CZ versus Brno Barrels

[Nkawu]

I have two CZ 550's in 375 (both left-handed) and I was considering the viability and practicality of swapping out the barrel on one of them for a 458 barrel. I am based in the UK and from time to time a Brno or CZ in 458 comes up for sale at a reasonably low price. My plan is to buy one, swap out the barrels, then resell the RH rifle wearing my old 375 barrel. The end goal is to have two complimentary rifles with the same barrel and sight configurations - a 375 and 458 Lott. The magazines and follower should need minimal work with the cartridges being in the same family.

I have a few questions which I am hoping the forum can help answer.

1) Are the barrel threads the same on a LH and RH rifle? I'm guessing the answer is yes as they are (were) manufactured separately from the receivers.
2) Are there any differences between a CZ and Brno barrel that would prevent me from taking the barrel from Brno? I am concerned about the position of the recoil lug under the rear sights, and also the dimensions of the threads.
3) The donor barrel from a right-handed rifle would need a new extractor cut out on the left-hand side. Would there be any potential issues with two cut-outs on opposite sides of the same barrel?

Any information and advice would be happily received.

 

[Nhoro]

CZ has two different barrel configurations i believe, not sure about Brno. Older cz barrels have no barrel recoil lug. More modern barrels have a slotted lug which accepts a shaped nut and tightens into the forendas well as a lug that mates to a steel insert in the forend. Not sure of the year that they added the extra barrel lug.

 

[Hunter4752001]

It was always my belief that the Brno 602 barrels and the CZ550 Magnum barrels were the same. However this is only my belief and not proven fact. The Brno 602 barrel also has a slotted lug and nut for tightening into the forend. The steel insert is shaped like a sideways L on the Brno and like a sideways F on the CZ. See parts 19 and 79 on Brno diagram.

There are probably members on this forum who have changed barrels and can give first hand knowledge. Alternatively send an email to Wayne at American Hunting Rifles who has most likely dealt with the issue and could give advice.

I know I would be interested in learning the outcome.

 

[Nhoro]

It was always my belief that the Brno 602 barrels and the CZ550 Magnum barrels were the same. However this is only my belief and not proven fact. The Brno 602 barrel also has a slotted lug and nut for tightening into the forend. The steel insert is shaped like a sideways L on the Brno and like a sideways F on the CZ. See parts 19 and 79 on Brno diagram.

There are probably members on this forum who have changed barrels and can give first hand knowledge. Alternatively send an email to Wayne at American Hunting Rifles who has most likely dealt with the issue and could give advice.

I know I would be interested in learning the outcome.

That is interesting. The barrel looks the same but the insert is different to the cz 550 exactly as you describe. I have read somewhere that earlier cz rifles left out this extra lug. It is a guess but maybe re- barrelled cz's have left the barrel lug off. I read that those rifles tended to split stocks so the lug is important. I would guess a good Smith can solder it on ?