Imagine it getting the nickname: The Omnitrix, because of the ability to be easily converted to different configurations and has success in different roles.
Let's see... folding buttstock for cqc, quick swap barrel for long range engagement, interchangeable magazines for multiple calibers... we need 7 more, guys. Help me out! 😅
Haha! I love that term "Czechnology." Did you come up with that, or is it something you heard or read somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know! /Edit this is the first time i have heard that word, "Czechnology." And i am still giggling to myself, such a fun pun.
I think it deserves alot of credit to CZ, that they take input from combat units and improve on their products voluntarily. really looks like a well thought out product.
@@boygonewhoopdataZZI don't think that's possible because the Bren 3 has interchangeable back straps. Or at least it would be worse or a weird sidegrade.
His "we can do that?" Was way too excited to just be a range trip. Dude has shot way too many cool guns to get that level of ears perked up disbelief and joy unless it's something special. Next shot, helicopter. Yea that tracks now.
@@pannenkoekspek Colt Canada seems to be a subsidiary of the American Colt, which is a subsidiary of the "Colt CZ Group", a company created by the merger between CZ and Colt, with headquarters in Czech Republic. So yes, Colt Canada is indirectly owned by CZ as well.
The Colt management took over CZ USA and proceeded to piss off and then piss on the entire CZ dealer network. Putting the bankruptcy champions of the gun world in charge of your US operations, yeah that will work out well.
Wow! Mr Ian is living the dream and a very well deserved and hard earned dream too. (That last shot in the helicopter was epic). I wish the very best of health and happiness to you all and also to your families!!!
@@andreahighsides7756 I mean from his Bren 2 review we can clearly say they fixed most of the problems (short hand rail, stock attachment, mag release now has little protection cage so you dont release it by mistake, sturdier barrel etc etc. I hope he and the Ukraine army gets the Bren 3 asap so we can have his review and also that the army gets an upgrade.
I used a Bren 2 with an 11 inch barrel in Ukraine. I've never had any problems with it. Only the lack of tuning parts sucked. It's nice that they improved the handguard, and stock mounting , but it's a pity they didn't change the grip to the AR15 type and the barrel thread for the silencer is still non-standard
I think it's more than just necessity driving all these changes. CZ has to be getting lots of extra government money to pay for all the factory changes to make these upgrades happen to the rifle in a timely manner. It's still absolutely necessity/an eminent threat that's driving the extra funding, but I imagine that lots of firearms companies could've pulled off a similar set of rapid generational changes with enough tax bucks coming in to pay for it. Iirc that's what drove all the Sten Gun upgrades/variations during WWII that Ian recently went over, as another example. It's pretty neat though, and nice to see a recent rifle design flourish instead of being choked by penny-pinching essentially lol
It's funny what happens when governments give a bunch of money to companies so they can let the products get field tested and the engineers get to work their magic
@@Supercohboy CZ (now Colt CZ Group SE) receives no special government money - only money from military/police contracts with government (plus minus same prices as every other mass customer). Bren 3 is not even proposed as candidate for next Czech army rifle.
The Bren 3 is without a shadow of doubt a really fantastic variant of an already fantastic assault rifle and all these improvements are the proof, i sincerely hope CZ decides to release a semi-auto variant of it and it was very kind of them to let you shoot the Bren 3 from the helicopter like an action movie hero. Thanks for providing us with this valuable insight Ian, you never cease to amaze me.
I remember visiting a CZ store in Prague around a decade ago and seeing the Bren 805 before it hit the US market. Cool to see the evolution of it all, thanks Ian.
CZ recognizing the fact Ian's opinions carry weight. A good marketing scheme that only cost some ammo ,fuel, and air time. It would have been a little better if Ian was shooting from SPIE rig as he lifts off, but the Czechs evidently have liability lawyers, too.
yeah those washers are never going to be replaced haha. especially as that very well ventilated handguard gets filled up with dirt, twigs ect in the field and the COC decides that their men need spotless rifles on a friday afternoon! they look similar to Nord-lock washers which do work quite well.
1:50 A lot of advancements also get made in the factory during mass production, where you go from a design that technically works but its labour hours can get cut down a huge amount.
It looks like CZ took a lot of inspiration from the civilian market, as well as making general improvements. I'd certainly like to have one of the 14.5" versions some day.
