CZ-USA/Brno Effect
In an era in which gunmakers are rushing to add plastic and camouflage and accessory mounts to their firearms—and otherwise bolt from anything that gives off the faintest whiff of tradition—it seems quaint, if not downright quixotic, to bring a single-shot deerstalker rifle to the American market. But that is what CZ-USA has done with the Brno Effect, a trim and light break-action that is chambered in the decidedly un-hip .30/06.
At $1,585, the Effect is not cheap, though its price compares well to similar single-shots from overseas.
We appreciated the Effect’s lively handling and portability, with one test team member observing that it would make a good backcountry rifle or could be used on game hunted in heavy cover, where a fast shot is likely. That it’s so easy to handle would make it a smart choice for a young shooter as well, at least in theory.
I say in theory because our test rifle had some design issues, with an action that was difficult to open (attributable in part to its newness) and, more seriously, a heavy trigger pull that tipped the scales at 5 pounds 3 ounces. Given that the rifle weighs only an ounce above 6 pounds, a trigger pull that heavy is bound to have a detrimental effect on its accuracy in the field.
Nonetheless, with careful technique, our rifle shot a 1.47-inch group off the bench, which shows it can deliver adequate performance for big game. ($1,585; cz-usa.com)
Testers’ Comments: Good backcountry rifle.
* Trigger pull hurt this rifle.
* Fun to shoot.
* Like the trim lines and in-hand feel.
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 stars
Workmanship: C+
Performance: B
Price/Value: C+
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Comments (22)
I bought my son a TC Venture for his 13th Birthday. I topped it with a Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40 scope with medium Weaver Quad-Lock rings. I wanted to have it sighted in and ready for him on his birthday so I picked it up a few weeks early to get some range time in. My son shouldered several other makes of rifles in the Ventures price range at our local Bass Pro shop. He fell in love with the TC Venture in 270 Winchester. I have to say I was a little disappointed that he didn’t go for the Savage 110. I have never seen or heard of an inaccurate Savage. However I will admit the Venture dose shoulder like a shot gun and is very well balanced. In the looks department the Venture is hands down better looking with a much nicer finish. With the current $50.00 rebate I paid a penny shy of $400.00. That is a bargain for this rifle. So here are the features that I like:
* 1 MOA accuracy Guarantee.
* 5R rifling (Easier to keep clean)
* Pillar Bedded action.
* Flee Floated barrel.
* Adjustable trigger.
Now the results! My first 3 shots with 130 grain Winchester Power-Points was quite frankly disgusting. I walked back to the bench kicking myself for not buying a Savage. I cleaned the barrel and fired 3 more with even worse results. Next I decided to try some rounds I had loaded with 130 grain Hornady SST’s, Nosler Ballistic Tips, and Sierra Game Kings over 56 grains of H4831SC powder in some new Winchester brass with standard Winchester primers. I set the bullets to barely fit the magazine. My first 3 shots with the Game Kings measured less then an inch and clocked an average of 2856 FPS. I got similar results with the other two loads. Sometimes a rifle just doesn’t like a particular load.
I have now shot 60 rounds through the Venture. The neck sized and SST loaded rounds are the best shooting with a true .75 inch groups consistently. I have even shot two .38 inch groups. Today my son turned 13 and he got his new rifle. After he learned that the rifle wasn’t going to hurt him he settled down and hitting water bottles at 100 and 160 yards without fail. The TC Venture is truly a great value and a great looking rifle.
As an owner of a 338MX, I have a greatly differing opinion from the reviewer.
First, my rifle shot subMOA right out of the box. Most of the 338 owners on Marlin Owners forum are experiencing MOA or subMOA accuracy. I fact people complain when their gun only gets 1.5 MOA, as they know 1.2 or better is the norm. Don't know why the reviewer's rifle was so loose.
As for a caliber being doomed if it's over .308, this is another narrow minded view. The cause of larger bullets being put into this status is often recoil. And this is where the 338MX/MXLR shine.
With recoil about 3/4 that of a 30-06, the rifle is a pleasant shooting big bore. In fact, the recoil is closer to that of a .270 than a 30-06. I've shot both and grew up with a .270, so I'm familiar with what I'm making comparisons to.
