Newbie(to here) with a Bren demilled kit

[Terry K.]

I just got this and hope to some day make a semi out of it. I know it's mostly garbage but I like it. Here are pics of the markings. Of course the is no barrel. I hope to purchase one as soon as they are available. Can the experts tell me what I have(other than Junk)? Thanks for looking.

PS. I have ordered two books on the Bren

Information

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[Terry K.]

I take it any reciever can be made to fit?

[ActionYobbo]

what you have there is the start of lots of fun. BREN's are fantastic. I have built a few and they are lots of work but they are worth the effort.
the info written on the side of the receiver explains that you have a 7.62mm L4A3 thats been made from a Mk2 BREN.

[Vincent]

This is what you have.

Probably from India would be my guess, but I am no expert.

[Terry K.]

Thanks guys!

[Peter Laidler]

Built originally by Daimler (of Daimler cars....) in 1942 (photo 3) who became part of the Monotype group who made the Mk2 guns. Later converted from a Mk2 to a 7.62mm L4A3 gun at Enfield (photo 2). Not sure that it is an ex Indian gun as they were quite adept at producing/converting their own.

What you have is the finest light machine gun ever to grace the battlefield. Given it's simplicity, reliability and accuracy, no soldier ever asked for anything else

By pure coincidence I've just seen a live version of your L4A3. Daimler 1942, upgraded to Mk2/1 in 1955 and to L4A3 in 1968. In the chest, numbered to the gun with the second barrel also numbered to the gun plus CES check-list (which specifies 'with second barrel'). Unusual in that it still has the early red 2" x 1" oblong at the front of the body with 7 62 marked on it. Nice to see

[tiriaq]

I assume that you are aware of weaponsguild.com? If you look around there, you will find a lot of information about using a parts set like yours to produce an ATF compliant semi auto firearm. The conversion systems from open bolt selective fire to closed bolt semi auto only are interesting. As is the welding to repair the receiver.

[Peter Laidler]

I'll say it again Tiriaq but I have the greatest respect for those that reassemble these bodies cut through with the hot axe and resurrected into something worthwhile, either single shot or rock and roll fire. Reading the various and now long in the tooth threads on these rebuilds it would seem that a couple of BATF acceptable versions that work reliably are the norm now. Great project for the brave.

Barrels............ I am going to come up with some thoughts over the next few days.

[tiriaq]

As someone who went to night school to learn basic welding, I have the greatest respect for the welding skills of someone who can repair one of those receivers in such a manner that it is safe to use. Note that there is a cut between the breech face of the barrel and the locking shoulder, which means that the welds are exposed to the full force of the discharge.
There are folks also restoring Madsen guns - but the welds are not exposed to firing stresses, only to the slamming of the barrel and breech recoiling.

[Joe H]

Note that there is a cut between the breech face of the barrel and the locking shoulder, which means that the welds are exposed to the full force of the discharge.

Tiriaq,

One of the reasons for the success of the Bren was that they were to great extent overbuilt. I calculated the stresses on that weld and found that half the weld still had a factor of safety from coming apart. Don't expect that on a stamped receiver. Not recommending less than full welds, but it's nice to know that if you are a reasonably capable welder no cover plates are necessary.

Joe