New member saying hello.

Hello,

My name is Chase, I joined this forum years ago and have lurked from time to time, but my interest in Bren guns has brought me back. I thought I'd share a pic of my trio and say hello. For years I dreamed about being able to own something special... I always wanted to collect guns you don't see everyday a show or the range... and that is when I discovered parts kits.

Since 2008 I've been collecting kits and tools and trying to learn what to takes to legally build a quality semi auto from a kit. At this point I'm getting very close to diving in and bringing my kits back to life.... on the list for 2015 is a blasting cabinet and a mill and I'll be ready to go.

The kit in the back is actually my second Bren kit, my first was a Mk.II kit from Military Gun Supply. I was young and excited... and very lacking in tools. I attacked the slag for days with a dremel... and in the end made a mess of it :crying:. So I took a step back, learned from my mistakes and spent some time finding a better kit... the one pictured. I thought the fact that it was a mix of Mk.1 and Mk.2 parts was interesting. The finish wear on the parts matches closely which leads me to believe it has been this way for a long time.

The kit in the middle is actually Zb39... I picked up this kit after locating a cut Mk.1 Bren receiver, only then did I realize that although it would work, it was in no way "correct" for a Zb. I did however, locate a horribly torched double dovetail to use a much more suitable start for the build. As you can see in the pic I was also able to locate an uncut barrel socket section as well. I'd really like to learn more about the history of these guns, did they really only make 100 of them?

The kit up front was a bit of a panic buy... as I was planning buy a Mk.1 from MGS when they sold out... so I panicked and bought one from them on the Gunbroker... and overpaid :rolleyes:. Live and learn I guess. The bright spot was I was able to obtain some "filler pieces" for the receiver for the paltry sum of $30... which contained a good barrel socket and mag catch, locking shoulder area.

Not pictured is my 4th kit (it is still in route), I hope to use it to create a replica of T41 Bren in 30.06... more on that later.

If you give us the serial numbers I'm sure we'll be able to give you some other interesting info that you might be interested in.

The serial numbers are on many of the parts. Top rear for the body. On the left side at the breech end of the barrels, rear end upright of the butt slide and on the handle of the barrel nuts

Welcome to the forum, I've seen your post on the gunboard forum for the T41, I'm the one who added the photos and Kev is also a member of this forum too.

When you get chance can you post up the serial number as Peter has said. The DD gun looks to be a 1940 E serial late intermediate.

This is a list of ZB39 guns that I know remain in existence. Lots of the American parts kits are no longer traceable which is a real shame.

10139
10612
10868
10884
10902
10946
11019
11093
11167
12668
13100
13229

---------- Post added at 10:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:38 PM ----------

I've just seen that the body I thought was the DD isn't. It was a later Mk1 with the bright welded parts.

The serials on my Zb are:

Buttslide: 12720

Bolt, Carrier and Gas Piston: 11651

Barrel #1 : 10441 (the zero may be a 6... it is poorly struck)

Barrel #2: 10735

I can't find an German markings on the parts, only Czech Lions.

The bright welded piece you see on a receiver is the portion of later Mk.1, it looks like it was somebody's aborted post sample or dummy gun. The laid 1/8" slabs of steel over the cuts... then they cut it back apart around the steel plates... totally destroying the front and rear... pretty much leaving only the barrel socket and mag catch area intact. I'm using it repair my later Mk.1 cut receiver.

I've attached a couple of pics of my DD receiver. The cuts are the current, nasty demill. I'm sure that some people wont approve of using a DD receiver to restore a Zb.... but this receiver is very bad shape and will give a rare gun a new chance to live.

Mr Laidler... you have no idea how excited I am to be able discuss British weapons with you. I have been pouring over your Sten book.... wishing I could afford your book on Lanchesters and Sterlings, and eagerly awaiting your book on Brens.

Brit Plumber, thank you for your assistance on Gunboards. I figured I would come over here to the number one source for Brens to continue my research.

I see lots of familiar screenames, c310pilot, JoeH and others have helped me with tons of information , given me advice, and helped me locate rare parts over on Weapons Guild.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChaseR

did they really only make 100 of them?

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I'm not sure of where the figure of 100 originates but it's wildly inaccurate......but helps to sell parts kits I suppose.

The Bulgarian contract ZB Bren model 1939 in 8 x 56R were delivered in batches between 1940-2 and was well over 3,000 guns.Serial numbers for this contract seem to have started at 10,000.
From observed serial numbers the text on the LH side of the reciever up to approx s/n 12133
reads - CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA A.S. BRNO
From approx s/n 13100 the text changes to - ZBROJOVKA BRNO A.S.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9e9e66e1-1.jpg

Can anyone narrow down the s/n change over from CESKOSLOVENSKA ZBROJOVKA A.S. BRNO to ZBROJOVKA BRNO A.S. ?

ATB Kevin

Welcome, ChaseR. It's nice to see another Houstonian here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vincent

Welcome, ChaseR. It's nice to see another Houstonian here.

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Thanks, its good to be here :thup:

As for the production figure of 100, I've seen it in several places. It always seemed unbelievably low to me as well. That being said, 3,000 is pretty darn rare too. I can think of about half a dozen other kits of guns made in far larger numbers that I would love to obtain with the same relative ease and cost as my Zb39 kit.

Photo maestro Kev G's, bottom gun, thread 5 is interesting in that it shows the rounded split collar arrangement at the rear of the butt slide. If I recall, this was also available on the UK trials guns and used to fix the rear anti aircraft sight (was it a ring sight?). ZB certainly wanted this gun to be a jack of all trades. Just my opinion, but it only mastered ONE. And that was as the infantry section light machine gun used in the defensive and assault role. At that of course, it excelled!