pardon my ignorance. Why not use the heavier primer spring as standard? what effect does the 7.62 spring have on 5.56? also, the 6 screws to hold the barrel. Looks like they could have gotten away with 4 on reciver and almost had a freefloat barrel?
@@Al-no2fm that would be a question for CZ engineers designing these rifles. I can try to ask but I know for sure all variants were extensively tested and so the solutions and differences may certainly come from this thorough testing.... :)
It seems like a recurring theme on this channel that v1 of a rifle ticks all the boxes that the ordnance department wanted, then v2 gets rid of most of them to tick all the boxes the grunts wanted.
That's generally the theme with every military rifle. Militaries nowadays are too paranoid about malfunctions and durability that they wind up only considering the most impractical designs. Case in point, the FN-SCAR, which has an absolutely overweight operating rod because the US military was, and still is, paranoid about the smaller ones breaking.
CZ really knows weapon design. These are some wonderful improvments. The original Bren is a rather decent rifle, but shaving off all that weight and tons of small creature comfort changes makes this an excellent rifle.
@@konstantin.v True. I did notice that. For a service rifle, I do not think that is that big of a deal. Sure it will cause some accuacy loss when the gun heats up, but within expected ranges I expect it should retain enough accuracy for the job.
@@Jesses001 , watch from 15:48 to 15:54 on the slowest speed. The gap is never shown in all clarity, but I managed to capture a couple of still shots that I believe imply it very strongly 🙂
I was going to ask if the flimsy plastic latch was robust enough for acting as a forward assist. But then I realized that you should not beat the bolt into battery with a hammer anyway 😊
I think this is an overcomplicated, flimsy, error prone mess which makes the AR-15 charging handle design look reasonable in comparison. And that one is stupid in its own ridiculous way. Just slap a hunk of steel at the side of the bolt carrier already and be done with it ffs. Something like the optics mount screw or what that protruding thing is. This is a military weapon for crying out loud. This level of complexity and delicate engineering features is too much even for a range toy. SMH.
@@m4tol , that plastic piece does raise questions, I'll give you that. Maybe, they'll make it metal in Bren 3 😊 Besides that, it looks robust enough to me and a clever idea, too. Putting aside everything else, a non-reciprocating charging handle surely is a nice thing. More significant problem may be in the high placement of the charging handle. I've recently watched a video about the trials of SCAR for the US military. They were unhappy with it being a "knuckle buster". That is, whichever way you hold it, you are likely to bust your knuckles against the mounted optics 🙂
@@thegreenberretwearingbrony9678 I went to report the bot for spamming and i noticed they added "untrue information" as a possible reason to report. What the hell. RUclips is getting even worse with the thought policing. Can you imagine reporting someone because they said something you consider false?
I’m so happy that you made these videos on the cz brens. First rifle i ever shot was a bren 805 and first the handgun i shot was a cz 75 b so i’m always happy when you come out with cz related content.
@@themythofthefacelessman2180 simpsonit sarjasta jakson himoläskihomer siinä esiintyy koko simpsonit perhe eli myös bart simpsons homer poika fanit saavat nauraa ja naurattaahan se tietty myös vaikka homerin läskikuteet ja muuut kannattaa kattoo nopee
I have a customer that needed me to sight-in his Bren 2 at 200 yards and shoot 100 rounds through it - so I got more time under one of these than I usually get. While it may not replace the AR-15 for me, it is a great platform. All the controls and ergonomics were great, trigger was very nice, and it grouped better than most autoloaders.
@@kostis2849 You don't need to. This has standard AR style irons and can take any optic. It's not like the ladder sight on an AK which does use metric measurements.
"Bren 2. This time it's payback!" "Bren 2. The breninator!" "Bren 2: The return of the Bren." "Bren 2: In space no one can hear you Bren!" "Bren 2: They should have left Bren alone..."
I've got CZ weapons from the last world war, and throughout, and this is one of the most incredible, modern designs in the world. I've long admired their engineering, and this is certainly the pinnacle, thanks for the expose, very well done.
@Jake Gore That's sad because I REALLY like CZ and REALLY wanted to get a 2 (specifically once someone worked out a 6.5 production gun, so same bolt face) Maybe one day. Are the parts still impossible to order for at-home repairs?
On my second x39. 1st one started stove piping @ 300 rounds of brass ammo. Got about 300 rnds of steel cased through the second one with no issues. Got the HB gas spring, but still skeptical. I wouldn't trust my life on it functioning when needed.
@@mattfleming86 Not really I have some spare parts. And if you do actually break or lose something as I somehow lost my firing pin retaining pin, CZ will send it to you. Your best bet if you just want every spare part under the sun because you somehow plan on breaking shit is to just order it from Europe.
Last I’ve heard, they made a statement saying steel case 7.62x39 was “too hard on the extractor.” So they recommended only brass case. Which makes no sense to me. Our rental at the store is down right now with a sheared claw. Been 2 months so far waiting for a replacement part
@Jake Gore I actually had a decent experience with CZUSA once I was able to talk to a human. Bought the gun in June 2020. Had a hard time getting through a single mag without FTE. Sent it back in August for repair. Couldn't get an update until November when someone called me on the phone. I was surprised when the guy leveled with me and basically steered me towards getting a refund or swapping it for a 5.56 Bren 2. I got a full refund fees and all in January. The x39 is truly a forgotten weapon, since even CZ forgot about fixing it.
The Bren 2 does have different sizes for the back strap. I just ordered the medium sized and changed it out recently. I have the 762x39 version of the gun. And I have to say that this gun bump fires like a dream. It was the second time I ever tried bumping and I was able to unload a full mag from the shoulder without hiccups on the first try. If you have a x39 version of the gun and have the issues with over gassing, you can replace the gas regulator with a 556 gas regulator and it will function much better. I did that with mine and also put in the HB industries high load piston spring and it now shoots amazingly smooth. It might be my softest shooting firearm now. It does make subsonic rounds less likely to cycle the action, but you can either turn up the gas or just use the original piston spring. I never had issues with over gassing, but I only put maybe 150 rounds through it before getting the new regulator. I heard about the issues online and decided to nip it in the bud.
It's a shame that (as is Hungarian tradition) we bought cheap shitty magazines that jam all the fucking time and the grippod is overpriced, heavy and cumbersome. Oh, and optics are like never issued. Shame. The P-09 holsters are pretty shitty too.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your videos. Great sound quality. Very thoughful angles used, everything visible and clean. Tone of your voice calm, yet not boring. Information and context you provide is second to none. And as a Czech myself, I congratulate you on perfect pronounciation of Uherský Brod. From 200 years old revolver to coil rifle of tomorrow, as long as you make a video about it, I need to learn about it :D
This is a perfect example of what firearms manufacturers should strive to do with their creations. This gun is great. Very smart and thoughtful engineering clearly went into this.
For those who own these and fire them often, I've got a few questions to you. It is our issued rifle in the Hungarian Defense Forces, but there are tons of malfunctions. -Double or triple feed /with the original CZ mags/, -Ejection issues when the ejected case just turn sideways and smash the ejection cut-out bending the receiver or just turning all the way backwards and loading a round under it making a juicy double feed -Iron chipping off from the little iron claw /donno the correct term/ that holds the bolt in it's place (The edges of it sheering down). -And also the cleaning kit of it /we recieved it with a metal wire in plaszoc as a cleaning rod, and it often just break when u clean the barrel/ Have you noticed anything similar? /Ejection issues also can be caused by the shitty ammo, but with good gradw rounds also had multiple double feeds, and I mean when it is not handled by an idiot who gently try to pull the charging handle/
Are y'all issued 5.56mm or 7.62x39 version? The 7.62x39 versions that have been imported to USA have been plagued by various issues that seem to stem from being over-gassed. Some people have even had a gunsmith drill out a new (smaller) hole in the gas regulator at the 0/Off setting and that seems to fix most of them. However 5.56mm versions have a good reputation for reliability among American shooters.
@@SpaceCoyote308 Well, that's interesting, because most of the issues here are with the 5.56. I have not heard a lot about the 7.62 having malfunctions here tbh but those are pretty rare, not many units recieved them. Here the problems are mostly the material /On paper we buy the parts feom the Czech Republic and assemble them here/ so it can also be the govt. cheap out on material or ammo🤔 Ohhh and forgot the funniest thing. You can't load 30 rounds into the 30 round magazine, because it always falls out, it doesn't catch the mags
@@tremmelistvan788 It sounds like it could be an issue with the mags what with the double and triple feeds. It's not too unusual for the last few rounds to be hard to load especially with new mags. My 16" Bren 2 carbine actually shipped with d&h brand aluminum mags not the plastic CZ mags. I've only ever shot it using Magpul Pmags or Aluminum GI mags. High quality AR15 mags are cheap and readily available in USA so that could account for why American shooters don't seem to be having issues with the 5.56mm. It would be worth checking one of the CZ forums to see if anybody else is having trouble with the CZ mags.
