Bren serial numbers.

[Korn]

I also just bought a MK1 tripod S/N: A.557.41. AGE It was missing the lower section of the A.A. leg, I fabricated one to replace it.

Information

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[Brit plumber]

Mick, I've replied to your PM.

P908 would be a very late 41 gun, does the gun have an FTR/52 or similar marking? And does it have any MA, BA, OA markings on any of the smaller parts? Also it may be in an almost unissued state.

If it does, then the gun has been in Aus, if not, and the gun has been used, then there's a good chance the barrel is one of the second barrels from the Aussie imports of the 1990s. Each of those Brens came with a CES including the second barrel which couldn't be deactivated on its own so some of these have sat around for years waiting to be used on what ever parts came along.

Any chance of some photos?

[mickypitch]

Hi - will try to add pictures today. It is in excellent condition with some signs of use. It does have MA on smaller parts such as the bipod - which has the correct extendable legs.
Cheers

Mick

[mickypitch]

Hi hope that these pictures have come out ok. Very interested on your thoughts.

Have got more pics but the uploader only likes these three and I cant get the flikr link to work either despite following instructions.

The chest did not come with the gun - its a canadian box.

Pics
Cheers
Mick

[mickypitch]

Link to my flikr page here


Hope this works

[CanuckRH]

Serial number: OT.5158
Date of Manuf: 1942
Manuf: Inglis Canada)
Type: Mk I m

Any information on this badboy?

[Brit plumber]

Unfortunately it has to be a fake, as tankhunter has mentioned, a Mk2 conversion would be a L4A3. The serial number should have been barred out and replaced with a UE6xAxxxx serial number and the clincher is the 1958 as the L4A1 wasn't produced until 1959 and the L4A4 began in 1961.

Is it possible to post some photos? It could be a South African 7.62mm conversion.

[tankhunter]

BPs Clarfication is correct. IF it were a SA conversion. They marked their converted LMGs with a small 7.62 on the left of the receiver. Near the Mag opening. They did NOT however, put any written designation. As in a new 'Model' number on their Guns, To My knowledge. I have seen a few, and they converted ANY mark of Bren that was available at the time. To a modern calibre conversion, even MK.I's! But I have NEVER seen a new designation for any of their conversions.

[Peter Laidler]

Did SA reinforce the bullet guides in the body with the round strengthening plate visible on the body sides? We did - or didn't - do the same on the L4A1's and the bullet guides didn't last the course!

[tankhunter]

Did SA reinforce the bullet guides in the body with the round strengthening plate visible on the body sides? We did - or didn't - do the same on the L4A1's and the bullet guides didn't last the course!

No Pete, they didn't go the insert route. Used STRAIGHT 30 round Mags, similar to the Aussie ones. But with Only the FN type Dimple (Same as L4A1) You have to 'Relieve' the undercut at the front, to accept a Brit L4 Later Patt Mag. & then you will encounter 'Breakthrough', as you WILL be aware! & you already KNOW about the pin & shorter spring MOD involved there!..................

I have encountered TWO Flash Hider assemblies on the SA 7.62mm Converted Guns. The 'Usually' seen versions, use a Tubular version with holes in. Similar to the FN Rifle. The type I have (& Much Less often seen) is the 'Fluted' type, SIMILAR, but NOT the same. As 'Our' L4 Series.

I believe (But have not tried) that these are screwed onto the Muzzle. & the Foresight & Bracket complete. Are SEPARATE assemblies & Pinned to the Flash Hider.