For lefties this rifle is a great option. For those wanting a hard hitting rifle without excessive recoil, this is a great option.
As for effectiveness, maybe this will help:
Coyote neck/head shot at 370 yds
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,54765.0.html
Moose at 338 yards
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,51781.0.html
Bison with 338MX
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,56704.0.html
I dont know where you find your testers, they are as bad as the Dog Raters! I've shot guns all over the world and was on a Marine Rifle and Pistol team and for my money, the Carl Gustav I had stolen in DC was the best. Next best is the Savage.
Well made firearm I have several, I have them in military calibers 223, 7.62x39. enjoy the solid quality. Walnut stocks remind me of the older rifles of my father and grandfathers rifles , Good show CZ...
What is a 700 magnum? As far as I'm concerned you cant go wrong with a Ruger. My m77 mkII in 300wm will do what ever i need it to do with out fail. And it's made in America.
i have a browning 270 and it works amazing if anyone is looking for a rifle i would suggest browning
The Remington R-15 is the best.
my deer rifle cost me $49.99 4 years ago its a Mosin Nagant M 44..there is only 2 drawbacks ive found in this rifle..the safety is very hard to put on/off safe,,and you cant mount a scope unless you buy a sniper bolt assembly which will cost 3 times as much as the gun..around $150 to $200..but with a little practice hittin center at 100 yards with iron sights isnt really all that hard and at around 150 to 175 for 500 rounds you can practice til your shoulders purple
Rifle Test '09
Sako 85 Finnlight [in .308 Win.]
"rifle’s unscoped weight of 5 pounds 6 ounces"
Sako tech. data states "6 3/16 lbs."
i love the savages they are great guns and really affordable especially the packages. i own a model 111 shoots half moa groups at 100 yards and it is their cheapest gun they make. i also like the 85 finnlight its a beatiful guns and comfortable but the 1800 dollar price tag bites a bit
Just purchased a Marlin XS7 in 270. Put an old scope on that had been droped and bent the front of it down. Took my plires and straighten it out. The gun was on sale at Cabelas for $279.00. On shots 15, 16, & 17 it was grooping one inch at 100 yards with the barrel not even broken in good. Just think how many I can own for the $1500 to $2000 that some of the others cost. Great trigger and it is adjustable.
700 magnum ... must kick like a mule ... :)
i have 700 magnum.i like it .it is so good to go deer hunt with. it is good and accurate
I own TC Precision Hunter in .308 and yes it is very accurate, but I’m not sure where .5 MOA guaranty is coming from, TC on PH line guaranty SUB MOA, however TC does manufacture 0.5 MOA guranty and it is done on the TC Warlord, its more tactical rifle then hunting. However TC test MOA by using Federal SP Power Shock ammo, this is not match ammo, shooting match from my riffle I get SUB 0.5 MOA at 100 yards, at 300 yards I also get 1 MOA sometimes 0.8 - 0.9, I’m still working up loads for my riffle, I also test it at 500 yards with 2.2” groups
It would be hard to choose if I were in the market for a new rifle. There are so many great rifles today. Some standard production rifles are as accurate as very expensive custom guns of a few years ago. We don't really need .5 MOA accuracy in a big game rifle, but it is a good indication of rifle quality.
The only thing which bothered me was the oversized scopes on these rifles. Maybe good to bench and wring out accuracy, or varmint hunting, but out-of-place on a serious hunting rifle.
Buck@score-your-hunting.com
ordered an XS7in 243 today, gunsmith said should be in next week. OTD 374.50 (plese two trips to a town 70 miles away to get the firearm. will let you all know how it does on the ranch another time
I would agree that Remington was a great Rifle many years back, but these new Rem's are more than suspect.
Not sure that those European gun stocks with the big drop in the comb is going to be a hit in North America. The classic American stock swings up to my shoulder and lines up just right for me in so many different rifles that I, like many others, am not anxious to change. Nice to see some of the manufacturers are aiming at value and trying maintain high quality. I have never met a hunter of big game carrying an AR style rifle in the field. Most of the farmers whose land I hunt would send you packing if you showed up carrying an assault rifle.