On behalf of the Magazines, we have 2 seperate one, (CZ mags are the better ones, so we mostly use those). The original CZ /stamped aluminium or other metal like the original M16 had/ and an Israeli? maybe plastic, which causes way more problems and also, all of them is brand new (2 alu CZ mag and 3 plastic is issued, all the same) . But the hard part is we have no access to other magazines here, only if you are deployed and buy them in a base from the american soldiers (or from someone for like 50-100 dollars each). But this definitely looks like the source of the problem. On the cleaning rod, we also have the 2 piece rod, but was told to use the metal cord thing insted, to avoid damaging the barrel. (we also swithced to the metal one, works fine or just use an old AK one that is just one piece and do not need to disassemble it) And for the rest, so it seems like we are sort of right, the materials are a bit off probably, I donno if it is a good or bad news that these are recurring issues in most part of the world. I'll try to look up a few forums in connection with this, thank you guys
The only issues I've had are with ZSR 5.56 ammo in the 11" and 8" models (I was using factory mags). Failure to fire and stovepipes. Otherwise all barrel lengths have run fine with other ammo.
You can see at 18:26 why the new trigger assembly is so much lighter. The old design has an insert with metal plates that support all the pins. The new design has the pins supported by just the polymer. No doubt saves a lot of weight, but I wonder if it loses any durability.
It not only loses durability, but taking out the 2 round bursts has proven to be a no no for militaries looking at it :/ 2 or 3 round burst is the most used mode of firing in high density combat, and the best way to shoot the accurate numbers of rounds you want to in full auto.
@@brunol-p_g8800 There's quite a bit of disagreement about that. The US Army standard M4A1 doesn't have a burst mechanism. The Army decided they didn't want it anymore. Most US soldiers seem to agree with this decision, as they prefer having full auto instead.
This gun would be SUCH a natural conversion platform for 6.5 Grendel. It would give it more of the "battle" rifle ability in a great size/weight package. Or 6mm ARC depending on it's future production stability. That chunky bolt face would potentially solve the biggest detriment of those calibers in AR-15 pattern guns. Anyone making conversion kits? (from match grade blanks?)
@@cm-pr2ys considering they've already decided to go with the 6.8mm round and they're actively fielding test units, I think you're out of luck. Unless you're hoping the OEM decides to make a different model in 6 arc or 6 grendel?
@@notthestatusquo7683 Other than also being based on an AR-18 operating system, it really has no resemblance to the G36. The G36's real distinctive feature is its all polymer receiver, with the barrel & trunnion directly embedded into the polymer.
What an excellent and helpful video this is! Across the Internet, Ian is the only presenter I've found who comprehensively explains the manner in which the Bren 2's charging-handle assembly and BCG interact. It's not because of his hair that he's called "Gun Jesus." Waiting, now, for CZ to bring the Bren 3 stateside.
Great video, love it when companies let you come check out their modern designs. As someone interested in firearms engineering, these videos are fascinating.
There is another potential upside to its name. If they ever update it, it can be the Bren2 2. Then they can stamp an image of a ballerina wearing a TUTU. Thanks, thanks. I'll be here all week.
Honestly, I feel like the reason they put that mounting piece for the stock on the original Bren was so that one could install adapters to accept different types of stocks (buffer tube stocks?). With v2 they just made a proper stock.
Or so you can pop the stock off entirely without opening the back of the gun to debris. It’s a bit redundant when you can already fold it though, obviously.
I recently bought the 9 in pistol variant in 39 that I plan on converting to a SBR. I love everything about it, so much so that I've ordered the Carbine. CZ really knocked it out of the park with this one. Bravo CZ!
Update... The 9 inch x39 continues to be flawless. I've got my 16 inch Carbine in 556 and found a mint NOS 805 with a 11 inch barrel. The Bren 2 may be better in every way but that 805 is a sexy beast! I'm loving the CZ Bren lineup and can't wait for the Bren 3 to hit the market in 300 BO
Wow this gun is technologically amazing! It just checks all the boxes of good things. Right-Left Convertible (hybrid reciprocating?) charging handle, fully ambidextrous and ergonomic controls, adjustable gas system, STANAG slide-in style magazines, 2 piece receiver, picatinny top rail, etc! Idk about the soft factors, like trigger pull, precision, durability, etc, but the hard factors are fantastic! To go on a quick rant, when I tell AK fanboys that the AK is outdated, this is what I mean. All this vs right hand charging handle, weird un-ergonomic safety, rock-in magazines, many non-replaceable parts, optic mounting headaches, self-destructing front trunnions, overgassed non-adjustable gas system, wasteful bolt lug design, and especially the high cost you have to pay ($1,000+) to get one that definitely won't break or explode from bad headspacing after 2,000 rounds. Whereas a fancy Bren 2 ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, or a great quality AR is about the same as a decent AK, somewhere around $1,000. A modernized AK that's actually good to me, would end up just being a rip-off of the SCAR-L and Bren 2.
I wish CZ would sell the caliber conversion kits in the US. I guess I have of the few 7.62x39 models that doesn't have issues, but being able to switch over to 5.56 would be great.
I want this in 7.62x39. 14.5" barrel with a P/W QD suppressor adapter for legality, and the gas cutoff to keep the sound signature down. I have a CZ527 in 7.62x39 that is lots of fun to shoot subsonic loads out of, as well as surprisingly precise.
That looks like a really well thought out rifle, with an *excellent* disassembly system (which, for a military weapon, is rather more important than many folks think). The caliber conversion setup is also pretty slick - changes what needs to change (although I'd like to see the extractor claw on the 7.62x39mm bolt; milspec steel case 7.62x39mm sometimes needs some oomph to extract when the gun is fouled, and a massive claw helps), and *only* what needs to be changed... and it all looks fairly straight forward (didn't show it, but that hammer spring looks like a captive unit that is probably easier to swap than your typical mousetrap springs). A handful of things where I wonder if they will be problems in the field over the long term: 1. The plastic widget connecting the charging handle to the bolt. Really cool idea mechanically, but I wonder if aluminum might not have been a better choice for long term wear, without adding significant weight. 2. The locking hook on the bolt group looks a skosh small - I wonder how it will hold up without wearing or peening too smooth after tens of thousands of cycles of the bolt group - PVT Snuffy is probably going to be yanking that handle 1000 times in drill practice or dry firing for every round (blank or live) he actually fires. Lot of wear... (that applies to the plastic widget, too). 3. Not a fan of open prong flashiders (yes, they're more effective than closed birdcages, but also more susceptible to damage and gathering crap in the field). But that's not only an *easy* and cheap fix, but you could look at others and redesign the existing flash hider to add a shallow groove right near the end, and twist stainless steel wire in there - minimal effect on the flash suppressor's function (the loss of effectiveness from wire like that is *barely* distinguishable within the limits of measurement, yet it both reinforces the prongs from being bent out, it also blocks weeds and crap from snagging). All pretty minor gripes - two of which are entirely conjecture (time will tell), and *none* of which are "deal killers" nor terribly expensive or difficult fixes if they do turn out to be problems. Every gun has flaws, and everything is a compromise - CZ seems to have done a damned fine balancing act here. And without excessive weight.
@@panman1964 usually, when a flash hider has wirecutting incorporated in it as a plan, you just have a pair of notches (like on a bird cage flash hider on an HK G3) to grab the barbed wire or slide the barbed wire down the spaces between the prongs. Then you twist the rifle to tension the wire and pull the trigger. If you look at the original AUG flash hider (a prong type), and view some.of the post-factory modifications some.forces did by adding wire as I described, you'll realize they still retained that wire cutting capability. As for assuming "knife edges" on the inside of the prongs sharp enough to cut wire... no, just no. Even if you were strong enough (you aren't, unless you have green skin, purple stretchy pants, and a serious anger issue 😁 ), *and* you remembered to turn the correct direction (lest you simply unscrew your muzzle device from the barrel), it still takes longer than the "cut it with a bullet method". Cutting wire with the flash suppressor is never a primary means of cutting wire, and isn't something you do if you need to be quiet - you call up a guy with a pair of wirecutters (or even a Leatherman) on him. Or, for many armies, you have *literally anyone with a bayonet* use the wirecutter incorporated in your bayonet & scabbard. The idea of using the muzzle.of your rifle to cut wire is for when you need to cut wire quick and dirty, without time to go get tools out (like during an assault into a prepared position). Barbed wire is, after all, *steel* . You're not cutting it without some major mechanical advantage.
