Bren 805 better than Bren 2?

[TenSix]

I recently got bit by the CZ bug so naturally I?m looking at buying a Bren pistol/carbine.  After much research I see that most everyone is looking forward to the Bren 2, and the general consensus is that the Bren 2 is better than the 805. That?s where I?m a little confused...

My priorities for a rifle are accuracy, reliability, and durability. It seems that the 805 surpasses the Bren 2 in at least two of those categories. The 805 has a better trigger which I assume would aid in accuracy. It is more over-built which would aid in durability. And the 805 has been in service with multiple military forces, so reliability isn?t a concern either.

I understand that the light weight and improved ergonomics of the Bren 2 are crucial for soldiers who have to haul it everywhere they go. But for a civilian shooter like myself, wouldn?t an 805 be a better value?

Thanks for the feedback. Please let me know If I?m misunderstanding anything.

[armoredman]

The 805 is a VERY well built rifle, indeed. For 99% of civilian uses, it is just fine, indeed. The changes were from a military standpoint, for ease of use in a battlefield environment,being lighter and of course, the bolt release..in two places. I don't carry my BREN many places other than the range, and it usually rides in a case, so the weight doesn't become an issue, not being a grunt in the field. I might be a wee bit tired if I take her hunting with me, but that's why I also have the excellent CZ military 3 point sling, too. 
I don't know about durability, because the 805 really hasn't had any noted long term issues I am aware of, while the BREN 2 is no new there hasn't been time for any issues to crop up. I would have to assume made with CZ toughness and quality that both rifles will keep on working long after I am done.
The only thing that could negatively impact the BREN 805 is the lack of spare parts as the firearm is discontinued, but since they are still in service, in the Czech Army as second line, if nothing else, so spare parts will most likely be available for some time.
The last cool thing is - they are orphans. They were only imported into the US for about 2 years. While not really RARE, they are far more limited numbers than many other "service" grade rifles. I had a buddy of mine watch me shoot my BREN 805 a month or so ago, and when I mentioned that being an FDE BREN 805 it's a relatively uncommon rifle, he wanted to know why I was shooting my collectors item! Is aid, "Is rifle. Is to be shot."
Long story short, go for it, grab one - you won't be disappointed

[mig1nc]

The Bren 2 has been in military service for several years now. So I don't really have any concerns about durability.

The ergonomic improvements are not insignificant. The non-reciprocating charging handle alone is a big deal to me.

The 805 was actually overbuilt, sort of by accident. You can read about the history of that aspect elsewhere. Which is one reason it is so heavy.

Marines were making headshots with rack M16A4s with ACOGs at several hundred yards in Iraq using crap triggers. I think I could deal with the Bren 2 trigger.

In the end, I think you need to look at the balance of what changed and what improved. Assuming durability is a wash in practical terms between the two (both are military tough), the only thing that the 805 has left over the Bren 2 is the trigger. I think the 2 pretty much beats out the 805 in every other way.



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[CZBren805]

The two models are surprisingly different.  In addition to the characteristics previously mentioned, I would also recommend thinking about how you want to use it.  Consider the comparison in the graphic below. 

The Bren 2 upper is substantially shorter.  It is lighter and more nimble but the Bren 805 is more stable and sturdy.  If you are going to use the weapon for shooting courses or dynamic tactical situations like CQB then maybe the Bren 2 is better for mobility.  On the other hand, if you are just doing range shooting and hunting then you may prefer the solid feel of the Bren 805.

So which is more fun to drive, an autobahn cruiser or a sports car?

[indianalex01]

The two models are surprisingly different.  In addition to the characteristics previously mentioned, I would also recommend thinking about how you want to use it.  Consider the comparison in the graphic below. 

The Bren 2 upper is substantially shorter.  It is lighter and more nimble but the Bren 805 is more stable and sturdy.  If you are going to use the weapon for shooting courses or dynamic tactical situations like CQB then maybe the Bren 2 is better for mobility.  On the other hand, if you are just doing range shooting and hunting then you may prefer the solid feel of the Bren 805.

So which is more fun to drive, an autobahn cruiser or a sports car?

I have a Bren 2 and it has the best stock trigger of any 5.56mm mag fed rifle I?ve ever shot.  And you are saying the 805 trigger is even better?  Wow, that must be an awesome trigger.  I need to check one out. Prices are good on the 805.

[CZBren805]

A couple of video comparisons from Mischaco that have been shared before.  Re-posting in case it is useful.

https://youtu.be/vWImMyKLS7U

https://youtu.be/j7r3RF2H0dY

[TenSix]

The Bren 805 is showing to have a chrome lined barrel. Anyone know if the Bren 2 also has a chrome lined barrel?

