The Original CZ Forum
CZ LONG ARMS => CZ BREN => Topic started by: BKmetz on February 25, 2018, 10:35:40 PM
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40 years ago I when I was single I bought some guns including an AR15 for around $375 if I recall correctly. Then I fell in love, got married, made some kids, bought a house, etc, and it came down to every young father's dilemma: family needs a washer/dryer/new tires/etc, and something had to give. I could always buy another AR-15 so it and some other guns were sacrificed for the good of the family. Back then I didn't have the time or money to go shooting with anything except my Remington .22 552 BDL Deluxe, which I still have. Now we jump 40 years later and all the hard work is behind me. Kids are all grown up. College is paid for. House is paid off. The weddings are behind me. So now it's my time again. The wife & I are enjoying all these grandkids we're getting. I'm still working but now it's on my terms.
What does a man do who sacrificed his toys decades ago? He goes out and gets new toys! To me an AR is meh... I had an AR decades before it was cool. About 10 years ago I discovered CZ and when the Bren 805 came out, that's the one for me. What is the Bren 805 Project? Simple, I have the budget to do whatever I want this time, no compromises. And I'm going to do it. I'll have my 805 in a week. I'm starting with a stock Bren 805 carbine. Lets build it up.
Some stuff is simple, forward grip on the rail, upgraded rail panels, upgrade the charging handle. I've read through some of the threads and there are some hardware upgrades like better take-down pins.
Optics? I like Trijicon. Night optics for coyote hunting? Doable. This is where I'll need the most help.
Cerakote? I'm liking some of the two-tone color schemes I've seen. I'm leaning with leaving the lower receiver black and go with an OD green on the upper receiver, rail, and folding stock. When I add optics they'll be black so the rifle should have a balanced look.
Bayonet? Yes, just because. The cool looking CZ one from Europe.
My optics knowledge is really weak. 10,000 options and the sky is the limit for cost. I can handle the cost, it's the 10,000 options part that overwhelms me.
So with the collective wisdom of the forum, I'm counting on getting some good advice. Let the wish list begin!
:)
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https://youtu.be/arZdeg_fL-I
Seriously, looking forward to this one. 8)
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That is EXACTLY the attitude that I'm approaching this build with.
:)
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I ordered the bayonet from euro-military.com. It is being shipped from the Czech Republic. This is the exact same item sold through CZ-USA. The bayonet is back ordered through CZ-USA. I'll have the bayonet from Europe next week. As I've ordered parts and accessories from CZ-USA before, it can take months for them to restock items.
The bayonet will be a companion piece as the US-spec Bren carbine has a 16" barrel and the bayonet is for the Euro-Bren with the 14" barrel.
:)
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Unless you SBR and then order the 14 incher from CZ-USA.
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Right now my plan is to stay with the 16" barrel. The 14" is an option if I choose to go with a more Euro look.
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For an optic, that's stone cold reliable, battle proven, and is at the top of most everyone list, check out the Trijicon ACOG.
Several flavors to choose from.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
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Pricey, too. :) Only optic I know is my cheapie Bushnell TRS32 that works great and the EOTech I had that didn't. Never had the scratch for a Trijicon, never got to play with one.
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Currently my BREN has a MEOPTA 1-4x22 RD KDOT O0 O0 O0 which is a perfect match for a BREN...however I am selling it as my loadout requirements changed...message me if you want to discuss putting a real Czech optic on your Czech gun.
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I have a Primary Arms 4-14x44 ACSS HUD reticle...awesome for this rifle, and can reach out to 600+ if need be.
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-riflescope-acss-hud-dmr-5-56-nato-reticle-pa4-14xffp-acss-hud-dmr-5.56
If closer items needs scoping, a simple and reliable Aimpoint Pro red dot does the trick...and won't break the bank.
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Currently my BREN has a MEOPTA 1-4x22 RD KDOT O0 O0 O0 which is a perfect match for a BREN...however I am selling it as my loadout requirements changed...message me if you want to discuss putting a real Czech optic on your Czech gun.
That would be awesome, no idea if I could afford it, but PM sent. :)
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I have a Primary Arms 4-14x44 ACSS HUD reticle...awesome for this rifle, and can reach out to 600+ if need be.
