The CZ Bren 2 in 7.62x39 with an 11.5-inch barrel started out as a great experience for me but became problematic after just 600 rounds with keyholing and stove-piping issues. It's frustrating that CZ couldn't resolve it after 10 months, and then only offered a 16-inch 5.56 as a replacement, which wasn't what I was after. Now, hearing they won't include the 7.62x39 in the Gen 3 lineup adds to the disappointment. But I am happy about the 300blk out
Hello. Thanks for the nice contents. May I ask How is the rifle in winter conditions? Is it similar to an AK? Or does it struggle like a SCAR? Also in the Garand Thumb'S Bren 2 video he said "It has a very smooth operation even though I shoot 3000-4000 rounds". And it really was.. But You said it hiccups a little at 2000's. What is the current condition of the rifle?
@@caanbahce so winter conditions haven’t been an issue for it. But it does require more maintenance than an AK. I didn’t lube mine at all in 2k rounds suppressed. Started having malfunctions at about 1600 rounds and a little lube cleaned it right up. Running strong again and no malfunctions since. My AK’s have gone 6-8k rounds without lube.
Was torn between 11" bren and the pap85. Ultimately went with pap85 the day I learned about the bren 3. Ill wait till that drops in a couple years and get that in 11 inches. I think ill prefer the medium barrel of the bren 3 over the pencil barrel of the bren 2 "pistols".
The Bren3 doesn't even currently have any sort of plan for the US market. All that really matters is that you get HBI upgrades like the Mlok handguard, 3 position regulator, and OEM BR stock after form1. In fact my Bren2 11'' SBR was already set up that way long before the Bren3 came out. Super reliable and comfortable to use, quite accurate, less gassy than most AR when suppressed. It is very compact when I take off the suppressor and fold the stock, about 22''. I have Zastava M70 and Galil ACE 8.3'' and 13'', they are fun. But they don't even compare in terms of practicality or tactical use.
@JohnZ556 I know how it performs, I already have a bren 2. I love it so much i want two lol. I wanted to get another one and set it up completely differently. But, I'll wait to see if the bren 3 has any set time period to hit the market. I don't care if it takes a couple years. Also the price of bren 2's has jumped up considerably while parts availability isn't there. Right now a bren 2 for 1800 dollars, plus tax stamp, plus upgrades and accessories when I already have one doesn't make financial sense considering CZ is already moving forward with next iteration, that I think is better.
@@JohnZ556 but if the price of the bren 2 were to drop back down 300-400 dollars or so, that would probably change my mind. I could literally put a pap85 together for the price of a bren 2 and the stock alone.
@conceptualconcepts6.9 yeah I think it's worth attempting to wait lol. Who knows, it may never hit our market considering all the conflict in the east. The heavy barrel of the 16" carbine I think is a little over kill. It's heavier than it needs to be, but reliable. The pencil barrels of the pistols are nice but I would much prefer to meet right in the middle with a medium one. Will help with over heating, accuracy, life expectancy, and little more recoil mitigation. To get a bren 2 pistol now would put me another 3 grand in the hole, when it's all said and done. Upgrades and optics and everything. I'll put my new pap together for way less and still have a blast with it
Can we discuss that location, the backdrop; like can we mountain bike and shoot at the same time there? BTW, I too have been waiting for a new Bren, hoping for larger calibers like .308; looks like they chose 300 Blackout...
I definitely would like to see the 308 hit the market. Also, yeah there’s a lot of mountain biking around here. But this is about 30-40 miles into forestry land so you don’t see many people out and about.
@@Casso700 I’ll definitely have to do an update. The malfunctions started around 1800 RDS suppressed and I’m sure cleaning it will resolve the issue. Personally, I like the Bren 2’s weight and would keep with that. But if you’re wanting a heavier barrel for sustained fire the Bren 3 probably isn’t a bad idea
I agree the 16" carbine version is way too front-heavy. It felt like a musket after setup. I also ended up with the 11" SBR with BR stock. Love how balanced it is. I wouldn't want any heavier barrel or weight to the front because I also run it suppressed. I run Eotech Exps3-4 and 5x on Unity mounts because this is mainly a close quarter rifle, but that 5x with 3 extra BDC dots(about 350, 450 and 550yds) is surprisingly good. Eotech is still king for image quality in any 'dot sights' and nv passive. Regarding Sandman, I would do the K with 5.56 FHFC; it is much lighter and an inch shorter, and that 5.56 cap hides flash decently well, even with range ammo. It's not like I will run any supersonic without ear pro. Well, I will start to transition to CAT WB or even SRBS762 for way better overall performance while having almost no blowback. Sandman K would still be a great option for a light, compact duty can. Mine shot everything pretty well thus far, under 2 MOA most of the time when I try to shoot groups. Tip: Try Lingle Industries' enhanced bolt lever. No more finger in the trigger guard, which makes it easier and safer to run fast. It is also a very quick way to feel and confirm if the bolt is locked open.
