Bren L4 / .308 build

[cal50]

Bummed that I have to go back to work tomorrow.

Drilled the barrel gas port and drilled retaining pin hole for front sight assy. in barrel without issue or surprise.
Spent a good hour with hand files and grinder cleaning up the torch cut middle section. Most of the slag is gone but the torch melted metal into the grooves and other areas that makes it a PITA to clean up / out.

After clean up I see my cocking slot closed up in width after being torched. I will straighten it before setting headspace and welding sections together.
I have some big gaps to fill in. They are thin sections and fill in quickly with little filler rod.

The one surprise is a repair or revision section on the front cocking handle stop / retainer. This L4A3 came with a folding cocking handle Vs the unique MKII.
No idea if its a revision to use the standard cocking handle or a repair. Either way its been brazed / soldered in place and if you were unaware and tried welded on it solder or braze really makes a nice show when you light up on it with a welder.


Need to add bolt denial pins in both sides of the barrel socket section before welding the mag section to it to keep BATFE happy.


The factory revision / repair is very well done.

Braze visible on top~




Bottom dovetail visible~




End with braze line visible~




Too bad torch guy cant cut a straight line~




Rear of slot closed up and separated with a parallel & shim.
This will be straightened out before welding sections together.