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  1. #1
    Contributing Member Flying10uk's Avatar
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    Bren Magazine Mks

    In my collection I have Bren mags with markings MkII* and MkIII but they look identical to me. I'm guessing that there are MkIs and MkIIs in existence. What are the differences between the Mks and were the Guns and magazines matched i.e Mk2 mags used with Mk2 guns and so on. I'm guessing that they weren't matched or it would have been a logistical nightmare! Thanks
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
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    Peter Laidler's Avatar
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    There is a basic/EMER breakdown of the various mark/types BUT it all falls apart when the easily assembled hybrids come onto the scene. I'm sure photo maestro Kev G will come in with the complete breakdown before I have access to the EMER. But get your parts list out first or it all becomes a jumble of technicalities..................

    But to the gunners (and the Armourers shops if the truth be told) all thye magazines were just 'Bren mags.................'

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    Contributing Member Flying10uk's Avatar
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    I take it then, that there wasn't a lightweight version to go with the MK3 Bren, perhaps, made out of a lighter gauge steel? The MK3 mag wasn't intended to be used with the MK3 Bren?

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    Nope..... All magazines were fully interchangeable. Nobody has dared put their toe in the water to detail the variables so here goes. This is taken from the EMER but be warned, even that is full of inconsistencies. So if anyone else out there cares to elaborate, then feel free to do so. I don't know how well this will tabulate here with my world renowned compu'a skills so here goes

    Mk1 Mk1* Mk1**(2) Mk2(2) Mk2* Mk3(1)
    The tabulation of the parts is undecipherable

    Nope............. not a hope in hells chance of a readable format so I'll have to try something else ..... later!

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    But usually found with any permutation of any of the above parts !

    ATB Kevin

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    Legacy Member tankhunter's Avatar
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    But usually found with any permutation of any of the above (ANY) parts !



    As are Bren Guns!..........................

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    There was also a Mk2** too - but the variations were endless. I mean, fancy having to learn all this for Harry 'the ogre' Weekes weekly test. Then he'd belittle you (- delete you, insert 'everyone') who got something wrong - which we inevitably did!

    As for the Mk3 mag, auxiliary spring being intergral with the case, I never understood this either. It wasn't integral at all. It was like the rest of them, a totally separate item folded over a recess in the case, top and bottom.

    As a little sequel to this........ At the very end of our 3 year course, we had the customary course photo taken. All in our best spick and span uniform of course. The OC of the Armourers section (the newly Commissioned Lt DIX was ours) was sat in the middle front and either side of him were the two instructors CHOSEN BY THE COURSE. So the course selected the two that the course liked/appreciated the best. We chose 'Eddie' Stone (SMG's and pistols) and 'Paddy' Reilly (L1A1 and No4 practical). I was idly looking at the other course photographs during my last term as an Apprentice, which stemmed back into the late 50's or so and it seems our choice of instructors was generally the preferred choice. Of 'the ogre'......... Not a sign!

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    Contributing Member Flying10uk's Avatar
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    Thanks Kev G for your list.

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