Did my civic duty, saved a Bren from the scrap pile.

[bentwrench]

Just got it back today. It had been torched up but now lives again as a semi-auto. The builder did a fantastic job!

Information

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[bentwrench]

Here are a few picture to show the modifications to the bolt and carrier. The builder also upgraded the gas cylinder to a MK3 type by welding up the forward holes and machining it. I suppose that is easier that trying to unscrew the thing. The gas regulators in the MK1 barrels were also reamed out to provide more gas pressure to drive the extra striker and striker spring back.

[tankhunter]

Nice job, You Cant' see the Join! LOL.

I notice the piston is a much lightened replacement as well. This will be to lighten the load of the backward thrust of the recoiling parts. Thus ensuring positive cocking of the 'Hammer' Block, for the striker. I assume?

Good Finish & workmanship as far as I can see. well done!

[bentwrench]

Ah forgot to mention the piston... yes its a replacement, but for legal reasons having to do with import restrictions, not really for function. I will have to ask but I believe the builder made that part himself. There is a legal requirement limiting the number of imported parts you can build an A-salt rifle with, the trigger is also a new made part for the same reason.

I added the pictures from a previous thread I posted about the cut receiver I had in my parts kit. This is what I looked like before I sent it out.

[Brit plumber]

I take it they used a 1942 rear (Serial number is 1942) and a 1943 centre section to get a good overlap. Worked a treat, looks perfect, could you post a photo of how the hammer and springs are set up? I was thinking about it last night and I assume the piston extension/bolt carrier uses the original spring and guide rod and then there are 2? springs and rods for the hammer/striker?

[gsimmons]

Great looking Bren. Who built it for you?

[bentwrench]

Here is the striker and spring set-up. The parts kit did have some mixed receiver sections, the front of the receiver was marked 1942 as well, so the center section is incorrect, but all of the pieces could be mixed up. Complete parts kits with "good" cut locations are almost a thing of the past. Not many of these old girls left out there any more.

This gun was built by Lyndon Yates at Kiwi's Custom Guns. Very talented gunsmith, and a nice guy to deal with.

https://www.facebook.com/kiwiscustomguns

[browningautorifle]

Well done, nice save.

[ActionYobbo]

That looks good
I like BREN guns and I like to see them in working order
That NZ chap is a real craftsman. I have seen some of his other work and its all impressive

[tankhunter]

That is one of the best conversion for a SA Bren I have ever seen! It seems that Minimum extra parts have been added, making the original components. That were designed for Rugged usage, still able to Soldier on.
I can see that the set up has been excellently converted from being fired by the piston post head. That was originally designed to hit the head of the firing pin. To being machined through, to accept a Longer version, that is struck by the addition of the Hammer Block. The simple addition of a hammer block operating spring. Slipped over the original piston post driving rod. is an excellent idea, & does away with a complicated firing mech!

I see machine marks on the side of the Breech Block also. I assume this is to clear Denial Pins, added to the receiver to prevent an original unmodified block being used?
& I would hazard a guess & say that the piston extention, has had the sear bent machined away. so that ONLY the Hammer block is held back on the sear. & the piston post can travel forward to chamber a round. So it will be closed breech firing.
Departing from the original open breech method. VERY well executed. & SUPERB Craftsman like finish to the welds & refinish to the outside surfaces.

You have an Excellent Legal Semi Bren Sir, & you are SO lucky to be able to own a shooting example in ANY form over there! We sadly, through the Actions of only TWO Evil People in the UK. Have had Hand guns & ANY semi auto longarm's over .22" Calibre. Totally Banned from Ownership & being able to shoot them. as Private Citizens. Enjoy your Excellent Choice of Firearm My Friend!