There is a fair bit of back and forth between the civilian and military sides, especially after the ACR trials. Also with the advent of civilian rifle action competition. The old rifle trials centered on accuracy on known distance stationary targets has rightfully (finally) gone out of favor (not that this type of testing has no utility, it's just not the main consideration anymore).
I'm not seeing the civilian inspiration at all, here (i.e. tuned triggers, compensators, pencil-profile barrels). It looks like they looked at current *military* weapons of NATO counterparts (i.e. full length MLOK handguards, improved ergonomics/ambidexterity, more aluminum vs. plastic parts) and played catch-up. Namely, I see the FN SCAR with an MCX handguard - both military developments. This is something that all manufacturers are expected to do to their systems to remain competitive for contracts.
What I mostly see in the changes is the feedback we (Ukrainian military) gave CZ when they asked us what we like and dislike about the BREN 2. Specifically, the durability and reliability improvements, such as the steel rail for the bolt carrier, and the dual ejectors - because the main gripe our assaults had with the BREN 2 was failure to eject in heavy use conditions. I also want to point out, that the fact the lower / firing assembly stayed the same is a testament to how well-made it already was in the previous version. It is probably my favourite aspect of the BREN 2 - how crisp and "easy to read" the trigger is.
Both replaceable handguards and slightly-enlarged charging handles were on military rifles long before the 805 Bren was even born (2009). CZ is playing catchup in 2024 with a format that should have been standard in the early-2010s.
Hey Ian, could you make a video covering the history of ergonomics for gun design? How and why the first firearms were designed the way they were, how that changed, how machining and Stamp metal changed that design and ultimately polymer changed that too. Things in particular like rifle stocks to pistol style grips, the change of the shooter’s face being behind the action to moving above and behind the action. Other things like the grip style used on many revolvers to modern day pistol grip design philosophy.
I love my Czech Neighbor!!!! CZ in my Eyes is today the most" flexible for new Solutions" Manufacturer inside Europe.....not as "stiff " like H+K or FN Herstal. Greetings from Germany!
scorpion is a bit of a swing and miss, especially the gen 1. Cz has had some lemons like the rami comes to mind. But still way more innovative and obtainable then HK. Would love to see a new delayed blowback metal upper CZ PCC.
@Phoenix-x5e EVERYONE will pick an MP5. People have differing opinion on how well the roller delayed system works for 7.62 and 5.56, but everyone agrees that for 9mm it is just the most butter smooth and easily controllable system ever invented.
@Phoenix-x5e Yeah roller guns are a league of their own, but even HK doesn't stand a Shadow®of a chance competing with CZ handguns, not to mention their excellent shotguns. The MP5 will be a unicorn forever, no matter how good the competition!
CZ might regret letting Ian have this thing *before* they're ready to sell on the US market. I'm pretty sure many will put off buying the gen 2 now they know the gen 3 is likely coming.
If they charge what those crush washers are actually "worth" (+something for packaging and handling) so a zip bag with 7 is, say, $3 and a box with 700 +/- 3 (quick-weighed) is, say, $50, then they could get enthusiasts to buy a lot of extras. People get stingy on running costs, but don't mind laying down dole for the item itself. Unfortunately a lot of marketing people don't realize this, so they lose more on big item sales what they try to "rip off" on things where it practically would make no difference if they sold at break-even.
I absolutely love the Bren rifle. It's always cool to see countries making guns that aren't some derivative of the AR platform. Plus. Czech guns are quite nice. Edit: I know now that the Bren is - in fact - derivative of the AR. I intended my comment to mostly be about the aesthetics of the weapon, but I do concede that it was phrased poorly and that I was wrong about how much the Bren 2 shares with the AR.
@@TheAlphaDoge I don't think so. The short-stroke gas piston system may be derivative of the AR-18's, but as an actual platform they are certainly different guns. The SG 550 takes its action from the AK. They are clearly not the same platform.
@@glock22357 My comment was mostly about looks (even if I didn't phrase it properly to communicate that). I was moreso including rifles that look like an AR-15, namely things like the MCX or HK-416. Regardless. I don't know enough about AR-15 bolts so I can't really argue against that point, but I honestly think the lower is just an ergonomics compatibility thing. It does seem like the magazine is noticeably a bit further away from the trigger than with a usual AR, so I would say it's distinct enough.
It nice to see, that the popularity of the Bren during the conflict in Ukraine did not go to CZ's head, but on the contrary, they responded very quickly to the needs on the real battlefield a fixed weak points.
