Bren Magazine Mks

[Flying10uk]

In my collection I have Bren mags with markings MkII* and MkIII but they look identical to me. I'm guessing that there are MkIs and MkIIs in existence. What are the differences between the Mks and were the Guns and magazines matched i.e Mk2 mags used with Mk2 guns and so on. I'm guessing that they weren't matched or it would have been a logistical nightmare! Thanks

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

There is a basic/EMER breakdown of the various mark/types BUT it all falls apart when the easily assembled hybrids come onto the scene. I'm sure photo maestro Kev G will come in with the complete breakdown before I have access to the EMER. But get your parts list out first or it all becomes a jumble of technicalities..................

But to the gunners (and the Armourers shops if the truth be told) all thye magazines were just 'Bren mags.................'

[Flying10uk]

I take it then, that there wasn't a lightweight version to go with the MK3 Bren, perhaps, made out of a lighter gauge steel? The MK3 mag wasn't intended to be used with the MK3 Bren?

[Peter Laidler]

Nope..... All magazines were fully interchangeable. Nobody has dared put their toe in the water to detail the variables so here goes. This is taken from the EMER but be warned, even that is full of inconsistencies. So if anyone else out there cares to elaborate, then feel free to do so. I don't know how well this will tabulate here with my world renowned compu'a skills so here goes

Mk1 Mk1* Mk1**(2) Mk2(2) Mk2* Mk3(1)
The tabulation of the parts is undecipherable

Nope............. not a hope in hells chance of a readable format so I'll have to try something else ..... later!

[Kev G]

But usually found with any permutation of any of the above parts !

ATB Kevin

[tankhunter]

But usually found with any permutation of any of the above (ANY) parts !



As are Bren Guns!..........................

[Peter Laidler]

There was also a Mk2** too - but the variations were endless. I mean, fancy having to learn all this for Harry 'the ogre' Weekes weekly test. Then he'd belittle you (- delete you, insert 'everyone') who got something wrong - which we inevitably did!

As for the Mk3 mag, auxiliary spring being intergral with the case, I never understood this either. It wasn't integral at all. It was like the rest of them, a totally separate item folded over a recess in the case, top and bottom.

As a little sequel to this........ At the very end of our 3 year course, we had the customary course photo taken. All in our best spick and span uniform of course. The OC of the Armourers section (the newly Commissioned Lt DIX was ours) was sat in the middle front and either side of him were the two instructors CHOSEN BY THE COURSE. So the course selected the two that the course liked/appreciated the best. We chose 'Eddie' Stone (SMG's and pistols) and 'Paddy' Reilly (L1A1 and No4 practical). I was idly looking at the other course photographs during my last term as an Apprentice, which stemmed back into the late 50's or so and it seems our choice of instructors was generally the preferred choice. Of 'the ogre'......... Not a sign!

[Flying10uk]

Thanks Kev G for your list.