I bought a Bren kit

[GUTS]

I bought this at an auction Friday because I couldn't resist. I have only seen these two pictures, Is it a MKII? I am new to the Bren so I hope my questions aren't to dumb. How do I go about making this a semi-auto gun? Also, what is a fair price for this kit(I couldn't find many for sale for a reference point so I am thinking I might have paid too much). I am hoping to recieve it this week so I can check it out further. Thanks

Information

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[RCS]

My friend in FLA bought the kit two years ago, it cost him $2900 to have it put together as a semi auto

[tankhunter]

It's a MKII with what looks like a MKI (M) Bipod assembly.
I belive the laws have changed your side of the pond. To the effect that it is Illegal to import MG & any Full auto barrels into the US anymore?

This can only mean that eventually, the supply of original barrels will dry up & the price of available ones will increase.
You would be probably better off making this into a display gun & buying an already manufactured semi auto version yourself. I belive it is VERY difficult manufacturing semi's with all the US legislation to comply with.

[Midmichigun]

Guts,
Get extra barrels... they used to be dirt cheap, but with the mentioned barrel ban... we are in trouble!
Same with the kits. Whatever you paid, doesn't matter now. With kit importation effectively banned (high cost/ barrel ban/ and I believe an outright ban) you made a good move.
Saw cut kits are a lot more desireable. I did get 2 torch cuts last year.... it just means more work.
Check out Weaponeer.net and Weaponsguild. There are build threads there! If you look at Gunbroker, a welding jig will turn up once in awhile. This is an absolute necessity to build a Semi Auto gun. Weaponeer did have the SA and 922r compliant parts on sale for a bit. As mentioned, you will have to spend some $$ for the US parts to pass regulations.
You can have it professionally finished. IMHO if you lack the welding skills or time... this is the way to go. If you are a DIY... have at it and enjoy.... just stay safe and legal!

[GUTS]

Thanks for the replies fellas, I don't know what I'll do with it for sure but we will see. I paid $300 for it. I have a good friend that is a machinist, I'll see if he can help me save some money.

[Peter Laidler]

Whatever you end up with guts, you can sleep easily knowing that you have in your hands, the finest, most reliable, simple and accurate light machine gun that was ever put into the hands of a fighting soldier - bar none. Fom slugging it out in France in 1940 to the advance through the desert, up through Italy and into Germany, from Korea to Malaya and.................. well EVERYWHERE where Commonwealth soldiers have fought, they've taken Bren guns. And you've got one of them

If I was you, I'd have it put back together so that while it maybe doesn't operate, it looks good. Put it on a nice English oak block of wood so that it takes a pride of place on your study desk. When someone walks in and says '............jeeeees, what is that..........?' You can puff out your chest, bring your shoulders back and say with a smile in your voice, brimming with pride......... '.....It's a Bren Gun. The finest light machine gun that ever graced the battlefield - bar none'

[tankhunter]

'.....It's a Bren Gun. The finest light machine gun that ever graced the battlefield - bar none'[/QUOTE]

And there really is, Nothing more you could add to that Statement!..................

[csmarcher]

Cant add to that.

[GUTS]

I got my Bren kit today, I like it. These are about all the numbers i could find. The other barrel has 14T6S stamped on it.

[tankhunter]

Guts, You need to reposition that gas regulator. It should be set on the next size hole up, from the smallest! (Correct Position in Normal use) .......Sorry, getting a bit 'Stamp Collector-ish' there!