Ive waited for this version. As an unapologetic CZ fan, I needed them to work the kinks out. I will absolutely have one of these when they release in the US.
@@kevintran7208 No. The hole and the backside of the bolt has to have matching ridges. These are specifically designed to work in areas where thermal expansion and contraction is a factor. The "nylon" (don't know what it actually is) between the two serrated discs takes up travel caused by expansion and contraction, which ensures are relatively even bolt pressure in the entire temperature range.
@@kevintran7208 Loctite (with the correct heat rating) is a perfectly viable solution for civilian owners working on a clean bench at roughly room temperature. But an armorer working out of an M113 in freezing conditions needs another solution.
@@kevintran7208the dimples on the bottom of the hole are from the teeth of the nord locks bitting into the aluminum. Think of these as ratchet. Until there is sufficient force in the opposite direction (backing out) they can’t jump the teeth. The blue coloring is just a wrapper that keeps the two halves of the nord lock together. You can buy them from McMaster, but they don’t have the fancy wrapper.
I know why they removed the 7.62 option, but it still sucks, man. 7.62 is so fun, and the 7.62 version of the BREN 2 is such a sexy gun. It's a shame... hopefully if and when the 3 comes to the civilian market, there will be enough demand for them to bring the 7.62 conversion back. ☹
Wouldn’t bet on it seeing as CZ was never able to get the semi auto 7.62 Bren 2s working lol. All the gas system fixes are aftermarket as far as I’m aware.
@@ProLapsRacing couldn't they just work with those aftermarket manufacturers to make them work properly from the factory? I assume that would be an option.
@@CorndogCrusader That would seem like a great option if they cared about making things right with people they sold broken guns to such as myself! However they were made aware of the issues as early as 2018/2019 and only ever offered a 5.56 replacement or buyback of impacted guns at the original price paid (had to submit your receipt) for the original owner. Felt like a bit of a slap in the face considering one of my two broken ones was a “collectible” 2S and they’d hiked the MSRP on the 2MSs after I bought mine. Not to mention having to eat the cost of ammo, optics, and accessories.
Well 7.62x39 is still very popular in Czech Republic and post Warsaw Pact countries between shooters. Reason why they change it to .300 BLK because they are primarily aiming on west military (NATO and allies) and US civilian makret. Most shooters in Czech can not afford Bren 2 Ms rifle because it is expensive. They rather choose AR-15 in 5.56x45 or if they want 7.62x39 they choose civilian vz.58 or AK/AKM variants because it is half of the price that Bren 2 Ms costs . Sadly Bren 3 may be on the market in the USA earlier than in the Czech Republic. Still it is very nice and reliable rifle. I am very glad and proud that our CZ armory is making these rifles.
10:00 Oh yeah, I bet many NCOs are going to absolutely love that feature. Either your soldiers are gonna lose all the little and not so little bits and pieces during cleaning, so you can make them do push ups all day or they will get mud, dirt and other foulness inside the handguard you are not permitted to take off which you can't clean, so you can make them do push ups all day. Win-Win
I like that you think being unable to take the handguard off will stop any military from demanding troops successfully clean under it anyway. Hope the CZ cleaning rods are robust... I joke; troops will find a cheap motorbike chain brush or something pretty much immediately to use when grown-ups aren't watching.
@@slightlyagricultural in the croatian military i was issued the VHS-D1 and the VHS-2D. The D1 did not have the top carry handle or the trigger pack removable. There was no way to clean all the powder fouling in certain places and everybody knew it. When the NCO felt particularly dickish during the whole company cleaning exercise, he'd come up to the soldiers he didn't like, ask them if their gun was clean, then take his finger, get in there just enough to get a bit of soot on it, wipe it off the soldiers nose, cheek or forehead (which obviously you couldn't clean until you get to the baracks and sometimes the NCO in question would march you the long way around the installation so that absolutely everyone saw you), then give said soldier 20 pushups for every dirty part he found. A tradition that coincidentally goes back to the AKs, where soldiers woild always forget to clean the gas tube, the gas vent block and the inside of the sight tower, but at least that you could clean once you learned your lesson two or seven times.
@@MatoVuc Is no one else confused about the barrel part? Are they gonna re-zero the rifle every time they clean the gas system? Btw, how are VHSes holding up? I think it's a nice rifle, just needs few cosmetic and ergonomic changes.
