Author Topic: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking  (Read 4259 times)

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Offline RHardelich

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Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« on: February 27, 2024, 08:55:34 PM »
I am new here, and I hope I am not opening an old wound by rehashing what might be an already over talked about issue.
But.....
Has anyone heard of possible barrel conversions for the Bren 2?  CZ touted the barrel conversions as a selling feature (if I had a dime for every manufacturer that promised this..) and I purchased an 8 inch for a very good price.  I really wanted an 11 inch or longer, but the one I purchased was NIB and at a very good price.  So, I thought, meh, why not and later I can scoop up a longer barrel.  Well, its been about 3 years and I have not heard a peep about conversions from CZ.  I emailed them, but received a vague answer basically saying there were prioritizing other things at the moment.  I corned a CZ sales rep at my dealer and he was clueless.  I know a 300 blk was talked about last year.
The 8 inch is very pleasant, light, and great shooting. I am not complaining
I would prefer the 11 inch or 14 though. 
Anyway, thought I would ask around
Thanks!!

Offline MeatAxe

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2024, 02:09:06 AM »
I am new here, and I hope I am not opening an old wound by rehashing what might be an already over talked about issue.
But.....
Has anyone heard of possible barrel conversions for the Bren 2?  CZ touted the barrel conversions as a selling feature (if I had a dime for every manufacturer that promised this..) and I purchased an 8 inch for a very good price.  I really wanted an 11 inch or longer, but the one I purchased was NIB and at a very good price.  So, I thought, meh, why not and later I can scoop up a longer barrel.  Well, its been about 3 years and I have not heard a peep about conversions from CZ.  I emailed them, but received a vague answer basically saying there were prioritizing other things at the moment.  I corned a CZ sales rep at my dealer and he was clueless.  I know a 300 blk was talked about last year.
The 8 inch is very pleasant, light, and great shooting. I am not complaining
I would prefer the 11 inch or 14 though. 
Anyway, thought I would ask around
Thanks!!


Contrary to what CZ led us to believe from the beginning, there are no replacement barrels available from CZ USA for the Bren 2. The only thing available is a few 5.56 caliber 922r “carbine kits” available once in a while for @ $900+!!! Outrageous!!!

The only aftermarket barrels I know of available in alternative lengths / calibers are from Mos-Tek, which cost @ $560 plus you’ll need an unobtainable gas block and barrel extension from CZ USA, which would drive the price to @ $1,000 (if they could even be found) and then take several months to fabricate.

Had I known of this parts unavailability in advance, I never would have bought a Bren 2.

The only way to get readily available barrel lengths and alternative calibers for a semi - auto sporting rifles is to buy a Robinson Armament XCR, which is a much better rifle than the Bren 2, all the way around:


https://robinsonarmament.com/
« Last Edit: February 28, 2024, 02:28:24 AM by MeatAxe »

Offline RHardelich

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2024, 04:22:32 PM »
Thanks for responding
This is disappointing for sure. Those options are not worth the money.
I agree, I would not have purchased if I would have known the CZ conversions were a fantasy.
You think the XCR is a better rifle?  I have flirted with these.  The only Robinson firearms I own are their Veprs from 20 years ago and they are very good AKs!  I do really like the Bren, so if you like the XCR more, maybe I will have to relook at the XCR..
So, it seems the only way to change barrel lengths is to maybe swap with someone.  And hope they have not beat the hell out of it

Offline RSR

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Offline MeatAxe

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #4 on: February 29, 2024, 12:48:04 PM »
Thanks for responding
This is disappointing for sure. Those options are not worth the money.
I agree, I would not have purchased if I would have known the CZ conversions were a fantasy.
You think the XCR is a better rifle?  I have flirted with these.  The only Robinson firearms I own are their Veprs from 20 years ago and they are very good AKs!  I do really like the Bren, so if you like the XCR more, maybe I will have to relook at the XCR..
So, it seems the only way to change barrel lengths is to maybe swap with someone.  And hope they have not beat the hell out of it

The good thing about the Bren 2 (11” bbl.) is that it’s light, handy and ergonomic. Would make a great backpack or vehicle gun. Accuracy is mediocre, say 2-3” moa. My x39 has not had any jamming issues (so far) but with the unavailability of even basic spare parts, I haven’t shot it much.

The XCR-L in x39 (12” bbl) is a little bit heavier but more accurate (1-2” moa) and has much better parts availability than CZ despite Rob Arms being a “ boutique” manufacturer. Also extremely easy to change calibers with a simple barrel / bolt swap (e.g. 6.5 Grendel). Also has a multi adjustable gas block, which also makes functional barrel / caliber swaps easy.

« Last Edit: February 29, 2024, 02:32:45 PM by MeatAxe »

Offline MeatAxe

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #5 on: February 29, 2024, 02:13:28 PM »
They offered at least as of November 2023 -- might be worth reaching out:
https://mos-tek.com/product/cz-bren-ms-2/

https://www.facebook.com/mostek.info/posts/pfbid025tVgVz1iKi2HqzYCCVWPQdXMfFU3GtQQrCGo5pFDRncQBk4YSS6t66w4ssxCeti4l


The problem is that Mos-Tek needs both a barrel extension and a gas block to make the barrel conversion — none of which are available from CZ USA at any given time. Even if those parts were available, they’d push the price up to close to $1,000. Therefore, MosTek will have to use those parts off your existing barrel, which pretty much defeats the purpose of having interchangeable barrel lengths / calibers.

The other problem is that the Bren 2 gas system has very limited adjustment and is very sensitive to barrel length and caliber changes as far as reliability. So, you’d likely need an aftermarket adjustable gas system from KNS or HBI to get it to work, which adds more $$$ to the equation.
« Last Edit: February 29, 2024, 02:21:23 PM by MeatAxe »

Offline RHardelich

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #6 on: February 29, 2024, 04:25:48 PM »
The 8 inch is extremely nimble, and I am sure the 11 inch is also which why I would rather have that and better ballistics.
But oh well,
Thanks for the info
I am now watching some XCR videos so... maybe not thanks - lol

Online Wobbly

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2024, 08:55:05 AM »
Mark -

Welcome from Georgia.

Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with all the sticky posts in the 'New Members' section. Together with the Help Topics in the 'Important Information !' or 'FAQ' sub-section, these include 'how tos' such as 'how to' post pictures on the forum.

• Your second post has already been removed due to rule violations. We'll have a much easier time if you will please read and follow our rules. Thank you.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2024, 07:42:45 AM by Wobbly »
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Offline armoredman

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Re: Bren 2 barrel conversions, don't hate me for asking
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2024, 01:28:37 AM »
I have heard of caliber switching kits, but never saw one anywhere in the States. It is possible that one exists, or prototyping in the Czech Republic, but with the very close by war and production of small arms for some VERY nervous countries, they might have put that well on the back burner.
As for the 11 incher - the 5.56mm 11 incher is a tack driver, very light and handy, a fantastic large format pistol.