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-riflescope-acss-hud-dmr-5-56-nato-reticle-pa4-14xffp-acss-hud-dmr-5.56
If closer items needs scoping, a simple and reliable Aimpoint Pro red dot does the trick...and won't break the bank.
If you are using your BREN as a DMR...sure...but that seems a bit overkill for what the BREN is designed to do.
I think a LPV is more suitable, fixed 4x or red dot....4-14x is really more for a 18"+ SPR rifle....but if you it serves you well...that is all that matters.
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All suggestions will be considered. Trijicon! (insert Homer Simpson drool sound...)
Still waiting for the Bren to get shipped...
:)
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Things are starting to happen. My Bren was finally shipped out to my local FFL guy. The bayonet has already arrived from Europe. It's a beast of a knife.
(https://i.imgur.com/nClChg6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Here is how the CZ bayonet compares to the US M7
(https://i.imgur.com/Oxt6Nt3.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Another comparison photo.
(https://i.imgur.com/YisnmYI.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
:)
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I also spanked the VISA hard with lots of accessories coming in the mail. A short list in no particular order.
Lancer Systems magazines in various capacities
Czech military sling for the Bren, CZ Bren tool kit, and a CZ grip insert
Hogue soft rifle case
Troy front & rear tritium battle sights
FAB Defense foregrip with built in bipod
KNS Precision extended charging handle, Picatinny side panels, and push-button take down pins
that bonus check went fast. I call it a good start.
:D
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Your credit card company LOVES you! 8)
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The Bren was delivered to my local FFL guy today. As I live in IL I have to wait 24 hours to pick it up.
I also received my Lancer Systems magazines. Nice stuff.
(https://i.imgur.com/N3syeqJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
More goodies expected to arrive tomorrow.
:D
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WOOHOO! The wait is over. The Bren has arrived. It's on like Donkey Kong!!
(https://i.imgur.com/ItyviC7.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
:D
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Looks great, congrats
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Some updates:
Took the Bren out over the weekend and put a few rounds through it. Very nice. I'm going to enjoy owning and shooting this rifle for years.
(https://i.imgur.com/lMh0VgL.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Some general observations.
I installed the KNS extended bent charging handle and take down pins. These are great little upgrades. I did not install the side rails because I don't have anything to install there yet. Side rail use is pending.
I mounted the Troy tritium battle sights but one can only tell that if they're within 2 feet of the rifle. I won't really know if these are an improvement until I do some twilight shooting. I guess the sights are a vanity item for now.
The slightly larger CZ Bren handle insert is a good upgrade for those with larger hands. My issue is I have large palms but short thin fingers. So having something bigger for my palm helps. As one can see by the photo the difference is subtle, but it helps. The insert is only larger in the thumb area. The large insert is the top one, and factory stock is obviously the lower one.
(https://i.imgur.com/0iBhA8k.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
As the Bren weighs a bit more than the average AR-15, I'm glad I opted for the foregrip/bypod. It really helps hold the rifle steady and reduces fatigue a lot (I'm not a kid anymore). I can already see the advantage of getting one of those low profile ergonomic foregrips.
When I installed the Czech military sling (euro-military.com) on the left side, I could see it would interfere with the charging handle so the charging handle was moved to the right side. This helps a lot as when changing out magazines I can hold the rifle steady with the left hand and use the right hand to change magazines and use the charging handle. For me anyway, it's a smoother operation. At least with CZ I have to flexibility to change the charging handle back if I figure out a better technique.
AFAIK, no one has ever posted photos of the tool kit. So here we go.
(https://i.imgur.com/G69D0Kk.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
The pouch has two pockets inside that close up with Velcro. The upper pocket contains the 3 cleaning rod extensions. The lower pocket contains the two cleaning brushes, two copper bore brushes, one packet of patches, an all purpose tool, the sight adjustment tool, and a combo tool that is a #20 torx on one end and a drift punch on the other. The drift punch end is used to remove various pins and worked great for changing out the handle insert. That's the only tool I have used so far out of the set.
So far so good!
:)
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So what does the Bren carbine look like with the bayonet? Not good.
(https://i.imgur.com/vVPPQLO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
:o
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Wicked.
