Bren book?

[nhetzer]

Can anyone suggest a good reference book on the Bren? I'm looking for general history as well as a detailed break down of the parts and their variations from model to model. I'm putting a kit together and want to make sure I do it right. Also, it's my first Bren and I want to know as much about them as I can, including how to properly break one down, how to set it up correctly as so on. Thanks!

Information

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[Brit plumber]

Theres the Bren gun saga which is expensive and soon to be obsolete, Ian S does a SAIS (Small arms identifcation series) book which is good for parts diagrams etc but as its only a ID book, it dosn't go into specific details. If you want to pin point specifics, your best bet is to wait for Peter Laidlers (Soon to be published) book. In the mean time, ask away on the forum as Mr Laidler is a contributing member and theres years of knowledge on tap here.

[nhetzer]

Sounds great, thanks! I was hoping to get my hands on a parts list, diagram and step by step on how to disassemble and reassemble the gun. I plan on pulling it apart completely, laying it all out and comparing what I have to the diagram so I know what I need to get. I know I'm missing a bunch of parts and like I said, I want to be sure and get what is correct for my MKII as I don't even know what difference is between the two.

[peregrinvs]

Probably best to start with the Skennerton SAIS on the Bren:

http://www.skennerton.com/sais.html

It doesn't include strip down instructions, but it does contain full parts listings and illustrations which should tell you most of what you need to know to take it apart. It also differentiates between MkI, MkII and Mk3 Bren parts. Anything else, ask on here.

[Peter Laidler]

I agree that the best 'ready-reckoner' type book available is the little Skenerton Bren ID book. Available from BDL also on this forum. But if in doubt, ask as there's a wealth of info on this site

[Kev G]

SAIS 5 - Stripping and assembly pages 43-45

KG

[Brit plumber]

Can you post the guns serial number (If it is intact) and we can advise on manufaturer etc. Inglis and Monotype MkIIs had subtle diffrences which don't show up on parts lists etc.

[WallyG.]

The Bren Gun Saga is a fine book... and it does have reprint images of the maintenance manual and the takedown process... It will serve you well and provide hours of reading enjoyment on the Bren... I suspect that the Laidler publication will come at a high price as well... good info and many pictures in a lengthy presentation are not innexpensive to publish... I can't wait for it! but I will.

[Peter Laidler]

By pure coincidence, Robert Segal from Small Arms Review has just emailed me and informed me that now is the last opportunity to submit corrections and additions for the manuscript.

KevG, you'll be pleased to know that I've added a bit about the Belgian production of certain small spare parts. Quite why they bothered tooling up is another of those mysteries that will live on forever. I say that because up until the last of the old Brens were still in service (with Cadets and as DP guns with the TA and reserves) old wartime Bren spares (except some barrels) were still readily available, new, still in wartime greased up wrapping - even the Mk1/1 backsights, breech blocks and some, but not all, butt parts. In those cases we just replaced the old butts with the Mk3 gun type. So, once again, I ask Belgium and others why bother..............

[Kev G]

Re Belgian parts
Peter,have managed to source a JI MK2 Bren with a Mk2 Liege barrel with all front sight,gas block,carry handle sleeve components marked Bg inc MK2 carry handle wood and plate.Barrel nut also Bg.Any idea what other parts they made so I can look for other items to build up a Bg 'parts' Bren ?

ATB Kevin