Bren Gun question

Having read through the previous Threads on ther Bren Gun I have not been able to find any answers to a querey that I have.

My late father always said thet his favoutite weapon was the Bren gun.

He once spoke of a time when he burned his hands changing out the barrel when it overheated.

He never said, but it appears to me that he must have fired a lot in quick succession to overheat the barrel, perhaps a German counter attack or the like.

I read another account of a soldier receiving burns under similar circumstances.

Just how many Magazines or rounds could be expended before the need to exchage a barrel on the Bren gun?

I also read that the firing cone was very compact and ensured accuracy at the expense of being a more surpressive fire type weapon.

Another question that springs to mind is that if the barrel became hot and fire was more widespread, this could have had its advantages in certain circumstances.

Your thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.

I would be very interested to hear from veterans or ex soldiers who had first hand experience with this weapon.

Tom

 

One manual (among many) suggests changing the barrel after 10 magazines at rapid - c.300 rounds.
View attachment 9780


VP,

is the carry handle attached to the barrel so you can use it to swap it out without touching it.

Kev

 

Owen and VP,

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like asbestos gloves should have been issued!!!

Tom

 

Yes mate, though sadly my deac's barrel is welded so me and the kids can't play with changing it... Still a special treat for them when daddy lets them 'fire' the Bren before bedtime though, guaranteed to get 'em brushing their teeth without complaints .
Useful anti-burglar tool too!!!

 

Back in the day the 1980's when I was in the cadets we had .303's and Bren Guns...The ancil's bag had a set of thick gloves in it with the spare barrel etc etc

 

Useful anti-burglar tool too!!!

To use it as a club?

 

To use it as a club?
I'd like to see the face of the poor burglar who breaks into Adam's house and comes face to face with him brandishing a bren!!!

 

In this day and age - Adam would no doubt be charged with frightening and assaulting a poor defenceless - deprived - underpriveleged burglar - and thrown into the slammer for a few months !

Seems to me that the bad guys have more rights than the usually honest home owners....or am I a bit paranoid ?
Cheers

 

Nah you're totally right in what you say Tom. Apparently the only place in the house where you can injure the buggers and not get done by the cops is if you find someone in your bedroom. At least that's what I've heard.

 

Proportional force is allowed to protect your property and or to save life, even if that means killing someone

Its all about how you word it when questioned in interview that matters

 

Drew,

As an Ex Police officer I reinforce your comments.
Even Police Officers are held to account when the use of 'More than appropriate' Force is used.

Like I have stated before, I feel that ethics should be high on the school corriculum, there is not much respect these days for fellow human beings or their property.

Getting back to the Bren gun, thanks to all who replied.
It appears that most users found it to be a very handy weapon.

Tom

 

I can see what you are saying Gott, but I was always taught never to show a weapon unless you are prepared to use it and be the first to fire.

I would be very wary of pointing an impotent weapon at someone.

I've only had to indicate to a perp my armed status but once. He knew what I was reaching for and figured his knife was an inappropriate weapon to bring to a gunfight.

 

I would be very wary of pointing an impotent weapon at someone.



Especially if you thought they might also be armed.

Back to the Bren, although it is one of my favourite weapons I still think the position of the magazine blocks your view just to the right of where you're aiming. Could be disastrous in battle if one of them square heads popped up.

 

As I recall ,from 50 years ago, the barrel change was made by knocking up the barrel locking lever and turning the barrel and removing it by holding the carrying handle. To burn one's hand it would heve meant that this operation was being carried out incorrectly. I think the 10 magazine figure is correct.