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I've kicked around getting a Bren for some time now. I have a Barnes Precision AR and figured that was enough. I had a blast tricking it out it out., After reading your intro ( our situations are very, very similar) I now have Brens on my watch list on gunbroker. I'll get one soon. I am enjoying your thread quite a bit. Guns should be fun and you are having fun. That's one of the things it's all about. Enjoy!
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I have a Primary Arms 4-14x44 ACSS HUD reticle...awesome for this rifle, and can reach out to 600+ if need be.
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-riflescope-acss-hud-dmr-5-56-nato-reticle-pa4-14xffp-acss-hud-dmr-5.56
If closer items needs scoping, a simple and reliable Aimpoint Pro red dot does the trick...and won't break the bank.
If you are using your BREN as a DMR...sure...but that seems a bit overkill for what the BREN is designed to do.
I think a LPV is more suitable, fixed 4x or red dot....4-14x is really more for a 18"+ SPR rifle....but if you it serves you well...that is all that matters.
I might make mention that I have loaded an Athlon Helos on it & also a Hi-Lux Leatherman CMR, along with the Aimpoint & Primary Arms ACSS.
All are solid choices for the Bren Carbine, IMHO
YMMV
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Just bought a FDE one on GB. I look forward to reading how you modify yours and all of the advice on here.
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Just installed the Stryker Enterprises charging handle on my Bren and it feels nice racking the carrier, though it rubs the finish more than the stock handle. Haven't shot the rifle with it installed yet. The handle is angled down to help clear mounting bolts/nuts.
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The Bren is coming along little by little. A few more items arrived in the mail today. I didn't like the way the sling was attached in this photo. I tried it and having the sling threaded through the loops is going to wear the sling out in short order.
(https://i.imgur.com/7MornBO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
I bought these HK style snap rings. The little covers are called silencers so one doesn't hear the metal to metal clinking when carrying the rifle. There are three color options; black, green, and FDE tan. I ordered one black and one green. I know it looks tan but it is a shade of OD green.
(https://i.imgur.com/OxjHLAJ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Some photos of the front receiver attachment points.
(https://i.imgur.com/g8EXeyN.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Wuag36K.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
And a few photos of the rear receiver attachment points.
(https://i.imgur.com/niuF3yp.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/XIx76bp.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
:)
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where did you buy those sling snap rings and covers?
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where did you buy those sling snap rings and covers?
urbanertslings.com/
They have a great selection of slings and sling accessories.
:)
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Thanks. My FFL just texted me that my Bren is at his house. I get to pick it up tomorrow.
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Thanks. My FFL just texted me that my Bren is at his house. I get to pick it up tomorrow.
Enjoy! :D
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Sweet!
I have my Czech sling set up the original way, haven't seen any real wear on it yet. The sling snaps look interesting.
i agree, a foregrip is needed for us weak guys, (old fat and weak, to be completely honest), to hold her steady while standing.
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More sling options! I changed out the HK sling snap rings for some sling swivels. The swivel install kit is from parkermountainmachine.com. The swivels are from urbanertslings.com.
(https://i.imgur.com/BJSnnfm.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
The front swivel adapter is a tight fit against the side rail cover. Some filing on that lower part might be in order at some point.
(https://i.imgur.com/DWp1lzM.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Front install all done.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bpf9mLa.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Another view of the front swivel.
(https://i.imgur.com/A38Dwqe.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
The rear swivel adapter installs the same as the front.
(https://i.imgur.com/glx4UTi.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Another view of the rear swivel adapter to show that there is plenty of clearance with the stock take down push-button and the folding stock hinge.
(https://i.imgur.com/4YivUJU.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Rear install all done.
(https://i.imgur.com/qM75YC8.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Another photo just because.
(https://i.imgur.com/RUSs9tr.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
I do like the swivel rings more than the HK snap rings or just threading the sling through the slits. Attach/detach is much faster. One can mount the swivel adapters inboard of the receiver or outboard as I did. That's part is personal preference.
:)
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I also installed the FAB foregrip. It is smaller and lighter than the FAB foregrip/bipod that was there. The good thing about picatinny rails is that it only takes a minute to change things.