Regarding #2, I don't think the carrier hits the plastic piece of the carrier assembly when it goes into battery. I would think it would be obvious to the engineers to make the handle assembly, when it's locked in its rest position, have JUST a tiny gap between it and the surface of the bolt carrier that it acts upon. In other words, when the bolt carrier stops its forward movement against the trunnion and the plastic handle assembly piece is fully latched in its forward position, there should be the tiniest of gaps between the two so that the carrier doesn't beat up the plastic handle assembly.
@@Locutus494 I'm not worried about damage from impact on closing - like you, I have full faith in the Czech engineers' abilities to dimension parts and compare numbers on the drawings. But that doesn't eliminate the wear amd stress on a small contact area the charging handle is interacting with. Nor does it address the effects of friction over years of hard service. Just working the parts -even if you don't ever let them slam - is going to put stress on them and cause wear. Not knowing the physical characteristics of the material in question, I can't know for sure - but I cannot imagine it's more wear and stress resistant than anodized aluminum.
French GIGN also uses the CZ Bren 2 7.62x39mn to help with penetration due to issues during the terrorist attacks at the Bataclan Theatre. They wanted a better penetrating round and the Bren 2 is still in use with GIGN today.
Czechoslovakia probably had it easiest when it came to rebuilding. Although the crucial factories and the like were bombed as usual, Czechoslovakia saw very little fighting on its' territory and allies were little hesitant to bomb occupied country so late in the war. If I'm not mistaken, we were actually the only country under Third Reich that had growing economy until the end of the war.
Most prototypes exist in the state military museum from various weapons factories throughout Czechoslovakia, including some designs by Czech designers before 1918 and several German prototypes, some prototypes were probably used by the Germans, such as the ZK 391 rifle for Italian tests, which Ian has a video and who were captured by the Americans, lost were ZK 420 and ZK 423, hard to say whether the Soviets or the Germans or the Partisans. Today's CZ has only prototypes after 1989
There is a very good military history museum in Prague with many weapons, including obscrure ones and prototypes. Ian is aware of it and he'll probably get there at some point.
I mean, CZ only came to be in 1936 if Im not mistaken, so they wouldnt have a lot of pre-WW2 stuff, most of the development before that was done in ZB.
I have the Semi Auto 16" rifle version (Bren 2 MS) from the American import market. Some of the key differences are the MS version other than the 16" barrel is it has a longer m-lok rail section, no irons provided, the original 805 comp (which i was very surprised about), and a slightly different looking stock. (check gun broker for imagery) Btw: Thank you for showing me how easy it is to change the side of the charging handle.
How the hell did you find one?!! I pretty regularly see the pistol versions that have been here for several years now, but I have yet to see a carbine anywhere. Yeah, is that different stock a generational change, or is that one made for the US market? It has a QD cup, and I would imagine that's one of the parts CZ-USA makes here for 922(R) compliance, so maybe that different design is only sold here? Also is that extended handguard on the carbines free-floated? I always assumed the Bren 2 was, so I was shocked when I saw Ian take it apart in this video.
@@Locutus494 Gun broker. I was skeptical about ordering a rifle online but I am in love with this rifle and can now recommend buying from there. Just ask any FFL about how the process works. Filter for semi auto rifles and then search Bren 2 or filter by CZ and 5.56. There are a lot out there are meant to scalp you for bidding but once in a while someone will get a shipment and sell them for relative MSRP. Got mine for $1799. Only way to get them is gun broker because you'll never see them in the wild. The extended hand guard is indeed free floated and I think the MS version is nicer than the one Ian reviewed. The stock is still very nice but if you really want to stand out there is an after market G36 stock adapter on HBindustries website
I love my Bren 2 but I have to question the bolt hold/bolt release design inside the trigger guard. As a Lefty it's not very useful for me and it's an ND risk. Also just like the 805 it appears CZ still doesn't dehorn their aluminum parts after machining. The rails are SHARP and will definitely cut you up if you don't have a glove on. I eventually swapped those parts out for HBI stuff which has been excellent.
It's don't think it's an ND risk. You can still drop the bolt with the charging handle. Just don't use that lever unless you're already aiming in a safe direction. You shouldn't be dropping your bolt ever except pointed in a safe direction anyway. Use the other features of the rifle. If it's an ND risk, then it's only because your behavior is risky.
It is not an ND risk! It is not the same as the Magpul BAD lever (not that I agree with Ian and Karl about that being a bad design). The ACR has nearly an identical bolt catch/release, and that was no issue. And why would it be any different for a lefty to use? The whole idea with it being center mounted like that is that it works exactly the same way for a righty or lefty. Or do you just mean that the AR style bolt catch release is actually easier to use as a lefty, meaning you have less need for an ambi lever?
That charging handle system is a really clever and elegant way to get the benefits of both reciprocating and reciprocating charging handles at the same time without really sacrificing anything.
10:06 Here begins several minutes of the best design I have ever seen. I kept thinking to myself over and over again, "wow, that makes so much sense, anyone could disassemble this."
I almost think it's weird that everyone is going back to 3-prong flash hiders. The US did that almost 60 years ago, but went away from that since they catch leaves and sticks in them when going through heavy brush.
Not a lot of brush in the desert, I guess. Will be interesting to see if potential European conflict causes all the hip new NATO toys to go back to bird cages
Bird cage style flash hiders tend to last longer when used with BFA's. The British one has a tendency to be screwed down overly tight by enthusiastic squaddies and the prongs opened up.
Depending on the design they can also be prone to breakage as well, which a typical bird cage is not. The twisted three prong should have better resiliency though.
Sweet looking rifle! However, I've never been a fan of controls located inside the trigger guard. Too easy to make a mistake in a high-stress situation - especially when wearing thick winter gloves. I'm sure it can be mitigated with practice/training.
I’ve had mine for a few years and train with it a lot and even with gloves I’ve never had anything happen. The controls are very well placed so you have to deliberately reach for them. As a lefty I use the bolt release in the trigger guard and there’s a good amount of downward force you have to place on it to get it to release. And there’s enough upward travel needed to get the bolt to hold open that it’s again very deliberate to make it work. And I have pretty big hands if so when gloved i use a lot of real estate In the guard
My comment is more geared towards accidentally pushing on the bolt catch in a high-stress situation...which is not an unrealistic possibility. I'm saying this from personal experience. Your body does all kinds of twitchy things when you're in a combat environment. It would not be good to lock your bolt to the rear when your actively trying fire rounds in a hostile situation - more probable if you're wearing thick gloves. Nor would I want someone's finger in the trigger guard if they're trying to clear the rifle by locking the bolt to the rear. Sure, you don't have to use it, but people will anyway if the option exists. As I said, I'm sure it could be addressed through training/practice. Nonetheless, It's a pretty cool looking rifle and I'd love to shoot it.
@@charlesm.2756 That actually seems like a very unrealistic possibility to me. If you manage to push against the upper front corner of the trigger guard while simuntaneously pressing the trigger, you're doing something extremely weird. There's plenty of room in there, even for gloves. You'd have to be shoving several fingers into the trigger guard or something crazy like that.
I would like to see this compared to an Robison Arms XCR (since you have experience with the CZ, the ACR, and SCAR already) to get your take on a 2022 “winner”.....
@Jake Gore Good luck getting parts from FN for the SCAR. They don't sell spares, period. They do, on occasion, send parts to MGW, but you'll be waiting a long time. I needed a plastic case deflector. It's a $5.00 part. FN said sorry wait on MGW. Called Bob over there, said he hadn't had any for over a year. Need a part for your CZ Bren 2? Go to the CZ USA Webstore and order what you need. If it's out of stock, sign up for the notification. CZ has always had a good supply of parts here in the US for their products. Do a search on their webstore for "Bren 2". You'll see page after page of spares. As far as parts for an XCR? It's taking them 12+ months just to ship guns out, let alone spare parts.
@Jake Gore I wasn't talking about aftermarket SCAR parts. OEM factory parts, as well as OEM factory XCR parts are sparse. I've never had a problem getting Bren parts from CZ. Sure, not everything is always in stock, but, out of the 100 spare Bren 2 parts that they list, the majority of the time they are available. I wouldn't have three boxes of spares if that wasn't the case.
Let's hear why the charging handle being available to move the bolt into battery on this weapon is somehow "good" or "OK", but the forward assist on an AR is still never to be used.
