.303 to 7.62mm conversion question

[Longshaor]

Hi all,

Yet another Bren newbie question...

When the Bren was converted from .303 to 7.62x51mm, what internal changes had to be made to the reciever?

Cheers

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[Brit plumber]

I think the frst quesion needs to be, what 7.62mm path are you going down?
L4A1 or L4A2 on
South African (Similar to the L4A1 path)
Another?

With re to the L4 guns I think most of the internal changes were centered around the magwell, front area where the mag clips in and the mag catch/ejector block.

There were body inserts added to the L4A2, A3 and A4 etc. guns to enable the L4A1 mag for the 7.62mm rimless round to sit lower in the body. Kev Groom or Peter L arethe guys to talk to. If you have a intrest in converting, they maybe able to give you some sources for parts and drawings. I'm sure they'll be along as soon as they can. Cheers, Chris.

[Longshaor]

Thanks, Brit Plumber!

Based on the avalibility of Bren parts kits & L4 parts I think I'm going to be limited to the L4A4 as the only L4 barrels I can find are chrome lined. I figured the changes couldn't have been that extensive or they would have simply built new recievers rather than modifying existing ones.

Cheers!

[Peter Laidler]

Longshoar.......... Believe me, the conversion to the basic A1 was extremely problematic. As for the A2 on, the problems were out of this world. You've just got to believe me.......... But manufacturing new bodies......... Anyway! It's not the L4 parts that you need but access to a VERY well equipped machine shop. It is all in the magazine well area. I could detail it but there's only so much space on a computer hard drive.

If I was you and was serious, I'd get a look at a genuine A4 gun and do a bit of back engineering. But before you start, get yourself 10 or so Bren bodies to practice with.

[Longshaor]

Peter,

The machine shop shouldn't be a problem, but I need to be able to give them a clear picture of what they're getting into. Since the L4s are out of service, would Enfield's engineering drawings be available through the PRO or something similar? The only place anywhere near me I can think of that might have an L4 would be the US Army Ordinance Museum in Aberdeen, MD - though I rather doubt they'd let me examine one in the kind of detail you're talking about.

Cheers!