The CZ 511 is essentially the same gun as the older Brno 581 which had previously been in production since the 1950s, the newer name simply reflecting the rebranding of Brno to CZ. Its design therefore comes with a strong pedigree, and even owners of older Brno models report that their rifles still shoot well and cycle flawlessly with the right ammunition, a testament to the outstanding build quality associated with the factory. It sold exceptionally well in the US where, after imports ceased in 2001, demand was so high that they resumed them in 2005.

Many consider this rifle to be mechanically superior to the highly popular Ruger 10/22 and it is a great, no-nonsense .22 semi-auto that still holds a timeless appeal. Both Brno and CZ may carry something of an unfair reputation for making guns destined for the budget market, but don’t let this put you off. This model (as are all Brno and CZ guns) is very highly regarded and much sought-after in the US where it is considered something of a collector’s piece, and it is strange that it has never attracted a similar regard over here. Reasonably priced they may be, it is the buyer’s gain that prices for used examples will probably be low, so if you are looking 
for a well-made, reliable and accurate semi-automatic rifle the CZ 511 is definitely one 
to consider.