Want to Change Your 805 to the Czech Pattern Mag ...

[z00mie]

Well, here is CZ's kit! AK Style Mag release too!
https://shop.cz-usa.com/ProductDetail/19990_805-Bren-Retro-Magazine-Kit

[AKToday]

I have bought two(2) of these already ---- do be aware that the stabilizing pin hole IS NOT drilled even though the picture shows it.   I called CZ and two people there tell me it was not a screw-up, and you have to drill the holes yourself.   The original  BREN design did not have the stabilizing pin hole and it was requested by the military later.  I assume the molds were not changed and the hole is drilled on new rifles after they are put together ---- kind of like an AR-15 front sight tower--basically no taper pins two are exactly the same since they are drilled after it is put on barrel.   Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[BisonWorld]

you are correct

[armoredman]

So what would the possible benefits be?

[AKToday]

Armoredman --are you asking what the benefit of changing to EURO mag pattern would be     In my case, none, other than having one in EURO pattern and one in NATO pattern mags.   What little I have messed with it, the NATO pattern is faster release and reload---but I just wanted a different one too.

[BisonWorld]

the original Bren magazines have about a .050 longer internal length, so if you are a reloader, you could load out your bullets further. get a couple extra grains of powder or load a slightly longer bullet. opens up some possibilities if you were to ever go to a different caliber as well perhaps 

[AKToday]

Thanks BisonWorld  -- did not know that info.  I haven't even had time to really study that---BREN is at gunsmith right now to get stablizing hole drilled on EURO mag block

[armoredman]

I see - Bison, been reloading for several years now, including .223. Never needed any further out length - is the chamber that much longer, or is it 5.56mm standard? Not Wylde or anything oddball, right?
If it's just to have it, why not, go for it. I was looking at practical with availability of magazines.

[BisonWorld]

nothing oddball, but the throat is long enough that you can load those heavier bullets out a little further, no huge benefit, but a slight one. honestly I still prefer the regular STANAG pattern mags just for compatibility among platforms, though I may switch over to the bren mags for my grendel, it remains to be seen. my reamer does finally get here next week though.  and now that I've side tracked a bit, I doubt there is any real world practical difference other than what I described, actually probably some downsides as the mag release position is different for the bren mags and may be slower for people who are familiar with the AR15 system. but hey, it's cool

eta:  if you are more familiar with ak or scorpion evo style mag changes, you may find you like it more.

[z00mie]

Armoredman --are you asking what the benefit of changing to EURO mag pattern would be     In my case, none, other than having one in EURO pattern and one in NATO pattern mags.   What little I have messed with it, the NATO pattern is faster release and reload---but I just wanted a different one too.

For me, I collect as well as shoot. It would be the original design configuration, more desirable, yet less practical.

[armoredman]

That's certainly a good reason.

[Sgt. Mac]

Are the Euro mags available somewhere?

[AKToday]

Hello Sgt Mac --the EURO magwell from CZ-USA comes with five mags.   Don't see any other for sale yet except occasionally on GunBroker.com ---- and there are some for sale right now on GunBroker.com

[AKToday]

Hello everyone.     Anybody that wants to get the "retro" (EURO) magwell installed and stabilizing pin hole drilled perfect ----- just contact :  The Gun Shop, in Jacksonsville, Tx and ask for Rodger. (Ph 903-589-4500)   They have done several of mine and it looks just like it came from factory that way.

[mikec]

I second that.  Gun Shop did mine too, excellent job, fast turn around, reasonable price, good communications, what more can you ask for?

I like the translucent CZ mags better.  Haven't tested them yet, but if there are anything like plastics used in Steyr AUG or Sig 550 series mags, they are far durable than any AR15 mags.

It's little bit of a pain right now that CZ USA sells only the "retro combo", 5 mags and mag well, so if you want 15 or 20 mags for your rifle you would have to buy 3 or 4 kits (and wind up with 3 or 4 mag wells) or scrounge mags from Internet few at a time.  Why can't CZ USA sell mags only??  And rather than "retro" they really are the "original" ones.  They are being politically correct, since Americans like AR style mags.