Savage has been hitting homeruns with their bolt rifles.
Where have I been? Since when has the .30-06 been un-hip?
The slug gun is enough for me. High powered rifles illegal in illinois for hunting, but nice guns!
There are some impressive looking rifles here but I wouldn’t take any of them over a Remington 700 in something like 7mm Remington Magnum. Also, I like the .30 RAR at first glance (Remington made it so I like it) but I don’t know why big green isn’t pushing its DPMS and Remington AR platform rifles chambered in the fantastic .260 Remington. They have a great combination already but don’t promote it very willingly. Good stuff here OL, keep the gun writers busy with more reviews.
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Where have I been? Since when has the .30-06 been un-hip?
I own TC Precision Hunter in .308 and yes it is very accurate, but I’m not sure where .5 MOA guaranty is coming from, TC on PH line guaranty SUB MOA, however TC does manufacture 0.5 MOA guranty and it is done on the TC Warlord, its more tactical rifle then hunting. However TC test MOA by using Federal SP Power Shock ammo, this is not match ammo, shooting match from my riffle I get SUB 0.5 MOA at 100 yards, at 300 yards I also get 1 MOA sometimes 0.8 - 0.9, I’m still working up loads for my riffle, I also test it at 500 yards with 2.2” groups
i have a browning 270 and it works amazing if anyone is looking for a rifle i would suggest browning
As an owner of a 338MX, I have a greatly differing opinion from the reviewer.
First, my rifle shot subMOA right out of the box. Most of the 338 owners on Marlin Owners forum are experiencing MOA or subMOA accuracy. I fact people complain when their gun only gets 1.5 MOA, as they know 1.2 or better is the norm. Don't know why the reviewer's rifle was so loose.
As for a caliber being doomed if it's over .308, this is another narrow minded view. The cause of larger bullets being put into this status is often recoil. And this is where the 338MX/MXLR shine.
With recoil about 3/4 that of a 30-06, the rifle is a pleasant shooting big bore. In fact, the recoil is closer to that of a .270 than a 30-06. I've shot both and grew up with a .270, so I'm familiar with what I'm making comparisons to.
For lefties this rifle is a great option. For those wanting a hard hitting rifle without excessive recoil, this is a great option.
As for effectiveness, maybe this will help:
Coyote neck/head shot at 370 yds
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,54765.0.html
Moose at 338 yards
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,51781.0.html
Bison with 338MX
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,56704.0.html
i have 700 magnum.i like it .it is so good to go deer hunt with. it is good and accurate
i love the savages they are great guns and really affordable especially the packages. i own a model 111 shoots half moa groups at 100 yards and it is their cheapest gun they make. i also like the 85 finnlight its a beatiful guns and comfortable but the 1800 dollar price tag bites a bit
Rifle Test '09
Sako 85 Finnlight [in .308 Win.]
"rifle’s unscoped weight of 5 pounds 6 ounces"
Sako tech. data states "6 3/16 lbs."
The Remington R-15 is the best.
What is a 700 magnum? As far as I'm concerned you cant go wrong with a Ruger. My m77 mkII in 300wm will do what ever i need it to do with out fail. And it's made in America.
I bought my son a TC Venture for his 13th Birthday. I topped it with a Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40 scope with medium Weaver Quad-Lock rings. I wanted to have it sighted in and ready for him on his birthday so I picked it up a few weeks early to get some range time in. My son shouldered several other makes of rifles in the Ventures price range at our local Bass Pro shop. He fell in love with the TC Venture in 270 Winchester. I have to say I was a little disappointed that he didn’t go for the Savage 110. I have never seen or heard of an inaccurate Savage. However I will admit the Venture dose shoulder like a shot gun and is very well balanced. In the looks department the Venture is hands down better looking with a much nicer finish. With the current $50.00 rebate I paid a penny shy of $400.00. That is a bargain for this rifle. So here are the features that I like:
* 1 MOA accuracy Guarantee.