Not a lot of info on the Bren 2 barrel

Thanks

[FelonyJo]

I understand that the light weight and improved ergonomics of the Bren 2 are crucial for soldiers who have to haul it everywhere they go. But for a civilian shooter like myself, wouldn?t an 805 be a better value?

Thanks for the feedback. Please let me know If I?m misunderstanding anything.
[/quote]

Great question that I think you also answered. If you like shooting but your life isn?t depending on this weapon outside of some unforeseen apocalypse, you probably do not need the lightest, latest greatest. That being said, I carry my 805 weekly at work on a Task Force. The added weight is negligible to me. I jump out of a vehicle and pull perimeter or make entry and clear a structure. I?ve never once felt it was too heavy. And the plus side of a heavy weapon is recoil. I literally had a friend video me shooting as fast and as accurately as I could in super slo mo, and the barrel literally doesn?t move shot to shot. And Not one malfunction either. Ever.

[TenSix]

Great question that I think you also answered. If you like shooting but your life isn?t depending on this weapon outside of some unforeseen apocalypse, you probably do not need the lightest, latest greatest. That being said, I carry my 805 weekly at work on a Task Force. The added weight is negligible to me. I jump out of a vehicle and pull perimeter or make entry and clear a structure. I?ve never once felt it was too heavy. And the plus side of a heavy weapon is recoil. I literally had a friend video me shooting as fast and as accurately as I could in super slo mo, and the barrel literally doesn?t move shot to shot. And Not one malfunction either. Ever.

I also carry a hefty piston AR with a bunch of crap attached to it on duty. And like you, I use it as a perimeter gun so I?m usually prone or it?s rested on a tree, vehicle, etc. For building searches, I go to my pistol. So I don?t think I?ll mind the extra weight of the 805.  Plus i think it?s kinda cool to have a gun that?s been discontinued and somewhat ?collectible.?

With that said it seems that I?ll be paying less for the Bren 2 when it?s available due to the increasing prices for the 805.

[Aries144]

I have a Bren 2 and it has the best stock trigger of any 5.56mm mag fed rifle I?ve ever shot.  And you are saying the 805 trigger is even better?  Wow, that must be an awesome trigger.  I need to check one out. Prices are good on the 805.

Same thoughts here.

The weight is up to you. I come from a competition background where my competition buddies and I spent a lot of time drilling and testing out this and that. I personally like lighter weight, specifically on the front end to compensate for a suppressor there. If you ever spend a lot of time with a suppressor on an AK-74 type rifle, you'll know what I mean. The center of balance on that config was in the middle of the front handguard. After an hour or two spent shooting standing or kneeling unsupported with a setup like that, you notice fatigue is hurting your performance compared to something with less weight up front.

[bravo5two]

Comparing the 16" Bren carbine to 11" Bren pistol, weight is much more balance IMO with the pistol.  I have mine with an SB brace and it is one sweet package.  Trigger is outstanding for a factory/rack grade gun. Decent accuracy at 1.5 moa with 4x scope and my 55 gr hand loads using Sierra blitzking bullets.

[Type5]

I like my Bren 2s, 11” Pistol a lot. 1/300 and all that but my trigger is not safe - I have years of competition under my belt - it is not that it is too light - it is that it is UNPREDICTABLE!
Stock 805 triggers - in my experience of 1 Bren 2s, are better. Most everyone’s results are at odds to mine!
I will buy a good aftermarket trigger towards the idea of an SBR.
In the meantime the B&T APC 223 is available and it has my attention- lots of parts options.
I am new to CZ and I am SOOOOOO happy that that they’ve given us the P10 series, 805 series and Bren 2(et al) - but there is MAXIMUM frustration on my part about the latest rollout: any information is better than the premature thrill they gave us.
Communication is key, the folks in Kansas City have not heard that. If there are problems, let us know: no news, bad news or I don’t know.
Kind of a low level rant - but 805 = good. 2s = good and only GOD ALMIGHTY ABOVE knows about 2 MS and if and when it maybe, probably or will ever come to market.

[Brenfan]

OP,
If I were you, I would get the Bren 805 1 while you can.
Better trigger, a lot less recoil = a better shooter.
Its amazing how you stay on target effortleslay with the ps1
Imo, the only area the Bren 2 wins is in weight.
But, if your not in the armed services.......?
Just my 2 pennies

[DDNC]

The B2 isn’t better, it’s just lighter (more recoil) and more modular and comes in x39 as an option.
The B1 has a much better trigger group though.

[Brenfan]

The B2 isn’t better, it’s just lighter (more recoil) and more modular and comes in x39 as an option.
The B1 has a much better trigger group though.

That's an excellent pot imo.
Will they making the Bren 2 in .308?