Portuguese Air Force sof NOTP uses is currently the only ones using the fine bren cz2 in 5.56x45, with the Hk-416A5 being used by TACP (JTAC in english) and HK-G36 issued to the military police. Also the HK-G3 is still in use with the Air Force ground forces. Nor the army nor the navy are issued CZ's Bren 2, making its use very restricted inside the Portuguese Armed Forces. The weapon's feedback have been mainly very positive by the few who use them.
Were you able to ask them why their 7.62 variant for the US market is so unreliable? It baffles me, because their Mil-spec one is supposedly flawless, and I really want one!
Its that civilian bolt, resulting in a "too-light" assembly that immediately causes the over-gassing issue. Solution would be to add extra weight to the civ bolt, or replace w/ a military bolt assembly. The current solutions involve reducing the gas port to limit gas delivery to the piston via a new gas block with a smaller orifice.
@@jugganaut33 There is a 7.62x51 variant of the Bren 2. It's a more distinct variant, obviously more substantially different than the caliber swap shown here. It's the Bren 2 BR.
I own a 14" Bren 2ms in 5.56. The weapon is excellent and very fun and accurate when shooting. I had heard though people are having serious issues with the 7.62 big brother's bolt. It was also reported that CZ was also not very helpful in solving the issue either, so alot of people are stuck with non functioning weapons. No issues at all with my 5.56 variant though.
@@rolandluth2098 it came with a flash hider. I've never shot it with out so I don't know how much it mitigates. In general though 5.56 isn't really recoil heavy so I cannot see it being that uncomfortable.
Bro, I've been enamored with the Bren series since they were in trials to replace the VZ-58. I snagged one of the first ones in the state in FDE with an SB brace. While I still loved it, there were some problems I wish had been fixed before coming to market. The weight was a bit cumbersome and that reciprocating charging handle was very unforgiving. But when I saw the addendum (the Bren 2) model, I immediately went to work trying to procure one. They were hard to come by for a while so I put it on the back burner and sold/traded some stuff for funds. When I finally got one, I got the 8.26" 5.56 model and then a slew of upgrades. With a folded brace, this thing is probably the best EDC backpack gun. I know, I know...5.56 is shit with an 8" barrel. But this is clearly a CQC type weapon and projectiles are basically still at muzzle velocity. I absolutely love the Bren series so this one won't be leaving any time soon
Had an opportunity to handle one of these at IDEX last year. Feels fantastic to hold and was surprisingly light. Looking forward to seeing this tested on the range.👍
It’s 10 months later (December 2022) and CZ seems to have abandoned the Bren 2 in the US. Now I am stockpiling spare parts while they still available (not from CZ-USA).
The Bren 2 rifle (5.56) I had was a lemon. FTF all the time. Changed mags, ammo, gas settings and nothing worked. Double and triple checked gas system and piston assembly and nothing worked. Fortunately the LGS is cool and took it back. Traded it for a Galil Ace Gen 2. I really really wanted to own a Bren. Maybe I’ll give it another try.
Some really impressive industrial design in that piece. It would be nice if it was carried over into civilian (non-firearm) products. Czechs have a remarkable engineering tradition that survived German occupation and Soviet corruption; there must be an intersting history behind it.
When I saw the 805 on CZ USA's webpage, I wanted one. The problem was, I immediately hit the RUclips looking for reviewer videos for it, and that's when I learned the BREN 2 was in development. So, I waited to see what the changes were, if the MSRP would drop, and I still want one! I live in a stupid state, with stupid laws, and they made it more difficult to obtain semi-auto everything (commie bastards), so I'm still wanting one... eventually, eventually. Because I love CZ's, I found this deep dive into the internals of the BREN 2 very satisfying, and I am constantly blown away by the innovation and engineering expertise this company brings.
It was a true pleasure having you here Ian 😎
pardon my ignorance. Why not use the heavier primer spring as standard? what effect does the 7.62 spring have on 5.56?
also, the 6 screws to hold the barrel. Looks like they could have gotten away with 4 on reciver and almost had a freefloat barrel?
@@Al-no2fm that would be a question for CZ engineers designing these rifles. I can try to ask but I know for sure all variants were extensively tested and so the solutions and differences may certainly come from this thorough testing.... :)
@@Al-no2fmheavier trigger pull than could be
Great rifle. Another step forward in modern firearms. 🎉
We next?😮
“If the Bren was so good, why isn’t there a Bren 2?”
The Bren 2:
I feel like if it’s so good then why is there a 2nd one makes a lot more sense
@@randylahey2242 "Good" is subjective. There's always "better".
Fuck I was gonna say that
Personally prefer the original over the reboot though
yeah lets say ... Good. Yeah it was good.
It seems like a recurring theme on this channel that v1 of a rifle ticks all the boxes that the ordnance department wanted, then v2 gets rid of most of them to tick all the boxes the grunts wanted.
That's generally the theme with every military rifle.
Militaries nowadays are too paranoid about malfunctions and durability that they wind up only considering the most impractical designs.
Case in point, the FN-SCAR, which has an absolutely overweight operating rod because the US military was, and still is, paranoid about the smaller ones breaking.
SOP
I mean you need to first convince the ones paying the bill before you can hear the ones who actually use it
CZ really knows weapon design. These are some wonderful improvments. The original Bren is a rather decent rifle, but shaving off all that weight and tons of small creature comfort changes makes this an excellent rifle.
No free floating barrel though 🤗
I stand corrected. The barrel _is_ free floating! It's just so easy to miss a small gap between the barrel and where the front bolt is screwed into 😃
@@konstantin.v True. I did notice that. For a service rifle, I do not think that is that big of a deal. Sure it will cause some accuacy loss when the gun heats up, but within expected ranges I expect it should retain enough accuracy for the job.
@@konstantin.v It is? I need to take a closer look it seems.
@@Jesses001 , watch from 15:48 to 15:54 on the slowest speed. The gap is never shown in all clarity, but I managed to capture a couple of still shots that I believe imply it very strongly 🙂
The charging handle construction is the best solution I have ever seen to the non-reciprocating charging handle situation
Very similar mechanism on the ACR.
Yeah, it's exactly the same as the ACR. And there's probably other examples, too.
I was going to ask if the flimsy plastic latch was robust enough for acting as a forward assist. But then I realized that you should not beat the bolt into battery with a hammer anyway 😊
I think this is an overcomplicated, flimsy, error prone mess which makes the AR-15 charging handle design look reasonable in comparison. And that one is stupid in its own ridiculous way. Just slap a hunk of steel at the side of the bolt carrier already and be done with it ffs. Something like the optics mount screw or what that protruding thing is. This is a military weapon for crying out loud. This level of complexity and delicate engineering features is too much even for a range toy. SMH.
@@m4tol , that plastic piece does raise questions, I'll give you that. Maybe, they'll make it metal in Bren 3 😊 Besides that, it looks robust enough to me and a clever idea, too. Putting aside everything else, a non-reciprocating charging handle surely is a nice thing.
More significant problem may be in the high placement of the charging handle. I've recently watched a video about the trials of SCAR for the US military. They were unhappy with it being a "knuckle buster". That is, whichever way you hold it, you are likely to bust your knuckles against the mounted optics 🙂
The pronounciation of Uherský Brod was smooth.
Props to you gun jesus
@see here There's nothing here. Spam bot
@@thegreenberretwearingbrony9678 I went to report the bot for spamming and i noticed they added "untrue information" as a possible reason to report. What the hell. RUclips is getting even worse with the thought policing. Can you imagine reporting someone because they said something you consider false?
@@Likexner I report them as well but this feels like a Don Quiote (sorry if I mistyped it) fight against a windmill
I’m so happy that you made these videos on the cz brens. First rifle i ever shot was a bren 805 and first the handgun i shot was a cz 75 b so i’m always happy when you come out with cz related content.
iha ok mut ootko kattonu...
@@ff-zero2804 kattonu mitä?
@@themythofthefacelessman2180 simpsonit sarjasta jakson himoläskihomer siinä esiintyy koko simpsonit perhe eli myös bart simpsons homer poika fanit saavat nauraa ja naurattaahan se tietty myös vaikka homerin läskikuteet ja muuut kannattaa kattoo nopee
@@ff-zero2804 selkee
I should have known that username was Finnish when I first saw it
I have a customer that needed me to sight-in his Bren 2 at 200 yards and shoot 100 rounds through it - so I got more time under one of these than I usually get. While it may not replace the AR-15 for me, it is a great platform. All the controls and ergonomics were great, trigger was very nice, and it grouped better than most autoloaders.
