Bren Gun: Help Needed!

[Flying10uk]

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.

I think that we do really need to see some more pictures before it can be accessed properly as to what state the existing finish is in. The single picture in post 1 may not reflect this accurately because of the camera flash. Are you not able to post even a few extra pictures, please?

[Meerkoos]

I think that we do really need to see some more pictures before it can be accessed properly as to what state the existing finish is in. The single picture in post 1 may not reflect this accurately because of the camera flash. Are you not able to post even a few extra pictures, please?

I will be sending pictures tomorrow afternoon (Europe time). The second package should arrive, so all the parts will be complete.

[Meerkoos]

Hi all!

Here are the pictures of the Bren gun, partially reassembled for display.

Attachment 79603

Closeup of the finish I was talking about. The same finish appears on most small parts and the rear sight assembly.

Attachment 79588

The wood looks terrible. Coarse, dented, scratched, decayed and devoid of finish, except for the carry handle.

Attachment 79602

Bolt and piston/carrier seem to be in great shape.

Attachment 79601

Closeup of the cutaway area of the barrel.

Attachment 79590

Closeup of the cutaway portion of the receiver box.

Attachment 79591

Some closeups of the markings on the receiver.

Attachment 79607Attachment 79606

Closeups of the markings on the barrel. Lots of info here, if people want to chime in.

Attachment 79598Attachment 79605Attachment 79604

[browningautorifle]

Not much finish there at all is there? A nice C broad arrow on the body though.

[Brit plumber]

I'll be honest and say I think this is some amateur DIY Cutaway, the cuts are rough and uneven and many aren't in an area I'd expect to find worthy of exposing. I've no idea what's happened at the muzzle of the barrel as it should be flush the flash eliminator and not be counter bored the way it is. I'm also no keen (from an aesthetic perspective) of the way the piston extension to piston thread area has been sectioned. It looks like a gradual slope has been ground whereas a slot to the side with a coresponding body cut to observe through would have been better. I still think trying to make it more alike a U.K. Spec SKN is the way to go but as Peter has said, it's your gun and at the end of the day it's still an example of fine gun that you can cherish.

[Flying10uk]

How much work/difficult do you think it would be to make it more like the British SKN Bren, B.P.?

[Brit plumber]

I think as much or as little effort as the OP wants to put into it. One thing to consider is that some cuts may not be possible due to existing cuts which could cause severe weakness. I can take lots of photos to help though and can provide measurements where needed. I do think a good display gun can be achieved especially if displayed in a Perspex faced Bren chest A'la Laidler! Peters display is one of the best ways I've seen to display the Bren.

[Meerkoos]

Thank you for your insight. This is indeed amateur work. I'll be honest, I have no intention on any serious machining work on this piece, but thanks a lot for the proposal B.P.
This Bren has close to no real collector's value, since no numbers match, the finish is poor, and the integrity is ruined by amateur work. I will give it a good clean, a nice coat of linseed oil on the wood, and wax on the steel, and that would be it. It would make a nice wall hanger and mechanism demonstration unit, but that's that.

[Peter Laidler]

Cutting the piston to piston extension thread from the top has destroyed a VERY important feature of the unlocking and primary extraction features of the Bren gun. I could say more but for one of the very few times in my life, words fail me.................

[Meerkoos]

Wow! I did not even realise this. Please tell me more about this feature. It that is the case, I will try to procure a new Mk1 pattern carrier.

Also, the firing pin retainer/pin does not want to budge out of the bolt body. Is that normal or are the ends peened in?