Just Ordered a Bren

[marcoc]

Ever since I SBR'd the Evo, I had said to myself that it should be sufficient for the moment as far as CZ's guns are concerned. It ain't happening. I just succumbed to something I have eyed from the time it was introduced...I just ordered a Bren and the funkier stock from eBay (I plan to pin a Spartan 3 on the Bren to make it street legal). Now, what is this retro magazine kit? If I purchase the kit, will it make me shoot better? What other magazines can I use with that adapter. Thanks.

[AKToday]

Hello marcoc.    The retro magazine kit from CZ is just the Euro magwell and magazines that insert/release somewhat similar to an AK.  The Bren comes with the NATO (AR-15) type magwell (here in USA).   I have both and the NATO is faster release/reload ---- but I wanted both types just to have them.  I don't know for sure, but I thought I read somewhere HK G36 mags would fit the Euro magwell too ?

[marcoc]

Thanks AK today....I'll stick with the AR15 mags for the meantime then.

[marcoc]

Bren is here....deciding whether to pin the can or file a form 1. And of course, I just read that another part is needed to install a stock. Just ordered one from CZ.......this never stops.

[RSR]

Looking really good.

IMO, form 1 is the way to go to get the most out of this weapon, despite drawbacks:

Drawbacks of form 1:
-$200 fee
-Gov't registration
-Add'l receiver engraving
-Needing batf pre-approval/paperwork before taking weapon across state lines
-Others cannot have weapon in possession w/o you present (unless they are also listed on the trust)
-Secured storage required when not with you for same reasons as above.
-More difficult to sell, legally transfer since now cost +$200 instead of the usual $20 ffl I pay

Otherwise, Form 1 is a win all around... 

Perhaps I'm a curmudgeon, but I always assume a degree of ignorance of LE too as it relates to "pistols" (legally defined) based upon systems originally designed as rifles.  A piece of batf paperwork, IMO, saying my weapon is legal in current configuration lowers stakes if keeping secured in your vehicle, etc.

[marcoc]

Good views on options to make this street legal. Thanks. Ill consider these when I make the decision in a few days.

[RSR]

You bet.  W/ latest batf ruling regarding a pistol tube touching your shoulder making it instantaneously an illegal "rifle,: permanently and irrevocably, is my personal main sell for sbr vs "pistol" configuration.

For drawback w/ SBR/form 1, I forgot 922r requirement too.

The only way, technically, to make your "rifle" legal after above scenario (as I understand it) is to legally register as an SBR, and then file the paperwork to deregister it and return it to a pistol...
Not saying any of this actually has a degree of common sense to it, or that I agree with it, but it does appear to be the rules of the game and law of the land since Congress granted, in this case, the bureaucrats at the BATF the ability to legislate...

[RSR]

CZ is supposed to be coming out with a kit; they have to make all the carbines they're importing 922r compliant, so the parts are here.  Uncertain when the kits going for sale -- SBR kits for the Bren, just like w/ the EVO.  Some members here have sbred, so there may be some other parts fabricators out there they can point you to.

[marcoc]

It'll probably be  a few months before the kits come out. The kit for the Scorpion took sometime because of parts delay. In the meantime, I have been replacing as many parts as I can with US made ones, sights, take down pins, muzzle brake, charging handle, cheek riser, fore grip, etc. Some, unfortunately, may not even be in compliance with the requirement but you do what you can.

[tcammack]

Has anyone found a place to order Bren carbines yet?

[armoredman]

I would suggest contacting CZ-USA directly to see where they are going.

[tcammack]

Would contacting them by phone tomorrow and just asking for a list of several dealers getting the first shipments be the best method?

[madtrader]

Hello marcoc.    The retro magazine kit from CZ is just the Euro magwell and magazines that insert/release somewhat similar to an AK.  The Bren comes with the NATO (AR-15) type magwell (here in USA).   I have both and the NATO is faster release/reload ---- but I wanted both types just to have them.  I don't know for sure, but I thought I read somewhere HK G36 mags would fit the Euro magwell too ?

Is it true that the euro magwell supports G36 mags? While AR mags are ubiquitous it would be nice to have my G36 mags be usable in something else as well.

[marcoc]

Gone back to my original intent.....permanently pinned and welded suppressor to make it street legal. Took a couple of hours as I had to "excavate" the pin from the barrel extension...also had a hole drilled a bit off from where it should be. So it's again, not that pretty but it should work.

Before:



After:

[marcoc]

Trying out optics, the Lucid P7. I can now use the Bren as barbels.