Wanted: Ideas on how to lock the magazine in place

[beetle]

tankhunter, i think your proposed solution is spot on. removing the mag catch lever and requiring a small tool (like a pin punch) to release the mag sounds like it hits the requirements perfectly. In fact, I even wonder if the second bit about welding the mag catch pin is even required. Per the law the magazine just cannot be "removed readily". By the same definition removal by disassembly of the action does not meet the requirements of "removed readily".

In any event I'm having the Bren sent to my local 07 FFL dealer. He will have to ensure compliance before transferring it to me. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[tankhunter]

Its good to see that the politicians running our country went to the same school as yours!!

Yes, but you are forgetting that ours were in the 'Remidial Stream'!................................

[csmarcher]

Can I just chime in here.

I have 3 Brens, and I live here in California.

The solution is very simple.

1) Flash hider needs to be filled in. Mine was done by Wise Lite Arms and by the look of it , it was removed from the barrel, filled with a machinable metal compound , then drilled out to an oversize bore diameter completely filling the flash hider. (I'll post a picture , It'll be easier)

1A) Alternately the flash hider can just be cut off (Works with a Mk II barrel)

2) Conspicuous pistol grip: This is the easy bit. I obtained another grip, and fashioned it down to a wooden nub, that doesn't extend past the bottom of the trigger guard.

You can then have your detachable magazine.

This is my L4A3 with the prototype Pistol Grip.
I'll post pictures of the barrel shortly



---------- Post added at 03:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------

Oh and Peter, it isn't the BATF you have to worry about. Its the CADOJ

BATF could care less about the ridiculous laws we have here in CA. They work the federal level stuff

It's the CA Dept of Justice folks who monitor stuff here.

[browningautorifle]

I think that looks hideous. Altering the mag catch keeps it looking like a Bren. But on the other hand, we in Canada have our own set of problems.

[csmarcher]

Hideous yes. But it's a damn sight easier to screw the proper grip back on when shooting outside of CA, on wholly private property, or for a film or television rental.

It's also easier for your receiving FFL dealer to accept it as a "featureless" weapon. A lot of FFL's would take a look at a Bren and not want to touch it, for fear of getting themselves in trouble. I was one of the first blokes here in CA to figure out exactly what the law allows and bans.

We are working through the CALGUNS foundation to overturn some of these ridiculous laws through legal channels. With a bit of luck, we will get some good news soon !!

[Peter Laidler]

I know it's a bit pedantic Sergeant Major, but your L4 gun should have a Mk3 (lightweight gun) butt assembly

[tankhunter]

I know it's a bit pedantic Sergeant Major, but your L4 gun should have a Mk3 (lightweight gun) butt assembly

AND A MKI Adjustable Bipod on it!........

[Peter Laidler]

Although I can't see them properly the markings don't look like the markings we recognise. Ours always(?) went

GUNS M/C 7.62m/m L4AX
MG xx GA

with the old markings barred through with two lines

[csmarcher]

Peter,

I had been searching for one before I had this built, but unfortunately beggars can't be choosers !!

I had to go with what was available from the cut up wrecks we get over here. My bloke did a bang up job with the rebuild and the subsequent conversion to L4.

If you have a picture of the correct butt assembly , shoot me a picture, so as I know exactly what i'm looking for.

I have, since the picture was taken, fitted her with a Mk I bipod though, and with any luck, will soon have an additional L4 barrel !!

Here's a picture of the markings.

[tankhunter]

Needs a MKI cocking handle assembly as well then to look correct. Also the MKI Bipod SHOULD have a gas shield integral with it.