Bren Gun: Help Needed!

[Flying10uk]

Remember it's a 1942 Bren, manufactured in the middle of a major world war and the finish, when new, is not likely to be what you'd get with a gun made in peace time. Be careful about refinishing the wood and metal parts to a finish better than it left the factory when new because it's all too easy to end up with what some may call a civy refurb but I prefer to describe as it having been "tarted up".

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[Meerkoos]

Remember it's a 1942 Bren, manufactured in the middle of a major world war and the finish, when new, is not likely to be what you'd get with a gun made in peace time. Be careful about refinishing the wood and metal parts to a finish better than it left the factory when new because it's all too easy to end up with what some may call a civy refurb but I prefer to describe as it having been "tarted up".

I understand what you mean. I do not really wish to refinish this gun, since I actually like the patina, but the finish as delivered does not feel original at all. Did the John Inglis plant use regular hot tank salt bluing or rust bluing? The current finish on some parts does not feel like either at all, and I am afraid of rubbing it off during cleaning.

Also, this is clearly not a factory cutaway. The bolt and chamber are completely intact (which they shouldn't on any cutaway model), the cuts are fresh (shiny steel). Is it acceptable to highlight these cuts using red nail varnish?

[Flying10uk]

I understand what you mean. I do not really wish to refinish this gun, since I actually like the patina, but the finish as delivered does not feel original at all. Did the John Inglis plant use regular hot tank salt bluing or rust bluing? The current finish on some parts does not feel like either at all, and I am afraid of rubbing it off during cleaning.

I think that we do really need to see some more pictures before it can be accessed properly as to what state the existing finish is in. The single picture in post 1 may not reflect this accurately because of the camera flash. Are you not able to post even a few extra pictures, please?

[Meerkoos]

I think that we do really need to see some more pictures before it can be accessed properly as to what state the existing finish is in. The single picture in post 1 may not reflect this accurately because of the camera flash. Are you not able to post even a few extra pictures, please?

I will be sending pictures tomorrow afternoon (Europe time). The second package should arrive, so all the parts will be complete.

[Meerkoos]

Hi all!

Here are the pictures of the Bren gun, partially reassembled for display.

Attachment 79603

Closeup of the finish I was talking about. The same finish appears on most small parts and the rear sight assembly.

Attachment 79588

The wood looks terrible. Coarse, dented, scratched, decayed and devoid of finish, except for the carry handle.

Attachment 79602

Bolt and piston/carrier seem to be in great shape.

Attachment 79601

Closeup of the cutaway area of the barrel.

Attachment 79590

Closeup of the cutaway portion of the receiver box.

Attachment 79591

Some closeups of the markings on the receiver.

Attachment 79607Attachment 79606

Closeups of the markings on the barrel. Lots of info here, if people want to chime in.

Attachment 79598Attachment 79605Attachment 79604

[browningautorifle]

The wood looks terrible. Coarse, dented, scratched, decayed and devoid of finish, except for the carry handle.

You know that wood isn't the worst I've ever seen. As Peter pointed out it'll do. I'd perhaps try to steam it a bit and then oil and stain and it should look good. Certainly not worse than a service piece. I'm sure that sort of thing stood in the racks after annual inspection.

[Meerkoos]

You know that wood isn't the worst I've ever seen. As Peter pointed out it'll do. I'd perhaps try to steam it a bit and then oil and stain and it should look good. Certainly not worse than a service piece. I'm sure that sort of thing stood in the racks after annual inspection.

I do agree. I tend to be pessimistic, sorry. The overall integrity is okay, and it will sure need some refinish work. I already purchased some sanding blocks, paper, and boiled linseed oil. As you said, I can try steaming out some dents to improve it. Thanks!