...meters. You zeroed it in meters.
@@kostis2849 american import?
@@zachr1386 Well sure, but do they re-calculate ballistics and re-calibrate in yards for imports?
@@kostis2849 You don't need to. This has standard AR style irons and can take any optic. It's not like the ladder sight on an AK which does use metric measurements.
@@kostis2849 If someone is sighting in an optic they can sight it in in whatever units they want. Meters, yards, smoots, whatever you'd like.
"Bren 2. This time it's payback!"
"Bren 2. The breninator!"
"Bren 2: The return of the Bren."
"Bren 2: In space no one can hear you Bren!"
"Bren 2: They should have left Bren alone..."
I've got CZ weapons from the last world war, and throughout, and this is one of the most incredible, modern designs in the world. I've long admired their engineering, and this is certainly the pinnacle, thanks for the expose, very well done.
I’m glad CZ keeps up with the “magazine tool” disassemble from the CZ75 and probably before. Keep up the tradition CZ.
And the captive pin!
The noncaptive ones with two holes in the stock to hold them? What?
These rifles are soo smooth even right out of the box. Too bad the 7.62 variant has extractor breakage issues though
@Jake Gore That's sad because I REALLY like CZ and REALLY wanted to get a 2 (specifically once someone worked out a 6.5 production gun, so same bolt face)
Maybe one day. Are the parts still impossible to order for at-home repairs?
On my second x39. 1st one started stove piping @ 300 rounds of brass ammo. Got about 300 rnds of steel cased through the second one with no issues. Got the HB gas spring, but still skeptical. I wouldn't trust my life on it functioning when needed.
@@mattfleming86 Not really I have some spare parts. And if you do actually break or lose something as I somehow lost my firing pin retaining pin, CZ will send it to you. Your best bet if you just want every spare part under the sun because you somehow plan on breaking shit is to just order it from Europe.
Last I’ve heard, they made a statement saying steel case 7.62x39 was “too hard on the extractor.” So they recommended only brass case. Which makes no sense to me. Our rental at the store is down right now with a sheared claw. Been 2 months so far waiting for a replacement part
@Jake Gore I actually had a decent experience with CZUSA once I was able to talk to a human. Bought the gun in June 2020. Had a hard time getting through a single mag without FTE. Sent it back in August for repair. Couldn't get an update until November when someone called me on the phone. I was surprised when the guy leveled with me and basically steered me towards getting a refund or swapping it for a 5.56 Bren 2. I got a full refund fees and all in January. The x39 is truly a forgotten weapon, since even CZ forgot about fixing it.
That bolt handle lock is nothing short of brilliant!
The Bren 2 does have different sizes for the back strap. I just ordered the medium sized and changed it out recently. I have the 762x39 version of the gun. And I have to say that this gun bump fires like a dream. It was the second time I ever tried bumping and I was able to unload a full mag from the shoulder without hiccups on the first try. If you have a x39 version of the gun and have the issues with over gassing, you can replace the gas regulator with a 556 gas regulator and it will function much better. I did that with mine and also put in the HB industries high load piston spring and it now shoots amazingly smooth. It might be my softest shooting firearm now. It does make subsonic rounds less likely to cycle the action, but you can either turn up the gas or just use the original piston spring. I never had issues with over gassing, but I only put maybe 150 rounds through it before getting the new regulator. I heard about the issues online and decided to nip it in the bud.
Kinda neat the Hungary adopted this rifle (along with the CZ P-09, P-07 and the EVO Skorpion) and we're also licensed manufacturers.
It's a shame that (as is Hungarian tradition) we bought cheap shitty magazines that jam all the fucking time and the grippod is overpriced, heavy and cumbersome. Oh, and optics are like never issued. Shame. The P-09 holsters are pretty shitty too.
@@Brokkolesz We got grip pods? The absolute meme grips? LUL
@@-Seeker- yeah. I removed mine asap
@@Brokkolesz Someone at HDF fell for the meme... OMG...
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your videos. Great sound quality. Very thoughful angles used, everything visible and clean. Tone of your voice calm, yet not boring. Information and context you provide is second to none. And as a Czech myself, I congratulate you on perfect pronounciation of Uherský Brod. From 200 years old revolver to coil rifle of tomorrow, as long as you make a video about it, I need to learn about it :D
I love seeing such a well balanced rifle that gun jesus can balance it on the mag.
That only demonstrates that the rifle is not rear heavy, the rifle could be mid-balanced or it could still be front heavy like its predecessor.
@see here stop spamming
This is a perfect example of what firearms manufacturers should strive to do with their creations. This gun is great. Very smart and thoughtful engineering clearly went into this.
For those who own these and fire them often, I've got a few questions to you. It is our issued rifle in the Hungarian Defense Forces, but there are tons of malfunctions.
-Double or triple feed /with the original CZ mags/,
-Ejection issues when the ejected case just turn sideways and smash the ejection cut-out bending the receiver or just turning all the way backwards and loading a round under it making a juicy double feed
-Iron chipping off from the little iron claw /donno the correct term/ that holds the bolt in it's place (The edges of it sheering down).
-And also the cleaning kit of it /we recieved it with a metal wire in plaszoc as a cleaning rod, and it often just break when u clean the barrel/
Have you noticed anything similar? /Ejection issues also can be caused by the shitty ammo, but with good gradw rounds also had multiple double feeds, and I mean when it is not handled by an idiot who gently try to pull the charging handle/
Are y'all issued 5.56mm or 7.62x39 version? The 7.62x39 versions that have been imported to USA have been plagued by various issues that seem to stem from being over-gassed. Some people have even had a gunsmith drill out a new (smaller) hole in the gas regulator at the 0/Off setting and that seems to fix most of them. However 5.56mm versions have a good reputation for reliability among American shooters.
@@SpaceCoyote308 Well, that's interesting, because most of the issues here are with the 5.56. I have not heard a lot about the 7.62 having malfunctions here tbh but those are pretty rare, not many units recieved them. Here the problems are mostly the material /On paper we buy the parts feom the Czech Republic and assemble them here/ so it can also be the govt. cheap out on material or ammo🤔
Ohhh and forgot the funniest thing. You can't load 30 rounds into the 30 round magazine, because it always falls out, it doesn't catch the mags
@@tremmelistvan788 It sounds like it could be an issue with the mags what with the double and triple feeds. It's not too unusual for the last few rounds to be hard to load especially with new mags. My 16" Bren 2 carbine actually shipped with d&h brand aluminum mags not the plastic CZ mags. I've only ever shot it using Magpul Pmags or Aluminum GI mags. High quality AR15 mags are cheap and readily available in USA so that could account for why American shooters don't seem to be having issues with the 5.56mm. It would be worth checking one of the CZ forums to see if anybody else is having trouble with the CZ mags.
On behalf of the Magazines, we have 2 seperate one, (CZ mags are the better ones, so we mostly use those). The original CZ /stamped aluminium or other metal like the original M16 had/ and an Israeli? maybe plastic, which causes way more problems and also, all of them is brand new (2 alu CZ mag and 3 plastic is issued, all the same) . But the hard part is we have no access to other magazines here, only if you are deployed and buy them in a base from the american soldiers (or from someone for like 50-100 dollars each). But this definitely looks like the source of the problem.
On the cleaning rod, we also have the 2 piece rod, but was told to use the metal cord thing insted, to avoid damaging the barrel. (we also swithced to the metal one, works fine or just use an old AK one that is just one piece and do not need to disassemble it)
And for the rest, so it seems like we are sort of right, the materials are a bit off probably, I donno if it is a good or bad news that these are recurring issues in most part of the world. I'll try to look up a few forums in connection with this, thank you guys
The only issues I've had are with ZSR 5.56 ammo in the 11" and 8" models (I was using factory mags). Failure to fire and stovepipes. Otherwise all barrel lengths have run fine with other ammo.
You can see at 18:26 why the new trigger assembly is so much lighter. The old design has an insert with metal plates that support all the pins. The new design has the pins supported by just the polymer. No doubt saves a lot of weight, but I wonder if it loses any durability.
It not only loses durability, but taking out the 2 round bursts has proven to be a no no for militaries looking at it :/ 2 or 3 round burst is the most used mode of firing in high density combat, and the best way to shoot the accurate numbers of rounds you want to in full auto.
@@brunol-p_g8800 There's quite a bit of disagreement about that. The US Army standard M4A1 doesn't have a burst mechanism. The Army decided they didn't want it anymore. Most US soldiers seem to agree with this decision, as they prefer having full auto instead.
