Bren L4A3

[Peter Laidler]

It does seem like a lot of work to make a repro L4 A whatever it now is! Especially that bathtub shaped lightening recess at the front of the magazine housing (see it.....? just to the front of the magazine, down...., on the top of the body...). That was another initial stumbling block that caused all manner of confusion when formulating the Mk3's to standardised L4A2 spec. Because the magazine was moved further forwards and the opening opened out to boot, unless the milling process used to cut the magazine lug recess was precisely central and mechanically prevented from deviating left or right by more than a gnats knacker, it would break out into that recess.

Even got a lightened Mk3/L4 butt slide. Top photo, looks like the body has been eating into sides of the butt during recoil buffering

That sling attached to the rear sling swivel was another bane of Armourrers lives too. It used to chew the recess up until it couldn't be made good anymore. No repair was suitable so plenty of butts were scrapped! The very best was the sling loop modification where a loop was welded to the top of the butt plate. Problem solved forever

Sorry...., getting into Bren train spotting mode a bit now so better shut up so nobody thinks I collect webbing and oil bottles too!

[tankhunter]

I have a Friend who also bought one of these l4A3 'replica's'. They are made to order by a sec.5 Dealer in Essex. As long as He has enough of the parts to complete examples.
I assume he will continue to modify guns to order.
They are not cheap!.........

[Peter Laidler]

Maybe he should have engraved this one properly and finished the otherwise reasonable job. It's no mean feat to convert one, albeit to a non firing old spec deact. Mind you, there's no point now as there's none of the old ones left as I understand it

[Brit plumber]

It would appear then that the dealer has made an error in assuming that the A3 body looks like a mk3/A4 body so now it's not a mk2 body nor a mk4, it's an obvious fake for a lot of money!

[Peter Laidler]

Yes, but there might be a method in his madness. Now he knows that the flock have gone over it pictorially, he could engrave it as an L4A2/4 and be almost there.....

[tankhunter]

It would appear then that the dealer has made an error in assuming that the A3 body looks like a mk3/A4 body so now it's not a mk2 body nor a mk4, it's an obvious fake for a lot of money!

BP, you are quite correct. In my view going to all that trouble & ending in: 'Spoiling a Ship for a Ha'penth of Tar' are my thoughts on it!

However, you must remember. These 'Replica's' are only being cobbled together to make MONEY!!!!!..... And whilst the scarcity of genuine L4's remain.
Then there will be more demand outstripping supply so to speak. And thus, Dealers like the Guy who 'Modified' these. Will indeed, continue to ply their 'Work'!......

Not all collectors are as diligent or knowlegable, as most of the members on this Forum!......

[peregrinvs]

Perhaps we'll get lucky one day and a significant quantity of Indian 1B LMG's will make it onto the UK market? Of course, they'd now have to be welded up.

[Brit plumber]

Perhaps we'll get lucky one day and a significant quantity of Indian 1B LMG's will make it onto the UK market? Of course, they'd now have to be welded up.

I think I bought the very last one that came up for sale. I'm glad I got it when I could!

[mrclark303]

It really is a case of buyer beware, on the plus side, you would have every right to demand your money back as it's not what they are saying it is.

So many fakes out there and as Mike correctly states, most people really aren't as expert as spotting these things as you chaps.

[Peter Laidler]

Valid point Clarkie, but you might as well keep it now. After all, you ain't going to get another - and certainly not one that operates!