* 5R rifling (Easier to keep clean)
* Pillar Bedded action.
* Flee Floated barrel.
* Adjustable trigger.
Now the results! My first 3 shots with 130 grain Winchester Power-Points was quite frankly disgusting. I walked back to the bench kicking myself for not buying a Savage. I cleaned the barrel and fired 3 more with even worse results. Next I decided to try some rounds I had loaded with 130 grain Hornady SST’s, Nosler Ballistic Tips, and Sierra Game Kings over 56 grains of H4831SC powder in some new Winchester brass with standard Winchester primers. I set the bullets to barely fit the magazine. My first 3 shots with the Game Kings measured less then an inch and clocked an average of 2856 FPS. I got similar results with the other two loads. Sometimes a rifle just doesn’t like a particular load.
I have now shot 60 rounds through the Venture. The neck sized and SST loaded rounds are the best shooting with a true .75 inch groups consistently. I have even shot two .38 inch groups. Today my son turned 13 and he got his new rifle. After he learned that the rifle wasn’t going to hurt him he settled down and hitting water bottles at 100 and 160 yards without fail. The TC Venture is truly a great value and a great looking rifle.
Savage has been hitting homeruns with their bolt rifles.
Just purchased a Marlin XS7 in 270. Put an old scope on that had been droped and bent the front of it down. Took my plires and straighten it out. The gun was on sale at Cabelas for $279.00. On shots 15, 16, & 17 it was grooping one inch at 100 yards with the barrel not even broken in good. Just think how many I can own for the $1500 to $2000 that some of the others cost. Great trigger and it is adjustable.
my deer rifle cost me $49.99 4 years ago its a Mosin Nagant M 44..there is only 2 drawbacks ive found in this rifle..the safety is very hard to put on/off safe,,and you cant mount a scope unless you buy a sniper bolt assembly which will cost 3 times as much as the gun..around $150 to $200..but with a little practice hittin center at 100 yards with iron sights isnt really all that hard and at around 150 to 175 for 500 rounds you can practice til your shoulders purple
There are some impressive looking rifles here but I wouldn’t take any of them over a Remington 700 in something like 7mm Remington Magnum. Also, I like the .30 RAR at first glance (Remington made it so I like it) but I don’t know why big green isn’t pushing its DPMS and Remington AR platform rifles chambered in the fantastic .260 Remington. They have a great combination already but don’t promote it very willingly. Good stuff here OL, keep the gun writers busy with more reviews.
The slug gun is enough for me. High powered rifles illegal in illinois for hunting, but nice guns!
ordered an XS7in 243 today, gunsmith said should be in next week. OTD 374.50 (plese two trips to a town 70 miles away to get the firearm. will let you all know how it does on the ranch another time
It would be hard to choose if I were in the market for a new rifle. There are so many great rifles today. Some standard production rifles are as accurate as very expensive custom guns of a few years ago. We don't really need .5 MOA accuracy in a big game rifle, but it is a good indication of rifle quality.
The only thing which bothered me was the oversized scopes on these rifles. Maybe good to bench and wring out accuracy, or varmint hunting, but out-of-place on a serious hunting rifle.
Buck@score-your-hunting.com
700 magnum ... must kick like a mule ... :)
Well made firearm I have several, I have them in military calibers 223, 7.62x39. enjoy the solid quality. Walnut stocks remind me of the older rifles of my father and grandfathers rifles , Good show CZ...
I dont know where you find your testers, they are as bad as the Dog Raters! I've shot guns all over the world and was on a Marine Rifle and Pistol team and for my money, the Carl Gustav I had stolen in DC was the best. Next best is the Savage.
Not sure that those European gun stocks with the big drop in the comb is going to be a hit in North America. The classic American stock swings up to my shoulder and lines up just right for me in so many different rifles that I, like many others, am not anxious to change. Nice to see some of the manufacturers are aiming at value and trying maintain high quality. I have never met a hunter of big game carrying an AR style rifle in the field. Most of the farmers whose land I hunt would send you packing if you showed up carrying an assault rifle.
I would agree that Remington was a great Rifle many years back, but these new Rem's are more than suspect.
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