This gun would be SUCH a natural conversion platform for 6.5 Grendel. It would give it more of the "battle" rifle ability in a great size/weight package. Or 6mm ARC depending on it's future production stability. That chunky bolt face would potentially solve the biggest detriment of those calibers in AR-15 pattern guns.
Anyone making conversion kits? (from match grade blanks?)
Sadly CEO of CZUB was against more calibers non standard in world. Personally spoke with him.
It would probably be easier just to buy a 5.56 barrel and rebore it
Off topic but I wish the ngsw would be chambered in 6.5 grendel or 6mm arc.
@@cm-pr2ys considering they've already decided to go with the 6.8mm round and they're actively fielding test units, I think you're out of luck. Unless you're hoping the OEM decides to make a different model in 6 arc or 6 grendel?
Why NOT make the conversion kits in 6mm arc or .300blk,if you make them WE WILL BUY!
Bushmaster PROMISED cal conversions for their ACR, VAPOR WARE!
That gun is a piece of beauty. Incredibly precise, despite being so light. So much fun to shoot. Mine is 14" barrel in 7.62x39.
The twisty flash hider is a little bit of a disappointment to me. I want my rifle to double as a tuning fork.
To load your coil gun? 😇😁😉🤣
The twist makes a neat ninja star pattern when shot in the dark. I think that's the real reason they changed them 😉
Just use your Parabellum P08.
You can always change it out,but why it works as it should..
Parfaitement adapté pour évacuer les gaz de propulsion qui tournoient avec les rayures du canon. Sans cela le projectile est légèrement déséquilibré.
Looks like a cross between a Scar-L and a HK-416
They do say cross-breeds tend to have better handling!
I'm getting lots of G36 vibes
@@notthestatusquo7683 Other than also being based on an AR-18 operating system, it really has no resemblance to the G36. The G36's real distinctive feature is its all polymer receiver, with the barrel & trunnion directly embedded into the polymer.
@@Locutus494 put a carry handle on it and it might look like the g36
@@Locutus494 Oh yeah? my AR is based on Linux operating system!
It’s not
I still hope with NGSW coming to end. I hope Ian does a video on the history of attempts to replace the M16/M4 system.
What an excellent and helpful video this is! Across the Internet, Ian is the only presenter I've found who comprehensively explains the manner in which the Bren 2's charging-handle assembly and BCG interact. It's not because of his hair that he's called "Gun Jesus." Waiting, now, for CZ to bring the Bren 3 stateside.
"Bren 2: Electric boogaloo"
"Bren 2: Escape TO stanag-13"
"Bren 2: Ambidextrous?!? I hardly knew her!"
Thank you CZ an thank you Gun Jesus Jesus for showing us this terrific piece of weapons engineering.
Thank you Ian. This is a very likeable infantry rifle
Oh wow that disassembly is actually pretty slick!
It's cool to see this sort of modern weapon and the take people have on it when making it. Thanks!
Great video, love it when companies let you come check out their modern designs. As someone interested in firearms engineering, these videos are fascinating.
Perfect video for the Valentine day!!! Love this rifle, one of my favorites at all!
not only this format video is so informative for gun lover/enthusiast but also very useful for a 3D artist.
There is another potential upside to its name. If they ever update it, it can be the Bren2 2. Then they can stamp an image of a ballerina wearing a TUTU.
Thanks, thanks. I'll be here all week.
Takes me a few seconds... Thanks for the laugh! 😉 Take care!
Seems like one of the best and most complete rifles in current active service. CZ know how the manufacturer firearms
Honestly, I feel like the reason they put that mounting piece for the stock on the original Bren was so that one could install adapters to accept different types of stocks (buffer tube stocks?). With v2 they just made a proper stock.
They could have done that, but it was just a plastic rail, not a Picatinny rail.
Or so you can pop the stock off entirely without opening the back of the gun to debris. It’s a bit redundant when you can already fold it though, obviously.
I recently bought the 9 in pistol variant in 39 that I plan on converting to a SBR. I love everything about it, so much so that I've ordered the Carbine. CZ really knocked it out of the park with this one. Bravo CZ!
Update... The 9 inch x39 continues to be flawless. I've got my 16 inch Carbine in 556 and found a mint NOS 805 with a 11 inch barrel. The Bren 2 may be better in every way but that 805 is a sexy beast! I'm loving the CZ Bren lineup and can't wait for the Bren 3 to hit the market in 300 BO
Gun Jesus returns from the future to bring us another excellent gun.
Watching this before getting my civ version in .223, the disassembly was really detailed, you have my thumbs up.
Forgotten Weapons: "You can't pull the trigger fast enough to duplicate full auto where it can become an issue."
Jerry Miculek: "Am I a joke to you?"
I'm so glad I'm not the only one thinking the same thing :)
Wow this gun is technologically amazing! It just checks all the boxes of good things. Right-Left Convertible (hybrid reciprocating?) charging handle, fully ambidextrous and ergonomic controls, adjustable gas system, STANAG slide-in style magazines, 2 piece receiver, picatinny top rail, etc! Idk about the soft factors, like trigger pull, precision, durability, etc, but the hard factors are fantastic! To go on a quick rant, when I tell AK fanboys that the AK is outdated, this is what I mean. All this vs right hand charging handle, weird un-ergonomic safety, rock-in magazines, many non-replaceable parts, optic mounting headaches, self-destructing front trunnions, overgassed non-adjustable gas system, wasteful bolt lug design, and especially the high cost you have to pay ($1,000+) to get one that definitely won't break or explode from bad headspacing after 2,000 rounds. Whereas a fancy Bren 2 ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, or a great quality AR is about the same as a decent AK, somewhere around $1,000. A modernized AK that's actually good to me, would end up just being a rip-off of the SCAR-L and Bren 2.
I wish CZ would sell the caliber conversion kits in the US. I guess I have of the few 7.62x39 models that doesn't have issues, but being able to switch over to 5.56 would be great.
Ian " can't pull the trigger fast enough to duplicate full auto"
Jerry Charles Miculek Jr " am I a joke to you?"
I actually bought a replacement grip back-strap from CZ's website... so they do make them. They're usually out of stock though.
Are there different variations though or is it just a replacement for the original
You rock guys at forgotten weapons thanks Ian
I want this in 7.62x39. 14.5" barrel with a P/W QD suppressor adapter for legality, and the gas cutoff to keep the sound signature down. I have a CZ527 in 7.62x39 that is lots of fun to shoot subsonic loads out of, as well as surprisingly precise.
Im loving the amount of Czech weapon vids lately
This 👍🏻
The universal disassembly tool! It's been so long! Glad to see you still have some of the new production run :D
The automatic subtitle for the factory came out as "husky broad".
That looks like a really well thought out rifle, with an *excellent* disassembly system (which, for a military weapon, is rather more important than many folks think). The caliber conversion setup is also pretty slick - changes what needs to change (although I'd like to see the extractor claw on the 7.62x39mm bolt; milspec steel case 7.62x39mm sometimes needs some oomph to extract when the gun is fouled, and a massive claw helps), and *only* what needs to be changed... and it all looks fairly straight forward (didn't show it, but that hammer spring looks like a captive unit that is probably easier to swap than your typical mousetrap springs).
A handful of things where I wonder if they will be problems in the field over the long term:
1. The plastic widget connecting the charging handle to the bolt. Really cool idea mechanically, but I wonder if aluminum might not have been a better choice for long term wear, without adding significant weight.
2. The locking hook on the bolt group looks a skosh small - I wonder how it will hold up without wearing or peening too smooth after tens of thousands of cycles of the bolt group - PVT Snuffy is probably going to be yanking that handle 1000 times in drill practice or dry firing for every round (blank or live) he actually fires. Lot of wear... (that applies to the plastic widget, too).
3. Not a fan of open prong flashiders (yes, they're more effective than closed birdcages, but also more susceptible to damage and gathering crap in the field). But that's not only an *easy* and cheap fix, but you could look at others and redesign the existing flash hider to add a shallow groove right near the end, and twist stainless steel wire in there - minimal effect on the flash suppressor's function (the loss of effectiveness from wire like that is *barely* distinguishable within the limits of measurement, yet it both reinforces the prongs from being bent out, it also blocks weeds and crap from snagging).
All pretty minor gripes - two of which are entirely conjecture (time will tell), and *none* of which are "deal killers" nor terribly expensive or difficult fixes if they do turn out to be problems.
Every gun has flaws, and everything is a compromise - CZ seems to have done a damned fine balancing act here. And without excessive weight.
wonder if that flash hider has sharp edges so it can double up as a barbed wire cutter?
