:13 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!

Doh!
Homer

(.375 member)

29/03/17 09:12 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

That is a sweet rifle. Really nice lines on the stock.

(.400 member)

29/03/17 09:44 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Here is what Lon Paul was able to accomplish with my ZKK 602, bought in 1970 and converted to .500 Jeffrey:

(.333 member)

23/04/17 11:29 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Both beautiful custom rifles. I just have a box stock CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery (with some minor AHR mods, but I like it

(.400 member)

23/04/17 04:50 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Chuck, very niece piece of wood.

Waidmannsheil.

(.300 member)

28/06/17 11:08 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Gentlemen, I'm working at a 602 as wee speak. But right now I'm kinda lost.
I have made a pattern for a new stock but I feel or think I'm kinda lost.
Please, is there any of you that feel for helping a lost soul?

(.224 member)

31/08/17 07:06 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Beautiful rifle!

What is the rear 3 leaf sight? And where can I get a couple? Would beperfect for a few projects I have going.

(.333 member)

01/09/17 01:14 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Quote:

What is the rear 3 leaf sight? And where can I get a couple? Would be perfect for a few projects I have going.

Rear sight made on a Recknagel Feintechnik blank.
Available in the US at New England Custom Gun Service Ltd
741 Main Street, Claremont NH 03743
Phone: +1 603-287-4836
Fax: +1 603-287-4832
E-mail: info@necgltd.com
Web: www.newenglandcustomgun.com

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com

(.224 member)

01/09/17 04:20 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Is that a custom item as I cannot find anything like it on the website given.

Thanks

(.333 member)

01/09/17 05:14 PM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

Go to =>http://www.recknagel.de/Joomla/images/stories/Downloads/Recknagel_Zubehoerkatalog_9_Internet.pdf

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com

(.375 member)

12/09/17 06:24 AM

Re: Old ZKK602 converted to 404 Jeffery

It's a shame that many images have been lost.

Ovny.

NitroExpress.com

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