All good tips, I am going to have to try my sandman k on here to see how it does. Love the choice of the eotech. I veered away from them awhile back because I kept burning through batteries but since I invested in the surefire rechargeables that’s not a problem anymore. Should really revisit. And in terms of accuracy, idk what happened with the green tip. Every 3 shot group I’ve done has easily been inside of 2 moa. Where both groups from this video you couldn’t even find 3 rounds that close. I have to wonder if it was a bad lot. Definitely going to look into the Lingle industries lever, sounds like a solid investment! Thanks for all the good info!
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 rechargeable batteries is good if you change them often, otherwise they have smaller capacity than fresh cr123. I just keep an extra in the grip along with an Allen key for the gas regulator. Maybe you should check every batch of batteries you got, the voltage should be close to 3.25v or above when new, and change them out at 3.0v or below.
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 If you use Sandman K, the FH cap of appropriate cal is a must, many people didn't do that and they can get a fire ball even on 16''. With 5.56 FH cap the Sandman K can actually suppress the muzzle flash decent well down to 10.3. Good thing about a dot and maginifier combo is that you don't have to leave the magnifier on it, saving a bunch of weight for majority of the times. I would use an Aimpoint before putting ACOG on 11'', if battery life is a concern. And move that ACOG combo to something 14.5'' or 16'' to get a better match up for the BDC.
@@JohnZ556 agree on the rechargeables. Main reason I like them is I train at night almost exclusively during the winter and was burning through 6-10 cr123’s a month just for my flashlights. I have a surplus of standards but use the rechargeables for training. As for the sandman K I have one of those too. It performs great on the 11” with even the 30 cal fh endcap. Personally if I were to reinvest in suppressors I’d do the griffin armament explorr 224. It’s crazy light, hold up well to high volumes of fire, great flash suppression and a good tone (I’m not really chasing sound with 5.56 cans but it is a bonus
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 Did you see the video that they melted a Dual Lok within a combat load? That confirmed my belief about those light tubeless cans. They are more heat resistant than Ti of the same design, but if you train often with SBR, especially going through mags, you will go through them pretty quickly. I also heard a similar thing from someone who trains often. The company doesn't have to warranty those for free since that's normal wear and tear. That's a big why I don't put Nomad-L on AK and AR, even tho it is so much quieter than Sandman. Also, if you train at night, those light tubeless SS cans have the worst IR signature other than Ti cans.
One thing needs to be considered. Ukraine is using all sorts of weapons - AK, AR, polish GROT, and BREN 2. And this nation that is fighting for it's survival chose the BREN... to me, that speaks volumes.
I heard you say the gen 2 is lighter then the gen 3.... that's with the oem handguards on them. But you upgraded to the HB Industries rail which is probably heavier the CZ gen 3 new slim rail with M-lok I do know that the steel rails is the biggest upgrade because in Ukraine they have had issues with the bren2 eatting its self.
@@lowlight8466 The HB handguard doesn’t add a ton of weight overall. Maybe a couple oz from the factoryDefinitely not even close to the difference of the gen 3’s barrel alone. there are also several beefed up components. Not necessarily bad upgrades but they do add a significant amount of weight.
I have been waiting for more Bren videos to pop up!!! Thank you!!!
@@markcam1965 thanks for the support man!
How long will it be for Bren 3 hits the market
Really good video and some great points made. Love your set-up!! Subscribed.
🙏thank you!
Thanks for your great review! Sadly the Gen3 doesnt seem to be aimed at the civilian market?
The CZ Bren 2 in 7.62x39 with an 11.5-inch barrel started out as a great experience for me but became problematic after just 600 rounds with keyholing and stove-piping issues. It's frustrating that CZ couldn't resolve it after 10 months, and then only offered a 16-inch 5.56 as a replacement, which wasn't what I was after. Now, hearing they won't include the 7.62x39 in the Gen 3 lineup adds to the disappointment. But I am happy about the 300blk out
@@lowlight8466 yeah the 7.62x39 is riddled with issues. I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience.
