806 Bren - The Ugly Step Sister..?

[GeeMan]

A personal opinion/food for thought post.  So...  is it just me, or is the Bren losing it's 'sex appeal' in the upcoming 806 model (depicted in the photos at the link below)..?  Back when I first saw the 805 in photographs in late 2014, before ever even seeing/handling one in person, I developed an instant crush and knew I had to have one...  We all have different likes/dislikes of course, but you know what I'm talking about here, one of those weapons that simply on looks alone strikes that 'gun guy' nerve of firearm must-have infatuation...  not unlike seeing a beautiful woman that makes it hard to tear your eyes away...   

Anyway, looks aside, I've really come to know and love my 805 even more over the past year that I've spent working with it on the range/training, and the beauty of its overall performance has made it all the more special and a definite keeper...  I would easily trust defending my life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness with this weapon any day of the week...  so back to the 806...  I realize that this new model will be considered an 'upgrade', and have several design changes (i.e. improvements..?) based on Czech Army recommendations like less weight, better ergos (new folding stock & pistol grip), easier breakdown/cleaning, non-recip charging handle, redesigned bolt catch and gas block w/ 3 gas settings, etc., but... DAT LOOK DOE...!!  What's with that waffle pattern and the potato masher butt pad..?  And the even plainer slab-sided upper..?  Now, the 806 shown may or may not be the final look of the next Bren to roll out of the factory in Brno, and may never even make it Stateside...  but seeing it makes me love my 805 even more...  also really looking forward to adding an 805 carbine to the family when they eventually hit the streets...

So here's the link, and if nothing else, you HAVE to read the (sort of) translated text in the article (it's short) for some guaranteed grins... 

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/10/12/cz-announces-cz-806-bren-2-improved-modular-assault-rifle/

[mikec]

Agree with you, UGLY "improvement".

[armoredman]

The translation IS pretty funny. The rifle isn't BAD looking, but it does sort of remind me of a whole lot of European rifles mashed together

[bigmatt17073]

I like the looks of the 806. The appeal of the 805 was lost when I read about the new and improved 806.

[mig1nc]

I agree, it's definitely taken a beating from the ugly stick. But from the sounds of things the platform is improved in virtually every way except aesthetics. So we might overlook that part.

[z00mie]

I struggle to believe CZ USA will move to import the 806 with a gob of 805's in their warehouse(at least initially). However, the new design continues to move towards the outward appearance of the SCAR which for me is not necessarily a bad thing (but not solely a reason to buy), but may influence some to purchase. My 805 is heavy with a accessories and a full mag. Any time they can make it lighter with the same reliability I'm in! Recip charging handle concern? Naahh, I've learned my lesson with my AK's. I like the improvements but not another 2K's worth...

[CPTKILLER]

I definitely do not want a rifle with a polymer upper receiver.  Aluminum is good.

[AKToday]

I like the looks of the 805 ---- it looks like past and present meet--which is kinda what it is.

[762hurts]

I love the optimism of folks who think the 806 is fully accepted by Czech forces and is en route hear anytime soon. Lemme guess. Someone at CZ-USA told you that in all confidence?

[The1Ven]

I definitely do not want a rifle with a polymer upper receiver.  Aluminum is good.

The upper is still aluminum. It was just reworked to make it weigh less.

If I were to buy a Bren, this is the one I would buy. Non-reciprocating charging handle, lighter weight, and a stock similar to the Scorpion? Count me in.

And to 762hurts, I am sure right now the Czech military is going through a lot of internal debates. With 3 versions of the Bren in such a short period of time the uniformity of arms is at an awkward stage. Cost/benefit analysis is sure to take some time. If anything, I expect units that don't have the Bren to adopt the older models from the units currently using the Bren while the units that see the most rotation (IE the Special Forces) will adopt the 806.

As far as import goes I doubt we will see it for a while. If the weapon sees widespread adoption, the factory may abandon the 805 for the 806 in a year or two. Then military contracts will have to be fulfilled and the importation paperwork for US domestic sales will have to be completed.

[Psyop96]

Not from CZ-USA but here's reporting from Jane's on signed contracts (although there's some sloppy writing in the article). The Land Forces of the Czech armed forces total only about 12,000 so that's a significant acquisition.

http://www.janes.com/article/57045/czech-republic-buys-first-cz-806-bren-2-rifles?

The Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) has signed two contracts with national firearms manufacturer Ceska Zbrojovka for the delivery of CZ 806 Bren 2 rifles, CZ 805 G1 grenade launchers, and CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom semi-automatic pistols.

The first contract, worth CZK417 million (USD16.6 million), is for the delivery of 2,600 CZ 806 Bren 2 rifles, 800 CZ 805 G1 underbarrel grenade launchers, 2,600 Meopta ZD-Dot red dot sights, 1,600 Meopta DV-Mag3 3x magnifiers, 1,450 Meopta NV-Mag3 night vision sights, 500 DBAL-A2 laser pointer/illuminator, and spare parts.

Under the second contract worth CZK59.3 million the ACR will get another batch of 5,500 CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom semi-automatic rifles fed in 9x19 mm cartridges. It was introduced to the ACR in 2012 when first batch of 5,570 SP-01 Phantoms was purchased.

The decision about the purchase was made in late October, and the Czech Republic used an urgent requirement procedure to buy new weapons. It was explained in terms of the security threat including Europe's migration crisis and the Paris attacks.
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[armoredman]

And that's why we can't get Phantoms here in the US right now, either.

[mig1nc]

Well, hopefully when they get their new additional factory up and running that'll change.

[jdubya87]

And that's why we can't get Phantoms here in the US right now, either.

There's a bunch on gunbroker and bud's has them.

[Garmanarnar]

It's no Beretta ARX, that's for sure. I'm all in for an 806.