Bren carry handle question

[nhetzer]

Hey all. I have a Bren MkII and it is my first one. The carry handle moves from position to position but it doesn't lock. Can anyone tell me why, what part I may be missing and how to fix it? I bought "The Bren Gun Simplified" hoping it would give me some kind of decent insight to the weapon and servicing it. Yeah.... that manual is useful for starting a small fire with and that's about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Pics are even more helpful! Thanks everyone.

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[tankhunter]

If you pull the handle out to it's limit, you SHOULD see a 'Tounge' section at it's end on the INSIDE. This 'Tounge' locates in one of Two slots machined into the end of the main bracket.
This bracket as you know' swivels up & down to the left. IF the 'Tounge' is broken off, this is why it wont lock in either position.
It's difficult t say without seeing the problem on your gun. BUT, another POSSIBILITY may be. The handle has loosened & simply needs the inner retension nut screwing up. You will need
the MKI combination tool to do this up correctly though. Another POSSIBILITY, though I doubt it, is. The main rotating bracket, MAY have damaged location slots for the tounge in the handle to locate into.
Thi is EASILY checked, by unscrewing & removing the axis screw that goes transversely through the bottom of the main wooden handle assembly. Lift off the handle from the main bracket & you can then inspect the two locating slots on this bracket. You will be able to instantly see if THIS is a defective probelm area. Let us all know how you get on!

[Peter Laidler]

Just a thought, but when you say that it doesn't lock (presumably in position.....) what position do you mean? There are actually TWO positions that it can lock in.

First is the carrying the gun and folded flat against the barrel position and there's the
Second, the carrying the gun position and the extended open to the left (the AA role) position

Is it the carrying and folded position that doesn't lock or the extended, open AA position that doesn't lock.

If it's the extended open position, the grip part of the carrying handle frame has to engage behind an overhang at the left side of the gas cylinder. If any of these two parts are worn, then the carrying handle won't grip the side of the body. There is a repair that involves welding up the side of the body/gas cylinder. This was quite a common problem.........

The broken tongue was also quite common because all of the rotational force of the gun rested about this little tongue

[loloma]

Hello, I'm a new member and have just brought home an Inglis Mk1M (NZ marked) to replace one I sold many years ago (prices HAVE gone up!). I have the opposite problem. I put the barrel carry handle up and it is locked up (in the AA position). Reasonable manual persuasion to get it back to the down position has failed. The gun and this barrel are close to mint and everything is tight. Any advice?

[Brit plumber]

Dont take this the wrong way but I assume you know you need to pull on the handle first and then fold it to the desired position? If this is what your doing then I can only guess its friction stopping it from working. I'd suggest you take the big screw out and take the handle of the barrel for a better loo, maybe if you have the Mk1 combo tool you can strip the handle down and examine it.

[loloma]

Thank you kind SirYou are so right!
I learned to do that in the school cadets around 1948. I guess I am so choked up with pleasure at having a Bren at home again that my brain turned to water.
What magnificent beasts they are
Now to sight it in tomorrow morning.