Hello. Thanks for the nice contents. May I ask How is the rifle in winter conditions? Is it similar to an AK? Or does it struggle like a SCAR?
Also in the Garand Thumb'S Bren 2 video he said "It has a very smooth operation even though I shoot 3000-4000 rounds". And it really was.. But You said it hiccups a little at 2000's. What is the current condition of the rifle?
@@caanbahce so winter conditions haven’t been an issue for it. But it does require more maintenance than an AK. I didn’t lube mine at all in 2k rounds suppressed. Started having malfunctions at about 1600 rounds and a little lube cleaned it right up. Running strong again and no malfunctions since. My AK’s have gone 6-8k rounds without lube.
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 AKs incredible :) We'd like to see this beautiful rifle in your videos from time to time. Thank you.
The CZ Bren 2 & IWI Galil ACE 2 are the ultimate civilian rifles
Was torn between 11" bren and the pap85. Ultimately went with pap85 the day I learned about the bren 3. Ill wait till that drops in a couple years and get that in 11 inches. I think ill prefer the medium barrel of the bren 3 over the pencil barrel of the bren 2 "pistols".
The Bren3 doesn't even currently have any sort of plan for the US market.
All that really matters is that you get HBI upgrades like the Mlok handguard, 3 position regulator, and OEM BR stock after form1.
In fact my Bren2 11'' SBR was already set up that way long before the Bren3 came out. Super reliable and comfortable to use, quite accurate, less gassy than most AR when suppressed. It is very compact when I take off the suppressor and fold the stock, about 22''.
I have Zastava M70 and Galil ACE 8.3'' and 13'', they are fun. But they don't even compare in terms of practicality or tactical use.
@JohnZ556 I know how it performs, I already have a bren 2. I love it so much i want two lol. I wanted to get another one and set it up completely differently. But, I'll wait to see if the bren 3 has any set time period to hit the market. I don't care if it takes a couple years. Also the price of bren 2's has jumped up considerably while parts availability isn't there. Right now a bren 2 for 1800 dollars, plus tax stamp, plus upgrades and accessories when I already have one doesn't make financial sense considering CZ is already moving forward with next iteration, that I think is better.
@@JohnZ556 but if the price of the bren 2 were to drop back down 300-400 dollars or so, that would probably change my mind. I could literally put a pap85 together for the price of a bren 2 and the stock alone.
@@simonevans5562 definitely nothing wrong with waiting for the next gen if that’s got features you’re looking for.
@conceptualconcepts6.9 yeah I think it's worth attempting to wait lol. Who knows, it may never hit our market considering all the conflict in the east. The heavy barrel of the 16" carbine I think is a little over kill. It's heavier than it needs to be, but reliable. The pencil barrels of the pistols are nice but I would much prefer to meet right in the middle with a medium one. Will help with over heating, accuracy, life expectancy, and little more recoil mitigation. To get a bren 2 pistol now would put me another 3 grand in the hole, when it's all said and done. Upgrades and optics and everything. I'll put my new pap together for way less and still have a blast with it
Can we discuss that location, the backdrop; like can we mountain bike and shoot at the same time there? BTW, I too have been waiting for a new Bren, hoping for larger calibers like .308; looks like they chose 300 Blackout...
I definitely would like to see the 308 hit the market. Also, yeah there’s a lot of mountain biking around here. But this is about 30-40 miles into forestry land so you don’t see many people out and about.
Good video 🤙🏽 I love mine I just wish spare parts wasn’t an issue. Would it be worth it to sell and get the 3?????
Also …when you drop a little oil in the rifle can you update on malfunctions?
@@Casso700 I’ll definitely have to do an update. The malfunctions started around 1800 RDS suppressed and I’m sure cleaning it will resolve the issue. Personally, I like the Bren 2’s weight and would keep with that. But if you’re wanting a heavier barrel for sustained fire the Bren 3 probably isn’t a bad idea
I agree the 16" carbine version is way too front-heavy. It felt like a musket after setup.
I also ended up with the 11" SBR with BR stock. Love how balanced it is. I wouldn't want any heavier barrel or weight to the front because I also run it suppressed.
I run Eotech Exps3-4 and 5x on Unity mounts because this is mainly a close quarter rifle, but that 5x with 3 extra BDC dots(about 350, 450 and 550yds) is surprisingly good. Eotech is still king for image quality in any 'dot sights' and nv passive.
