Bren L4A3 Parts Kit

[Joe H]

Guys,

I got a Sarco L4A3 parts kit (no barrel included) now that I know if Sarco or any other barrel suppliers don't come up with the barrels I can make my own.

I've attached some pics. Looks like a Monotype MkII converted to 7.62 Nato by Enfield. Don't know anything the serial nos. The front section looks like the no started with a T but the butt section starts with a A. Obviously from 2 different guns.

Identify ???

Joe

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

The original number was T-XXXX but when it was converted, Enfield re-numbered the gun to read UE 65 (United Kingdom/Enfield-1965) above the old T number followed by the sequential serial number of A-332? below the old T number So they are from the same gun. By the skillfully crafted artistic merits of the butt signage, it looks like an Indian gun and 1965 would fall into the period when India were BIG buyers of UK Military hardware. It was not to last................... as Vickers and Enfield soon learned to the nations cost! (A- 18 BN= Battalion?)

It looks to me like it's got a standard Mk2 butt and butt slide on it too. This is interesting because certain nations sent just the Mk2 (and Mk3?) bodies to be converted to 7.62mm L4 spec for cheapness, almost on an 'exchange' basis and I make much of this in 'the book'. They sent in, say, 60 bodies got back in return 60 new modified bodies fitted with, 2x barrels with fitted and CHS'd breech blocks. When they all arrived back the buyer simply fitted the bipods and (presumably re-numbered) butt slides. Yours has also got the slimmed and reshaped earless gas blast shield that was re-shaped to match the new gas shield fitted to the old type Bren bipod sleeve. Clearly they didn't send the butt slides in because we would machine them to the much slimmer profile called 'the 3773 slide' - or something like that. Would be interesting to know if the pistol grip is retained with the standard Mk2 slim bolt.

This was all done under the auspices of the old Crown Agents and the idea was that the 60 old bodies would be refurbished to new L4 spec and as another nation wanted said guns, they'd do the same (or get complete guns......, but you get my drift). Alas, it didn't quite work like that because the nations that did it this way inevitably sent in 60 old clapped out bangers and got back 60 as new FTR gun bodies so the initial stockpile gradually dwindled away.

Enough of the history lesson. What on earth possesses someone to remove the body inserts? Was it done by the disposing nation to re-use in new production guns I wonder?

[Vincent]

The inserts were removed so they wouldn’t be damaged. They come with the parts kits.

[Joe H]

Thanks Peter for the detailed history.

As Vincent noted they do come with the kit but just like you I'm wondered why they were removed. Maybe they just couldn't trust the guy with the torch.

After looking it over, the re-weld may not be as bad as I thought. I have a MGS MK I demilled receiver for donor pieces. They should work well. The pieces will need some cosmetic weld & grinding to match the MK II body. Enough of the bottom of the barrel nut area on the front section is still in place so it can be used with a spacer for location of the front reweld. The ejector block and locking shoulder areas are undamaged. The heel section from my MGS demill will provide an undamaged pin hole and overlap for the rear weld.

Joe

[Peter Laidler]

GREAT project Joe. Wish I could be there to watch, listen and learn. I realise that we can have virtually (?) untouched bodies here but the skills required to rebuild one of those is awesome. I can't understand why the L4's weren't simply made dewat/deactivated in the UK for sale.

Does your still have the standard Mk2 pistol grip screw?

The Navy BR (their equivalent of the Army EMER) that relates to the L4 A3's in Navy service implies that both the Mk1 and Mk2 pistol grips, screws and even cocking handles are applicable as those parts were suffixed A/R - indicating 'as required'. Mind you, it relates the same suffix to the old Mk1 bipod sleeve. Maybe they're covering all the bases

[tankhunter]

Pete, You wont see many L4's on the Civvy Collecting circuit in the UK. Because, the M.O.Ds policy now on Small Arms & Mg's Ect. Is NOT to release them onto the UK market.
They must be destroyed, Or an Overseas Government could request what they needed. As long as they remained Exported!

The Last Smallarms that were released, were the L1A1 Rifles. That also stopped, as they possessed VAST stocks of them. As you already know. a Lot WERE released for sale to Germany for the Deact Market there.
but there was a caveat. They must NEVER be reimported into the UK again!.....I already enquired about importing some deacted examples from Germany. From Dealers over there. They would not sell them for reimportation.
As they (Quite understandably) informed Me. they would NOT jeopadise future purchases of stock in bulk. For the sake of selling one rifle! The M.O.D does have a list of Serial numbers I am told. Of all exported L1A1's. As does the Home Office, who grant Export/ import orders. So these could be checked for infringement!........

[Peter Laidler]

I meant importing the A3's and 5 L4's from 'the sub continent' where Joe's originated from. They'd have been good sellers here as deactivated. PM sent re other matter.

[Brit plumber]

Out of the 5 I own, the L4A2 is supposedly ex Falkland Island defence force, the A4 is Ex New Zealand, the A3 was a Interarms refurb and the other 2 are Indian 7.62 guns. It's a shame so much history is lost.

[auckland_anzac]

Thanks Peter for the detailed history.

As Vincent noted they do come with the kit but just like you I'm wondered why they were removed. Maybe they just couldn't trust the guy with the torch.

After looking it over, the re-weld may not be as bad as I thought. I have a MGS MK I demilled receiver for donor pieces. They should work well. The pieces will need some cosmetic weld & grinding to match the MK II body. Enough of the bottom of the barrel nut area on the front section is still in place so it can be used with a spacer for location of the front reweld. The ejector block and locking shoulder areas are undamaged. The heel section from my MGS demill will provide an undamaged pin hole and overlap for the rear weld.

Joe

Guys, sorry to be so late to the discussion, but just purchased a Sarco L4 Bren parts kit and it looks identical to what you shared Joe. I'm just starting to realize what a project fixing this thing would be and am pondering my options. Any advice you can offer would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm attempting to share photos below!

I've tried contacting "Project Guns" but not sure if he's still doing this, and I do not have spare receiver bits to replace the really damaged torch cut areas. Is this just scrap metal until I can find some credible alternatives?

Attachment 112270Attachment 112271Attachment 112272Attachment 112273Attachment 112274

[AmEngRifles]

Guys, sorry to be so late to the discussion, but just purchased a Sarco L4 Bren parts kit and it looks identical to what you shared Joe. I'm just starting to realize what a project fixing this thing would be and am pondering my options. Any advice you can offer would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm attempting to share photos below!

I've tried contacting "Project Guns" but not sure if he's still doing this, and I do not have spare receiver bits to replace the really damaged torch cut areas. Is this just scrap metal until I can find some credible alternatives?

Attachment 112270Attachment 112271Attachment 112272Attachment 112273Attachment 112274

Aukland,

You may be better off starting a new thread, under the semi auto section. This thread is pretty old. And Project Guns, even though the web site was still up last time I looked in 2020, Stan has retired.

You may be better off talking to Len Savage at Historic Arms, or SMG.