@@panman1964 usually, when a flash hider has wirecutting incorporated in it as a plan, you just have a pair of notches (like on a bird cage flash hider on an HK G3) to grab the barbed wire or slide the barbed wire down the spaces between the prongs. Then you twist the rifle to tension the wire and pull the trigger.
If you look at the original AUG flash hider (a prong type), and view some.of the post-factory modifications some.forces did by adding wire as I described, you'll realize they still retained that wire cutting capability.
As for assuming "knife edges" on the inside of the prongs sharp enough to cut wire... no, just no. Even if you were strong enough (you aren't, unless you have green skin, purple stretchy pants, and a serious anger issue 😁 ), *and* you remembered to turn the correct direction (lest you simply unscrew your muzzle device from the barrel), it still takes longer than the "cut it with a bullet method".
Cutting wire with the flash suppressor is never a primary means of cutting wire, and isn't something you do if you need to be quiet - you call up a guy with a pair of wirecutters (or even a Leatherman) on him. Or, for many armies, you have *literally anyone with a bayonet* use the wirecutter incorporated in your bayonet & scabbard. The idea of using the muzzle.of your rifle to cut wire is for when you need to cut wire quick and dirty, without time to go get tools out (like during an assault into a prepared position).
Barbed wire is, after all, *steel* . You're not cutting it without some major mechanical advantage.
Regarding #2, I don't think the carrier hits the plastic piece of the carrier assembly when it goes into battery. I would think it would be obvious to the engineers to make the handle assembly, when it's locked in its rest position, have JUST a tiny gap between it and the surface of the bolt carrier that it acts upon. In other words, when the bolt carrier stops its forward movement against the trunnion and the plastic handle assembly piece is fully latched in its forward position, there should be the tiniest of gaps between the two so that the carrier doesn't beat up the plastic handle assembly.
@@Locutus494 I'm not worried about damage from impact on closing - like you, I have full faith in the Czech engineers' abilities to dimension parts and compare numbers on the drawings.
But that doesn't eliminate the wear amd stress on a small contact area the charging handle is interacting with. Nor does it address the effects of friction over years of hard service. Just working the parts -even if you don't ever let them slam - is going to put stress on them and cause wear.
Not knowing the physical characteristics of the material in question, I can't know for sure - but I cannot imagine it's more wear and stress resistant than anodized aluminum.
French GIGN also uses the CZ Bren 2 7.62x39mn to help with penetration due to issues during the terrorist attacks at the Bataclan Theatre. They wanted a better penetrating round and the Bren 2 is still in use with GIGN today.
14:40 "You can't pull the trigger fast enough to duplicate full auto"
Challenge accepted.
The charging handle/ bolt carrier design is genius. Non recipricating, can be used as a forward assist. Perfect.
Has CZ been able to build a reference collection of WW2 and pre-WW2 weapons? I imagine rebuilding after the Second World War was difficult.
Most of it has been stolen by the Soviets probably, as they were the army to "liberate" Uherský Brod at the end of the war.
Czechoslovakia probably had it easiest when it came to rebuilding. Although the crucial factories and the like were bombed as usual, Czechoslovakia saw very little fighting on its' territory and allies were little hesitant to bomb occupied country so late in the war. If I'm not mistaken, we were actually the only country under Third Reich that had growing economy until the end of the war.
Most prototypes exist in the state military museum from various weapons factories throughout Czechoslovakia, including some designs by Czech designers before 1918 and several German prototypes, some prototypes were probably used by the Germans, such as the ZK 391 rifle for Italian tests, which Ian has a video and who were captured by the Americans, lost were ZK 420 and ZK 423, hard to say whether the Soviets or the Germans or the Partisans. Today's CZ has only prototypes after 1989
There is a very good military history museum in Prague with many weapons, including obscrure ones and prototypes. Ian is aware of it and he'll probably get there at some point.
I mean, CZ only came to be in 1936 if Im not mistaken, so they wouldnt have a lot of pre-WW2 stuff, most of the development before that was done in ZB.
I have the Semi Auto 16" rifle version (Bren 2 MS) from the American import market. Some of the key differences are the MS version other than the 16" barrel is it has a longer m-lok rail section, no irons provided, the original 805 comp (which i was very surprised about), and a slightly different looking stock. (check gun broker for imagery)
Btw: Thank you for showing me how easy it is to change the side of the charging handle.
How the hell did you find one?!! I pretty regularly see the pistol versions that have been here for several years now, but I have yet to see a carbine anywhere.
Yeah, is that different stock a generational change, or is that one made for the US market? It has a QD cup, and I would imagine that's one of the parts CZ-USA makes here for 922(R) compliance, so maybe that different design is only sold here? Also is that extended handguard on the carbines free-floated? I always assumed the Bren 2 was, so I was shocked when I saw Ian take it apart in this video.
@@Locutus494 Gun broker. I was skeptical about ordering a rifle online but I am in love with this rifle and can now recommend buying from there. Just ask any FFL about how the process works. Filter for semi auto rifles and then search Bren 2 or filter by CZ and 5.56. There are a lot out there are meant to scalp you for bidding but once in a while someone will get a shipment and sell them for relative MSRP. Got mine for $1799. Only way to get them is gun broker because you'll never see them in the wild.
The extended hand guard is indeed free floated and I think the MS version is nicer than the one Ian reviewed. The stock is still very nice but if you really want to stand out there is an after market G36 stock adapter on HBindustries website
6:03 AMONGUS ON THE BREN 2 MAG!!
FUCK YOU NOW I CANT UNSEE IT.
Absolutely brilliant. This video really stimulated my mechanical mind.
I love my Bren 2 but I have to question the bolt hold/bolt release design inside the trigger guard. As a Lefty it's not very useful for me and it's an ND risk. Also just like the 805 it appears CZ still doesn't dehorn their aluminum parts after machining. The rails are SHARP and will definitely cut you up if you don't have a glove on. I eventually swapped those parts out for HBI stuff which has been excellent.
It's don't think it's an ND risk. You can still drop the bolt with the charging handle. Just don't use that lever unless you're already aiming in a safe direction. You shouldn't be dropping your bolt ever except pointed in a safe direction anyway. Use the other features of the rifle. If it's an ND risk, then it's only because your behavior is risky.
It is not an ND risk! It is not the same as the Magpul BAD lever (not that I agree with Ian and Karl about that being a bad design). The ACR has nearly an identical bolt catch/release, and that was no issue. And why would it be any different for a lefty to use? The whole idea with it being center mounted like that is that it works exactly the same way for a righty or lefty. Or do you just mean that the AR style bolt catch release is actually easier to use as a lefty, meaning you have less need for an ambi lever?
I'm a lefty and think its great you would have to be a complete moron to yank the trigger.
That charging handle system is a really clever and elegant way to get the benefits of both reciprocating and reciprocating charging handles at the same time without really sacrificing anything.
10:06 Here begins several minutes of the best design I have ever seen. I kept thinking to myself over and over again, "wow, that makes so much sense, anyone could disassemble this."
Man the Czechs make some beautiful firearms
From rifles to pistols there’s a lot to love
I almost think it's weird that everyone is going back to 3-prong flash hiders. The US did that almost 60 years ago, but went away from that since they catch leaves and sticks in them when going through heavy brush.
Not a lot of brush in the desert, I guess. Will be interesting to see if potential European conflict causes all the hip new NATO toys to go back to bird cages
Bird cage style flash hiders tend to last longer when used with BFA's. The British one has a tendency to be screwed down overly tight by enthusiastic squaddies and the prongs opened up.
Depending on the design they can also be prone to breakage as well, which a typical bird cage is not. The twisted three prong should have better resiliency though.
really slick rifle that shows CZ's knack for design. i really like the trigger guard bolt release/hold open
Bren 2: Historic Boogaloo
Really envy you on this one, Ian. Visiting CZ is definitely on my bucket list.
Sweet looking rifle! However, I've never been a fan of controls located inside the trigger guard. Too easy to make a mistake in a high-stress situation - especially when wearing thick winter gloves. I'm sure it can be mitigated with practice/training.
The thing is not easy, so I would not be afraid of it, moreover, it can be dismantled
I’ve had mine for a few years and train with it a lot and even with gloves I’ve never had anything happen. The controls are very well placed so you have to deliberately reach for them. As a lefty I use the bolt release in the trigger guard and there’s a good amount of downward force you have to place on it to get it to release. And there’s enough upward travel needed to get the bolt to hold open that it’s again very deliberate to make it work. And I have pretty big hands if so when gloved i use a lot of real estate In the guard
Nobody forces you to use those controls, there's also the paddle.
