Bren Gun: Help Needed!

[scoobsean]

I bought a reprint of June 1969 Bren User Handbook (MP159) which is very detailed and might be of use to you. It is available here: Cornell Publications -Bren 1969 .303 MKS 1,2,2/1,3 7.62 L4A1 to L4A7 Handbook (UK) -Manual
along with numerous other Bren manuals

[CINDERS]

I know that BP I have a metric one in my shed bit of tongue & cheek........................

[Meerkoos]

Hi all.

Great success! The package arrived. However, only one of the two came, so I am still missing vital parts such as the bipod, magazine, sight and barrel nut assembly and . The overall condition of the Bren is best described as good/fair.

No numbers seem to match. I am not sure if the numbers stamped on the parts are serial numbers or production-related codes.

It has definitely been used, as the bolt face is eroded, gas regulator dirty, and the wear patterns consistent with a well used weapon. Bore is great (although it won't really matter with a cutaway), no rust or pitting, relatively sharp rifling. No pitting visible. Occasional light rust on some parts that is easily removed with a copper brush.

Finish however is strange. The receiver has been worn down to basically bare steel, whereas the sled assembly has a powdery, soot like pitch-black finish. It is very similar to cheap cold blue. Is this the original finish or the work of an amateur?

Wood is also decidedly average. The carry handle's finish seems okay, with a nice sheen to it. The edges are however cracked in places. The buttstock seems to be devoid of finish, and is rough, with several repairs showing. The grip is the same, and has chips and splitting on the heel. Is it worth refinishing or should I try to find a new set?

Overall, this is not too bad for the price I paid. I am quite happy with this Inglis Bren.

[browningautorifle]

Close up pics would be invaluable for us to assess what the finish is or what can be sorted easily.

[Meerkoos]

Close up pics would be invaluable for us to assess what the finish is or what can be sorted easily.

Unfortunately, I do not have the Bren with me. I am in the middle of the exam session and have decided to leave it at a friends home to avoid distraction. However, I can describe it as best I can. It feels sooty, rubs off using fingers, and is matte.

[Flying10uk]

Remember it's a 1942 Bren, manufactured in the middle of a major world war and the finish, when new, is not likely to be what you'd get with a gun made in peace time. Be careful about refinishing the wood and metal parts to a finish better than it left the factory when new because it's all too easy to end up with what some may call a civy refurb but I prefer to describe as it having been "tarted up".

[Meerkoos]

Remember it's a 1942 Bren, manufactured in the middle of a major world war and the finish, when new, is not likely to be what you'd get with a gun made in peace time. Be careful about refinishing the wood and metal parts to a finish better than it left the factory when new because it's all too easy to end up with what some may call a civy refurb but I prefer to describe as it having been "tarted up".

I understand what you mean. I do not really wish to refinish this gun, since I actually like the patina, but the finish as delivered does not feel original at all. Did the John Inglis plant use regular hot tank salt bluing or rust bluing? The current finish on some parts does not feel like either at all, and I am afraid of rubbing it off during cleaning.

Also, this is clearly not a factory cutaway. The bolt and chamber are completely intact (which they shouldn't on any cutaway model), the cuts are fresh (shiny steel). Is it acceptable to highlight these cuts using red nail varnish?

[Brit plumber]

I think this gun was stripped recently to make it a Cutaway and the individual never finished his project. As you neither have a full Cutaway nor a complete gun I would be tempted to finish it as close to UK SKN spec as possible and finish in suncorite black and a post box red (or similar). I don't think the original finish is worth retaining as I think it's already long gone.

[Peter Laidler]

It's your gun so just do what you want and if that means leaving it looking like a worn out mess that's up to you. But, please........ forget nail varnish. At least you could do that bit properly and use a small cheap tin of red enamel.

[Meerkoos]

I think this gun was stripped recently to make it a Cutaway and the individual never finished his project. As you neither have a full Cutaway nor a complete gun I would be tempted to finish it as close to UK SKN spec as possible and finish in suncorite black and a post box red (or similar). I don't think the original finish is worth retaining as I think it's already long gone.

Thanks for your feedback. I also feel the same, as there really is not any historical value left off this gun. If I understand, the SKN spec asks for phosphating, yes? Ot is it literally a self-phosphating paint?

---------- Post added at 05:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:57 AM ----------

It's your gun so just do what you want and if that means leaving it looking like a worn out mess that's up to you. But, please........ forget nail varnish. At least you could do that bit properly and use a small cheap tin of red enamel.

Whoops! I thought they were more or less the same. I'll settle with the red enamel then.