My .308/7.62mm fullauto conversion- Plug & Play Success!!

[AmEngRifles]

OK, had a little time today to spend with my Bren. Specifically, my South African .308 barrel and my Bren.

The barrel has the black synthetic ( thought it was just a painted wooden handle originally) handle, with the MkI profile, meaning it has the nice swell, not the tube type, like the late model Bren handles. It also has the standard style Bren front sight. Don’t ask me WHY I thought I may have an Uzi style front sight!? Guess because I pulled my Uzi out a short time before responding to the inquiry. My mind sure can mix up facts. Anyway, going to just keep this barrel and be happy. The bore is very nice and that is what counts. Mostly.

I tried it on the Mk III, PG. locked down easily. Bolt slid home nicely, on a live cartridge. Had a very small amount of play. Probably any is too much? No gauges at this time. Soon.

Tried on the HA MkI. Lever did NOT lock down with hand pressure. The locking portion of the lever, which grabs the underside of the receiver so it stays put, was about 1/8” or less away from locking. Could have taken a rubber mallet to it, but I figured I would NEVER get it unlocked if I did that. Might should try the MkIII locking lever in the MkI when using the SA barrel. Haven’t tried that yet.

Same with the HA L4. The SA barrel lock nut gets very close to locking down,, but I’d about 1/16” away from doing so. Again, refrained from taking a mallet to lock the lever, knowing the pry forces to get it back open would probably lead to a minimum of scratching of the receiver. Just let it be. Will try to secure a few alternative locking piece. I believe BRP carries an assortment. Will try the MkIII lever first since the barrel goes right in the Project Gun with little effort.

What I did notice in my less than scientific trials, was on both the HA rifles, with extractors removed ( as well as firing pins), the bolts would JUST click closed with the slightest of resistance, when the bolt locks up against the locking shoulder and a round was inthe chamber. Like I said, not scientific, but I was feeling better about tolerances in the two HA Guns. One is in .303, one is an L4.

So that is where things stand. I will try the locking nut switch first, then probably order .7.62 gauges, then if all feels good, maybe try one of the .303s in 7.62. Still need to get some brass sheet and silver solder and make the modification to a few ZB mags.

With multiple projects, little range time and a confusing array of issues to resolve, I am lucky to be making any forward progress at all

I need some material to restrict full compression of the mag spring in the L4 mag and I will only expect to load no more than 27 rounds. I wish I could nest a spiral spring along with the flat leaf spring, even if not the same full length, and give the follower a little extra push, especially for the last few rounds or so. Don’t think that is the right way though, as a spring as long as the original would take up too much space in compression. And a short one does not do much by time the flat spring is fully extended in a nearly empty mag. Expanding block of foam? Rubber grommets? Or just put a solid block of something in the base of the mag to give the ole flat spring a little more push near the end?? Ideas?