My comment is more geared towards accidentally pushing on the bolt catch in a high-stress situation...which is not an unrealistic possibility. I'm saying this from personal experience. Your body does all kinds of twitchy things when you're in a combat environment. It would not be good to lock your bolt to the rear when your actively trying fire rounds in a hostile situation - more probable if you're wearing thick gloves. Nor would I want someone's finger in the trigger guard if they're trying to clear the rifle by locking the bolt to the rear. Sure, you don't have to use it, but people will anyway if the option exists. As I said, I'm sure it could be addressed through training/practice. Nonetheless, It's a pretty cool looking rifle and I'd love to shoot it.
@@charlesm.2756 That actually seems like a very unrealistic possibility to me. If you manage to push against the upper front corner of the trigger guard while simuntaneously pressing the trigger, you're doing something extremely weird. There's plenty of room in there, even for gloves. You'd have to be shoving several fingers into the trigger guard or something crazy like that.
21:14 The .300 BLK round is considerably weaker than 7.62x39mm. People need to stop assuming they're similar just because their dimensions are close.
I would like to see this compared to an Robison Arms XCR (since you have experience with the CZ, the ACR, and SCAR already) to get your take on a 2022 “winner”.....
@Jake Gore Good luck getting parts from FN for the SCAR. They don't sell spares, period. They do, on occasion, send parts to MGW, but you'll be waiting a long time. I needed a plastic case deflector. It's a $5.00 part. FN said sorry wait on MGW. Called Bob over there, said he hadn't had any for over a year. Need a part for your CZ Bren 2? Go to the CZ USA Webstore and order what you need. If it's out of stock, sign up for the notification. CZ has always had a good supply of parts here in the US for their products. Do a search on their webstore for "Bren 2". You'll see page after page of spares. As far as parts for an XCR? It's taking them 12+ months just to ship guns out, let alone spare parts.
@Jake Gore I wasn't talking about aftermarket SCAR parts. OEM factory parts, as well as OEM factory XCR parts are sparse. I've never had a problem getting Bren parts from CZ. Sure, not everything is always in stock, but, out of the 100 spare Bren 2 parts that they list, the majority of the time they are available. I wouldn't have three boxes of spares if that wasn't the case.
@Jake Gore I guess so, as CZ currently has those magazines and screws that you speak of in stock.
Once again another stealth French gun video from Ian. =)
I love the 805 Bren because of it's looks, but damn if I've ever held a more comfortable rifle than a Bren 2 with an mlok handguard.
I want one. The ease of disassembly and swapping calibers. Definitely next on my buy list.
Jsem z Česka a vždy když Ian natočí video o českých zbraních jsem nesmírně hrdý
Zdravíme do České republiky ze Spojených států. Vaše zbraně se nám líbí, posílejte nám je prosím dál.
Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦
Ian, again, I appreciate your gun nerditude! And I appreciate your insightfullness on the subject. And as a fellow Phoenician I salute you, gigitty!
Let's hear why the charging handle being available to move the bolt into battery on this weapon is somehow "good" or "OK", but the forward assist on an AR is still never to be used.
Portuguese Air Force sof NOTP uses is currently the only ones using the fine bren cz2 in 5.56x45, with the Hk-416A5 being used by TACP (JTAC in english) and HK-G36 issued to the military police. Also the HK-G3 is still in use with the Air Force ground forces. Nor the army nor the navy are issued CZ's Bren 2, making its use very restricted inside the Portuguese Armed Forces. The weapon's feedback have been mainly very positive by the few who use them.
Were you able to ask them why their 7.62 variant for the US market is so unreliable? It baffles me, because their Mil-spec one is supposedly flawless, and I really want one!
Its that civilian bolt, resulting in a "too-light" assembly that immediately causes the over-gassing issue. Solution would be to add extra weight to the civ bolt, or replace w/ a military bolt assembly. The current solutions involve reducing the gas port to limit gas delivery to the piston via a new gas block with a smaller orifice.
this rifle is honestly briliant
While you're there can you ask them when the .308 version is gonna be available in America? So cool that they let you film there
The recoil energy for 5.56 is 4.7 joules.
The recoil energy for 7.62 is 16.8 joules.
None of the components in the Bren 2 are suitable for 7.62x51.
@@jugganaut33 BREN 2 in 308 exist and work well
@@jugganaut33 They've had 7.62x51 version available for several years now in Europe. You can find them on CZUB website.
@@jugganaut33 it's called the bren 2 br, Mr. Math guy
@@jugganaut33 There is a 7.62x51 variant of the Bren 2. It's a more distinct variant, obviously more substantially different than the caliber swap shown here. It's the Bren 2 BR.
I own a 14" Bren 2ms in 5.56. The weapon is excellent and very fun and accurate when shooting. I had heard though people are having serious issues with the 7.62 big brother's bolt. It was also reported that CZ was also not very helpful in solving the issue either, so alot of people are stuck with non functioning weapons. No issues at all with my 5.56 variant though.
@@rolandluth2098 it came with a flash hider. I've never shot it with out so I don't know how much it mitigates. In general though 5.56 isn't really recoil heavy so I cannot see it being that uncomfortable.
Bro, I've been enamored with the Bren series since they were in trials to replace the VZ-58. I snagged one of the first ones in the state in FDE with an SB brace. While I still loved it, there were some problems I wish had been fixed before coming to market. The weight was a bit cumbersome and that reciprocating charging handle was very unforgiving.
But when I saw the addendum (the Bren 2) model, I immediately went to work trying to procure one. They were hard to come by for a while so I put it on the back burner and sold/traded some stuff for funds. When I finally got one, I got the 8.26" 5.56 model and then a slew of upgrades. With a folded brace, this thing is probably the best EDC backpack gun.
I know, I know...5.56 is shit with an 8" barrel. But this is clearly a CQC type weapon and projectiles are basically still at muzzle velocity. I absolutely love the Bren series so this one won't be leaving any time soon
Had an opportunity to handle one of these at IDEX last year. Feels fantastic to hold and was surprisingly light. Looking forward to seeing this tested on the range.👍
Wanted one of these guns for a long time as a cheap piston gun, so cool and excellent content
Is it really a cheap piston gun?
Thank you , Ian .
🐺
A Firearm? How quaint
It’s 10 months later (December 2022) and CZ seems to have abandoned the Bren 2 in the US. Now I am stockpiling spare parts while they still available (not from CZ-USA).
A Bren 2 pistol stares me in the face at my LGS every time I go in there. This video is making it really hard not to bring it home!
You really need to bring it home, but beware, they tend to multiply!
I've been waiting for this video since I've discovered this chanel. Thank you!
The Bren 2 rifle (5.56) I had was a lemon. FTF all the time. Changed mags, ammo, gas settings and nothing worked. Double and triple checked gas system and piston assembly and nothing worked. Fortunately the LGS is cool and took it back. Traded it for a Galil Ace Gen 2. I really really wanted to own a Bren. Maybe I’ll give it another try.
That's a sexy piece of machinery. I like how easy it is to change caliber.
Dumb question: why "Bren" of all names? That name is taken and there is no mechanical relation.
15:14 Those are Torx (or, if you prefer the ISO-specified generic name, 'hexalobular internal') head screws, not 'hex'.
Some really impressive industrial design in that piece. It would be nice if it was carried over into civilian (non-firearm) products. Czechs have a remarkable engineering tradition that survived German occupation and Soviet corruption; there must be an intersting history behind it.
This iteration of the CZ Bren looks quite slick and well thought out.
I always wanted one, but this sealed it for me. I'm going to get one.
"GIGN bought a bunch"
Makes sense now why Ian is so excited.
These seem to be widely used by the Ukrainian International Legion, from footage I’ve seen.
Well of course... thiefs
@@mattynek2 thieves? The rifles were sent as aid to Ukraine by Czechia.
@@baneofbanes ok cool
@@mattynek2 lol
I don''t think ive ever been more jealous of Ian. At the CZ factory!
When I saw the 805 on CZ USA's webpage, I wanted one. The problem was, I immediately hit the RUclips looking for reviewer videos for it, and that's when I learned the BREN 2 was in development. So, I waited to see what the changes were, if the MSRP would drop, and I still want one! I live in a stupid state, with stupid laws, and they made it more difficult to obtain semi-auto everything (commie bastards), so I'm still wanting one... eventually, eventually. Because I love CZ's, I found this deep dive into the internals of the BREN 2 very satisfying, and I am constantly blown away by the innovation and engineering expertise this company brings.
This is one of the best rifles I've ever shot. Can't wait to get one!