Wanted: Ideas on how to lock the magazine in place

[beetle]

Hi There!

I've recently become VERY interested in adding a Bren into my collection. I'm looking to go the semi-auto route and have found a number of builders in this area.

But one potential problem is that I live in California. As it is originally designed, the Bren triggers California's "assault weapon" laws. Specifically the pistol grip, detachable magazine, and flash hider.

Now, if I can somehow lock the magazine in place in such a way that requires the use of a tool to remove the magazine I can keep the pistol grip and flash hider.

I'd like to tap the collective wisdom of this board on potential ways to lock the magazine in place. First a couple of questions:

1) How does the Bren mag stay in place? Is it actually locked in place via a detent or other mechanism? In looking at pictures of Bren magazines it appears it is just using friction and gravity to stay in place. is that right?

2) How does the magazine release lever work? Again from pictures it appears to just push up on the magazine. Does the lever actually "release" the mag or just make it easier to pull out of the mag well?

3) Can I pull out the mag without the use of the lever?

Assuming that the magazine is actually locked in place, what are your thoughts on modifying the mechanism to require a "tool" to activate it?

1) What if the mag release lever was not installed? Could I just insert a steel rod to activate the mechanism whe needed?

2) The other thought would be to install a "cage" around the existing lever preventing me from using my fingers to activate the lever. A small slit in the cage would allow a small screwdriver or key to press down on the lever.

Any other thoughts? your comments and ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

The mag is removed by pushing forward on a round lever at the back of the mag. If you nipped the loop off you would have to engage the catch some other way to release the mag.

[beetle]

Hi.

thanks for the response. I found this picture of the Bren mag well on gunbroker:



Can somebody describe what is happening if I push the looped lever forward (towards the right in this pic)? Is the little steel rod on the bottom of the magwell moving forward or updward? How is that actually releasing the mag catch?

I guess if there is enough room I could cut the lever off and then fashion some kind of small receiver that would fit the now removable lever....?

[browningautorifle]

The loop is moved forward and the bottom of the base of the catch( just follow the ring to the bottom)unlocks from the groove in the mag. The little steel rod in the pic is the ejector. It ejects down remember? If you removed the whole loop so there was no purchase on the catch, you would have to use a tool to remove it. Probably a screwdriver at the rear.(Forgive me Peter for this is blasphemy) It would be easy to do because you push the visible cross pin out and the catch comes out in your hand.

[beetle]

another thought. how much room is there when the magazine is inserted? Perhaps this is what browningautorifle meant, if I just cut off the lever and left say a 1/2" stub. It would be impossible for me to fit my finger into the magwell to activate the little stub. But would there be enough room to use a small plastic rod to push on that 1/2" stub?

[browningautorifle]

There's a small space at the back of the catch. If you leave any lever, you will encounter an ATF agent with the strongest fingers you have ever seen and he will use the lever. And jail you.

[beetle]

ok I think I get what you mean! Basically:



The flared parts are what hold the mag in place. By pressing the lever forward it retracts the "wings" to release the magazine. If I cut off the lever at the orange line then I could use a tool (like a small screwdriver) to push that area forward to achieve the same result.

In fact, I could probably use the same cut-off lever as my "tool" if it tapered it at the end to make it a little skinnier and thinner.

I know it's painful, but alas this is the only way to own one in california. The alternerative is to leave the mag release alone, but lose the pistol grip and flash hider.

Thanks for all of your help!!!!

[browningautorifle]

That's the concept of ops. The cut of spot will be obvious when you have it in your hands. I'm guessing by your questions you don't currently have it. I'm talking about putting a flat tip behind the base of the mag catch, the edge closes to you when you're behind the gun. You'll see if you look at enough pics of the gun. You can't loose the pistol grip, it would be like taking the wheels off your car.

[tankhunter]

[QUOTE=beetle;154475]ok I think I get what you mean! Basically:

http://www.employees.org/~beetle/guns/magwell.jpg

The flared parts are what hold the mag in place. By pressing the lever forward it retracts the "wings" to release the magazine. If I cut off the lever at the orange line then I could use a tool (like a small screwdriver) to push that area forward to achieve the same result.

In fact, I could probably use the same cut-off lever as my "tool" if it tapered it at the end to make it a little skinnier and thinner.

I know it's painful, but alas this is the only way to own one in california. The alternerative is to leave the mag release alone, but lose the pistol grip and flash hider.

VERY Simple modifictaion here! If you cut off the mag retaining catch as shown by the Orange line in the photo. File if smooth where you have cut it off. Then Drill a hole DOWN into that catch from above
The hole that is left will allow you to insert a PIN PUNCH into it, & hey presto! The pin punch becomes an extention of the Mag Catch! Pull out the punch, & you CANNOT remove the mag without it!

[Peter Laidler]

I'll just cut to the quick......... I've just stripped one down and here's what to do, cutting out all of the waffle.
From inside the body, remove the SCREW, locking shoulder. Put it in the lathe and drill through it with a small, 2.5mm or so pilot hole. Replace it and using it as a guide, same drill, drill through the EJECTOR that is immediately above it and then into the CATCH, magazine that is above that.

Pilot holes all aligned, countersink (or counter bore) the pilot hole in the locking shoulder screw head.
Find suitable bolt (countersunk or allen bolt). Drill clearance hole for bolt through ejector. NOW tap/thread the hole in the magazine catch.
Insert magazine then insert bolt and screw up tight. This bolt will draw the rear of the magazine catch DOWNWARDS and therefore the nose of the catch forwards to positively LOCK the magazine in place.

No need to cut anything off because it ain't moving anywhere now

Easy....................