Wise Lite Arms semi-auto only Bren

[Vincent]

Thought I would post some pictures of a Wise Lite Arms semi-auto Bren. It is not converted the exact same way as the Historic Arms Bren, but it will give those who have not seen the modifications something to go on.

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[Peter Laidler]

I get the gist of that Vince and a nice job. But that butt............... Remember I told you of the bucket marked 'FIRE-WOOD' in Mr Reilly's classroom - into which much of my work disappeared......? I would suggest that you invest in a new Mk4 butt. That one is past any hope of repair. Even the contours have been sanded away. And a Mk2 carrying handle too.

[Vincent]

Yes, Peter. I know the butt is in sad shape. Haven't been able to find a replacement so far.

I made the carrying handle. Best I could come up with.



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[Peter Laidler]

Didn't we see an ad for complete Mk3 gun butt assemblies on an earlier thread?

[Vincent]

Found it. Thank you.

[ActionYobbo]

in the picture showing the bolt, carrier and striker. the striker is not orientated the same way as the other parts. the thin bottom section should be toward the carrier and the top tombstone should be to the rear

[Vincent]

Good eye. Like this

[Peter Laidler]

The pics were interesting for me, a total amateur when it comes to the US semi auto rebuilds. I can see now where on the US Semi's, with an extended striker you could fire the gun with the breech block forward but not quite locked.

But back to page 6(?) and locking shoulders. I have a feeling that the locking shoulders are not case hardened but are a hard tough material right through and on that basis you could dafely grind one a tad to suit. I say this as I have just put one to a grinder in a dark workshop and even well into the steel, the grinding colour hasn't changed. Yep....., I know it's not quite scientific or a lab test but to the experienced, it's a good rule of thumb.

If anyone does have a stack of locking shoulders, I'll say once again to ignore the size on them (if there is one!!!!!) and trust in the DTI. To measure them we had a small jig that you could mount a DTI onto. Then you slip the locking shoulder in LOCKING/BREECH BLOCK EDGE DOWNWARDS onto the surface of the jig and the bottom totally flat surface of the shoulder square-up against the rear edge. Hold there with finger and slide the DTI plunger across the flat REAR surface. This is the only way to get a correct reading of the actual length

[csmarcher]

I've had a Wise Lite Mk I for many years, they do a good job with their rebuilds. A few minor differences from the Historic arms Bren's , but both work well in their own way.

Gary

[Vincent]

I get the gist of that Vince and a nice job. But that butt............... Remember I told you of the bucket marked 'FIRE-WOOD' in Mr Reilly's classroom - into which much of my work disappeared......? I would suggest that you invest in a new Mk4 butt. That one is past any hope of repair. Even the contours have been sanded away. And a Mk2 carrying handle too.

My new butt arrived.

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Now the grip looks tatty compared to the new butt. Guess I better start looking for a new one.