New AR vs Bren 805

[Phaedrus/69]

I have been trying to decide which new rifle to buy next. Right now I have a Core 15 AR; it has a keymod handguard, BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 pistol grip, SOPMOD Bravo stock, Aimpoint PRO and an Inforce WML. While I really like the gun I am itching to take a step up to a little more refined rifle.

The candidates right now are the Bren 805 and the BCM RECCE 14.5 KMA. Obviously this is an apples to oranges comparison, and ultimately I may get both. The rifle will be used for plinking but also will likely become my primary HD/zombie gun.

The BCM has a 14.5" barrel with a pinned-and-welded comp to bring it up to legal length. Obviously BCM is one of the best out there for build quality, and it's pretty light and handy.

However, while I like the AR there are things about it that don't float my boat. I don't care much for the rear charging handle; the manual of arms of the Bren 805 are closer to the guns I've shot the most (eg CZ Scorpion, HK UMP/USC, HK94). I prefer the safety and mag release of the Bren as well.

If you, the THR reader, was given a choice between these two rifles which would you choose? And why?

 

[JeffG]

I know the Bren, it's a good rifle. I prefer the AR. Either are an excellent choice. I'll take the AR.

Edit: truth be known I am a buy both type of guy.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

I think I really should have asked, "which would you buy first"! Most folks here are probably "both" guys!

 

[JeffG]

I think I really should have asked, "which would you buy first"! Most folks here are probably "both" guys!

I'd buy an AR first. American, prolific, parts available. (But) If you see a window of opportunity with the Bren where it won't be available in the near future, buy it now.

 

[NWcityguy2]

Are you looking for a second AR that shoots more and less the same as the one you already have, or are you trying to get something substantially different?

 

[Phaedrus/69]

I'd buy an AR first. American, prolific, parts available. (But) If you see a window of opportunity with the Bren where it won't be available in the near future, buy it now.

I already have a pretty good AR.

Are you looking for a second AR that shoots more and less the same as the one you already have, or are you trying to get something substantially different?

I don't know for sure. My Core is actually a pretty good gun, everything is done right on it (properly staked, proper bolt, MPI, etc). But I know the BCM is a "better" gun although in practical terms it doesn't do anything mine doesn't do. To be honest, I just like guns and will take any excuse to get another one. But at the end of the day I suppose I'm searching for a top shelf 'go to war' rifle that's extremely reliable. The Bren has a rock solid reputation for reliability and may potentially be a bit better than an AR in that respect. I also feel that I'm better building on the muscle memory of a gun like the Bren because it's laid out more like the guns I have more trigger time on. I haven't really warmed up to the rear charging handle of the AR even after all this time. On the other hand the AR ergos are superb in most respects. It's nice to be able to mount the light at 12:00 and easily reach it; I'm not sure I could do that with the Bren.

Am I an "AR guy"? I can't say for sure. If I won the powerball I imagine I'd have a thousand rifles, dozens of ARs included. Let's say I appreciate the AR's many virtues but there are other rifles that have elements I also like. The new HK 433 (on paper) looks like it comes closest to my dream rifle.

 

[armoredman]

I am very fond of my BREN 805. Only downside I have is it's heavy, but I'm not walking a patrol with it. Love shooting it, smoooooth trigger and very little recoil. I moved the reciprocating charging handle to the right side, AK style, after I did a dumdum and smashed my thumb very first round. I have been out of the world of ARs since 1984, so I am not qualified to say anything there, other than the aftermarket support is incredible. BREN is building up some aftermarket support, (Manticore said they are coming out with some items soon, IIRC), but it would take a LONG time to even come close to what the AR design has available.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

There might not be a huge aftermarket but there's a neat looking adapter to use a Bushmaster ACR stock on the Bren 805. For the most part I don't foresee wanting a ton of crap to barbie it up. Generally I like to have a VFG (as much to index my hand as anything), a good WML and a RDS, maybe a sling. Beyond that just mags and ammo. I like that it runs AR mags as I've got maybe 75 of them already. Overall I'm not a big fan of reciprocating charging handles but it's not a deal breaker and has some advantages IMO. All of the reviews note how great the trigger is which is nice since most MIL-type guns have crappy triggers.

 

[armoredman]

...75 mags...I think I have 6...
The trigger is incredible, that's for certain, love shooting this rifle.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

...75 mags...I think I have 6...
The trigger is incredible, that's for certain, love shooting this rifle.

I have been dreading/expecting President Hillary for at least the last 10 years. I was gonna be ready! Obviously she lost but I still have all the mags.

 

[raudi]

Bought my first AR over the Bren. Wish I bought the Bren instead. I come from an AK background and also have a Rob Arms XCR. I just find the manual of arms on the AR to be too "different" for my taste

 

[cdb1]

If I were to buy a black rifle strictly for close quarters defense I think I'd get the Bren and I'll admit to being a CZ fanboy. Being that I can look out any window of my house and see for a couple of miles, I can't conceptualize that type of scenario though.

If the chupacabra epidemic keeps advancing north to my location I might change my thinking.

 

[MistWolf]

...The candidates right now are the Bren 805 and the BCM RECCE 14.5 KMA. Obviously this is an apples to oranges comparison, and ultimately I may get both

You have already answered your own question

I think I really should have asked, "which would you buy first"!

That is the real question and the answer is easy- Buy the first one you come across a good deal for.

This Thread Is Useless Without Photos

 

[hdwhit]

Phaedrus/69 wrote:
I already have a pretty good AR.

They say you can't be too rich or too thin. In the spirit of that adage, can you have too many ARs?

Best of luck with whichever one you decide to buy.

 

[Speedo66]

You say you already have an AR..........

As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life.

 

[tarosean]

can you have too many ARs?

Yeah, I don't know how some of the members here do it, with multiples upon multiples. I have 3, but really shoot 2 and don't see that changing anytime soon. Course they are all 556 DI guns.

I'd buy the 805. (only because that is one of the few guns I am considering out of my short list of 3 rifles)

 

[briansmithwins]

CZ805. The build quality is very good, the design is very well done, and it's probably the nicest made rifle I own. It is heavier than an AR, but I find the balance to be better. The ergonomics are very good as well.

I prefer using the stock without the cheek rest and running the lowest sights possible. The CZ's design makes this possible while the AR doesn't.

Spare parts, including 14" barrels are available from https://shop.cz-usa.com/SearchByKeyword?word=805

BSW