Regarding Sandman, I would do the K with 5.56 FHFC; it is much lighter and an inch shorter, and that 5.56 cap hides flash decently well, even with range ammo. It's not like I will run any supersonic without ear pro. Well, I will start to transition to CAT WB or even SRBS762 for way better overall performance while having almost no blowback. Sandman K would still be a great option for a light, compact duty can.
Mine shot everything pretty well thus far, under 2 MOA most of the time when I try to shoot groups.
Tip: Try Lingle Industries' enhanced bolt lever. No more finger in the trigger guard, which makes it easier and safer to run fast. It is also a very quick way to feel and confirm if the bolt is locked open.
All good tips, I am going to have to try my sandman k on here to see how it does.
Love the choice of the eotech. I veered away from them awhile back because I kept burning through batteries but since I invested in the surefire rechargeables that’s not a problem anymore. Should really revisit.
And in terms of accuracy, idk what happened with the green tip. Every 3 shot group I’ve done has easily been inside of 2 moa. Where both groups from this video you couldn’t even find 3 rounds that close. I have to wonder if it was a bad lot.
Definitely going to look into the Lingle industries lever, sounds like a solid investment! Thanks for all the good info!
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 rechargeable batteries is good if you change them often, otherwise they have smaller capacity than fresh cr123. I just keep an extra in the grip along with an Allen key for the gas regulator.
Maybe you should check every batch of batteries you got, the voltage should be close to 3.25v or above when new, and change them out at 3.0v or below.
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 If you use Sandman K, the FH cap of appropriate cal is a must, many people didn't do that and they can get a fire ball even on 16''. With 5.56 FH cap the Sandman K can actually suppress the muzzle flash decent well down to 10.3.
Good thing about a dot and maginifier combo is that you don't have to leave the magnifier on it, saving a bunch of weight for majority of the times.
I would use an Aimpoint before putting ACOG on 11'', if battery life is a concern. And move that ACOG combo to something 14.5'' or 16'' to get a better match up for the BDC.
@@JohnZ556 agree on the rechargeables. Main reason I like them is I train at night almost exclusively during the winter and was burning through 6-10 cr123’s a month just for my flashlights. I have a surplus of standards but use the rechargeables for training.
As for the sandman K I have one of those too. It performs great on the 11” with even the 30 cal fh endcap. Personally if I were to reinvest in suppressors I’d do the griffin armament explorr 224. It’s crazy light, hold up well to high volumes of fire, great flash suppression and a good tone (I’m not really chasing sound with 5.56 cans but it is a bonus
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 Did you see the video that they melted a Dual Lok within a combat load? That confirmed my belief about those light tubeless cans. They are more heat resistant than Ti of the same design, but if you train often with SBR, especially going through mags, you will go through them pretty quickly. I also heard a similar thing from someone who trains often.
The company doesn't have to warranty those for free since that's normal wear and tear.
That's a big why I don't put Nomad-L on AK and AR, even tho it is so much quieter than Sandman.
Also, if you train at night, those light tubeless SS cans have the worst IR signature other than Ti cans.
Love the Bren its so underrated
10/10 rifle.
@@conceptualconcepts6.9 cz just being cz lol
I thought they had a full length upper so how can you put on a new handguard?
@@ronin2167 the monolithic upper ends at the gas block and has a replaceable lower HG. So the new HG extends the top rail and and is much longer
Did you change the barrel or but the pistol version?
It’s a converted pistol
Hope You try Msbs grot one day. But Cz is great
I too hope to try one
One thing needs to be considered. Ukraine is using all sorts of weapons - AK, AR, polish GROT, and BREN 2. And this nation that is fighting for it's survival chose the BREN... to me, that speaks volumes.
Very true
I wish the US could get the larger caliber Brens.
Schönes Video. Vielen Dank! Grüße aus Deutschland!
Danke, Grüße aus Amerika
I heard you say the gen 2 is lighter then the gen 3.... that's with the oem handguards on them. But you upgraded to the HB Industries rail which is probably heavier the CZ gen 3 new slim rail with M-lok I do know that the steel rails is the biggest upgrade because in Ukraine they have had issues with the bren2 eatting its self.
@@lowlight8466 The HB handguard doesn’t add a ton of weight overall. Maybe a couple oz from the factoryDefinitely not even close to the difference of the gen 3’s barrel alone. there are also several beefed up components. Not necessarily bad upgrades but they do add a significant amount of weight.
Nope they done messed up , out of all places. Ukraine... where biden gets his snow from . Damn.