(https://i.imgur.com/T5V4c5S.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
And here is a photo of the Project Bren 805 as of today. There is a paper towel behind the rifle to keep it from getting scratched on the floor. ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/OY7iUFy.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
This about ends the little stuff. Next is the Cerakote. My local gunsmith guy does it but not in cold weather. His paint shop is in an out building and it costs too much to heat from Nov to April. I can wait. After that it's the big one, OPTICS! More on optics later.
:)
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I need that QD slot up front....looks slick.
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The Bren is coming along little by little. A few more items arrived in the mail today. I didn't like the way the sling was attached in this photo. I tried it and having the sling threaded through the loops is going to wear the sling out in short order.
(https://i.imgur.com/7MornBO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
I bought these HK style snap rings. The little covers are called silencers so one doesn't hear the metal to metal clinking when carrying the rifle. There are three color options; black, green, and FDE tan. I ordered one black and one green. I know it looks tan but it is a shade of OD green.
(https://i.imgur.com/OxjHLAJ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Some photos of the front receiver attachment points.
(https://i.imgur.com/g8EXeyN.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Wuag36K.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
And a few photos of the rear receiver attachment points.
(https://i.imgur.com/niuF3yp.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/XIx76bp.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
:)
I bet those silencers also keep the metal from marring the finish on the Bren too! Great idea
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I dropped off the Bren 805 today at an area shop to get the receiver Cerakoted. A shout-out to Applied Arsenal Finishes. http://appliedarsenalfinishes.com/ (http://appliedarsenalfinishes.com/) I chose Applied Arsenal Finishes as they're less than an hour from where I live. AAF has a CNC machine and a 3D printer so they can do a lot of custom work besides Cerakote. The owner Brandon is making a name for himself by 3D printing Canik flared mag-wells. He showed me a customers TP9SFX with one installed. Nice fit & finish. Now I want one... On to the Bren!
I looked at all the color options and it can be almost overwhelming. Brandon showed me this 1911 frame he just finished in the H Series Cobalt (H-112). Yup, that's the one. In the photo it looks like there could be a touch of green but when you see it for real it's just a nice very flat dark grey.
(https://i.imgur.com/6smyAv0.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
All the lettering on the receiver will be in white just as the serial number is now so it should look very sharp when it's done. Other color contenders were Magpul green (H231), Midnight Bronze (H-294), Tungsten (H-237), & Sniper Grey (H-234).
The bayonet is going to redone in Graphite Black (H-146) as I'm not impressed with the black polycoat(?) finish CZ puts on it. I should have my gun and bayonet back in around 4 weeks. Of course there will be lots of photos.
AAF also does M1 Garand rebuilds so Brandon is going to go through mine and check everything out and make sure it's all within specifications. It's nice having a one-stop shop in the area.
:)
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Project Bren is moving along. I got my Bren back from a Cerakote shop a few weeks ago. It turned out very nice. I wanted subtle and understated and I believe I got exactly what I wanted. The upper receiver is Cobalt H112 with white fill on the lettering. Everything else I left alone.
Indirect sunlight on my back porch.
(https://i.imgur.com/oT5HymQ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Another angle, same lighting.
(https://i.imgur.com/rIq9f3u.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Indoor lighting, 2700K LED (incandescent equivalent) .
(https://i.imgur.com/pPrnoEV.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Close up of the white fill on the lettering.
(https://i.imgur.com/UEalMg2.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Photo taken on my work bench with 5000K LED shop lights, more or less equivalent to direct sunlight. The color looks silver now.
(https://i.imgur.com/RSZXJ5Y.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/06aKJS9.png)
Next will be optics. I'm not sure which direction I'm going yet. It will be a while before I make an optic decision as I have several irons in the fire for the next few months.
:)
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to me the rear sling mount...even with PMM is way to high and interferes a lot...thank goodness my MS ACR conversion stock block has a QD mount below...makes things much better.
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to me the rear sling mount...even with PMM is way to high and interferes a lot...thank goodness my MS ACR conversion stock block has a QD mount below...makes things much better.
I do like the looks of the MS ACR better than CZ factory one. I see what you mean regarding the rear sling mount. I'm going to add the ACR conversion stock to the 'to do' list.
:)
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ACR stock in my opinion is a must...the 805's factory stock sucks...M4 style stock adapters just look ugly...the ACR looks like its made for the rifle...you'll love it once you get it.