I picked one of these up at my FFL yesterday. Uncle Joe scared me into buying this one with his threat to executive order away imports last week. This wasn't on my roadmap, but after sitting around all last weekend wondering if I'd have any regrets if there was an import ban, I ordered it Monday. Also, everything in my safe is either cowboy or comblock, and it seemed prudent to own something in 5.56 in the event I ever see an actual SHTF event in my lifetime. I'm sure there's more 5.56 than 7.62 to be scavenged in our country, plus anyone you hooked up with would be much more likely to have 5.56.
I've owned more CZs and Rugers than anything else, so I was confident I would be happy when the Bren arrived. I got it home, removed the stock and greased up the bolt carrier, switched the charging handle to my preferred side, reassembled it and gave it a quick surface cleaning to remove any traces of factory oil or handling marks, and then sat down to scrutinize it.
While I would be even happier with this carbine if it had the Czech handguard, I can't overstate how much I love this gun. It is so light compared to my AKs and my son's ARs. It shoulders so perfectly. The length of pull and grip feel just right to me. The ambi controls are good, and I was surprised to find that I thought the bolt open/bolt release toggle inside the trigger guard was useful and not just some engineer being clever.
After handling it and discussing it with my oldest son at the dining room table for around 90 minutes last night, I was left with that satisfied feeling you get when you've just bought the absolutely correct firearm. I couldn't be happier that I picked this up, thanks Joe! This does nothing to diminish my love for my AK pattern stuff, but this Bren will be what I reach for should need ever arise.
I was going to get a prism scope for this one, but in the end I ordered another EOTech for it. It's just tough to beat the fast target acquisition you get with those, and it says a lot about how much I love this new Bren that I was willing to pay EOTech money, again.
I didn't want an AR. The Sig MCX is a little too AR-like for my comfort. I thought about a Sig 556 but decided that I'd always wish it was a 552/553 instead, and the 556 is also heavy. I considered an FB Radom Beryl, but I already have 3 AK pattern rifles. The Robinson XCR doesn't allow me to put the charging handle where I need it. Which left the Bren, and it wasn't a big stretch because I already have an affinity for CZ.
My one gripe is that it didn't come with a set of flip up iron sights. For the money they get for this gun they could have thrown in a $50 set of Magpul flip ups.
Handle one of these if you can. For my money it's the best feeling 5.56 carbine I've had my hands on.
I've owned more CZs and Rugers than anything else, so I was confident I would be happy when the Bren arrived. I got it home, removed the stock and greased up the bolt carrier, switched the charging handle to my preferred side, reassembled it and gave it a quick surface cleaning to remove any traces of factory oil or handling marks, and then sat down to scrutinize it.
While I would be even happier with this carbine if it had the Czech handguard, I can't overstate how much I love this gun. It is so light compared to my AKs and my son's ARs. It shoulders so perfectly. The length of pull and grip feel just right to me. The ambi controls are good, and I was surprised to find that I thought the bolt open/bolt release toggle inside the trigger guard was useful and not just some engineer being clever.
After handling it and discussing it with my oldest son at the dining room table for around 90 minutes last night, I was left with that satisfied feeling you get when you've just bought the absolutely correct firearm. I couldn't be happier that I picked this up, thanks Joe! This does nothing to diminish my love for my AK pattern stuff, but this Bren will be what I reach for should need ever arise.
I was going to get a prism scope for this one, but in the end I ordered another EOTech for it. It's just tough to beat the fast target acquisition you get with those, and it says a lot about how much I love this new Bren that I was willing to pay EOTech money, again.
I didn't want an AR. The Sig MCX is a little too AR-like for my comfort. I thought about a Sig 556 but decided that I'd always wish it was a 552/553 instead, and the 556 is also heavy. I considered an FB Radom Beryl, but I already have 3 AK pattern rifles. The Robinson XCR doesn't allow me to put the charging handle where I need it. Which left the Bren, and it wasn't a big stretch because I already have an affinity for CZ.
My one gripe is that it didn't come with a set of flip up iron sights. For the money they get for this gun they could have thrown in a $50 set of Magpul flip ups.
Handle one of these if you can. For my money it's the best feeling 5.56 carbine I've had my hands on.
