Another BREN-fan (introduction)

[Brit plumber]

For reference, an Enfield Made Mk1 in 1943 wouldn’t be marked as such on the right side.

[erik3D]

Thank you sir!

I was inspired by the drawings on pages 60 (fig 57) and 75 (fig 78) of the 1986 edition of 'The Bren Gun Saga' that show those markings on the right hand side.
But those marking could well be merely intended for identifying the illustrated version.
I did come across a series of photographs of a cut-up 1942 Enfield MkI (where one could see both sides) that didn't have those markings.
Images that show a close-up of the right hand side with that marking (and no Inglis, or other markings in view) must be from other makers then. Older Enfield MkI's do seem to have them, so it's easy to get confused.

Anything else not right that you've noticed?
Did 1943 Enfields have drilled-through magazine catch levers (instead of the closed one I used) for instance?
I'd be grateful for any old bit of information, however minute.
Thanks.

Erik

[erik3D]

Here's a drawing showing the moment the breech block is fully unlocked, but still hasn't begun moving backwards.

The leverage provided by the tilting motion of the breech block has loosened the cartridge case from the chamber walls.
It could well be that the heavy piston post spring is already compressed at this stage, but I imagine the force needed for unlocking the breech block could well be less than for accelerating it to the considerable speed of the piston assembly.

[erik3D]

One really has to look at it from all sides to appreciate how clever those designers were who made this.
It's not easy to find a single angle that clearly shows how these tightly packed components work together. Taking parts out, in this case the barrel, can help a bit but isn't ideal.

Shame about the empty holes for the barrel nut and dust cover plungers.
Usable images showing what they look like in detail are proving difficult to find.

[SNAFU22]

Pics might help you model the detent pins.

[erik3D]

Thank you very much again SNAFU22!

[SNAFU22]

You're welcome, This is what I had to work with.

[erik3D]

Eeeeeuw, what a horrific sight!
Is that the same gun as in your last photo?
That would be quite an accomplishment!

[erik3D]

About those plungers: these should come reasonably close (I hope)

[SNAFU22]

Nice job on the pins. Yes same gun.