@@BobSaint doesn't look like you absolutely have to remove the barrel, but loosening it and retightening is bad anyway. Maybe there is one screw that holds the barrel in but isn't necessary for the handguard. As for VHS, the first model is in second line unit hands, eventually to be retired into storage. They are OK, but they have limitations. The VHS-2 is a significant improvement and outside the weight, it is well liked. There are some improvements that could be made, but they would improve the rifle very little for practical purposes. Most soldiers would like to just drop 0.5kg off the rifle and that is it.
A lot of screws and fasteners and a high part count for my liking. I know that's meant for armourer level but seems like the Meccano™ school of manufacture to me.
Probably sooner. I actually have a Bren 3. But got it from knowing people very well at CZ USA. CZ is one of our major clients for our family company. We make firearm parts for other manufactures. I did want the 11" but got a 14.5" I suppose I'll get an 11" barrel when they come out.
@@simonevans5562 Not a bunch, just a few to be given to staff, clients, etc. I can't even get extra crush washers for when I would take off the handguard. Like I said it was gifted to me. But then CZ is one of our top clients. And there's been many times, they would order some parts. And need them in an unrealistic time span. However, we've always met their deadlines. Over-seas companies always get their hands on new stuff. WHen the Tavor initially came out, I got one too. Was another year till those rifles were available. Be patient, CZ knows they have a hit with the Bren 3. And all companies like to make profits.
I bought a used CZ-75BD and I really like it. The history behind this company is great. Many Americans look down on the Czech products and don't realize many of their American brands are rebranding of CZ products. I think this is changing from youtubers and the internet in general.
A Bren 2 that comes with all the upgrades you'd have to buy to really make it cool? Nice. I hope we start seeing them soon here in the States, I find myself finally being tempted by a piston gun.
Well if you didn't notice, we have war in Europe. And Bren2 is in massive use there. So stop whining about spare parts our legion needs them more than some Sunday user. So write your congressmen to help with more heavy weapons, after the war, you can get spare parts.
Some great improvements, but the 7 screws attaching the hand guard with single use washers are a letdown. Given all of the fasteners, clips, latches, etc in all the rifles in the world, you would think they could come up with something better. Heck, even the barrel bands on a Charleville musket seem more practical.
I think the idea with the washers is that the washers themselves take the wear rather than the screws and contact area, thus increasing the life of the handguard and receiver, similar to the steel guide rail. They are also cheap and probably widely available. I think the fact that there are a lot of the same screws on the rifle is a conscious choice. Could be wrong, but I think there's a definite plan there.
@@tz6070 How often an average soldier need to change handguard in the field ? Consider this as a working tool, rugged, reliable. This weapon is made for field use, not a shooting range presentation. 7 screws is certainly stiffer and can withstand beating than a lever.
Removing the handguard is definitely not supposed to be a routine user level task, armorers only. The simplified gas piston is likely to allow that to be serviced without removing the handguard, which you should note is also the procedure for removing the barrel. No handguard needs to be quick detach, and this setup is likely very rigid to retain zero for LAMs & NV, so you really dont want individual soldiers monkeying with it.
@@gg.youlubeatube6249 Well considering that the QD lever is also present at the HK416 examples for the german army field trials, it is also far from being only intended for "shooting range presentation". And even before HK was able to use just one screw/pin to secure their handguards since quite a few years now. So my opinion stands, 7 screws are complete overkill!
Hey, they may never have been able to make sufficient spare parts for the 805 and Bren 2 available on the US civilian market, but I’m sure if you drop a couple grand this time it’ll be supported by CZUSA and they won’t completely screw you over lmao
Any "why is X European military thing impossible to get at the moment" has answer of "have you seen the current security situation in Europe. One word: War". Everyone and their mother of any military related hardware is equipping Ukraine at the moment, what is left over is going to restocking European military mobilization warehouses. It's a weapon of war and *war is going on* . Their military customers are just tiny bit higher on the priority list, than fun time civilian customers. Heck civilian customers in peace time exist so they can keep the high capacity production line maintained for, when military comes asking "we would like twice as many guns as you can make, yesterday, you see continental full scale war just started. We are probably going to mobilize and loose couple million troops over the next couple years and that is, if the war goes well for us".
@@aritakalo8011that explanation would make a lot more sense if CZ hadn’t been absolutely terrible at keeping things in stock long before the invasion of Ukraine. When the scorpion EVO came out the stocks were constantly unavailable.
@@aritakalo8011 The issue was pre-existing long before the Ukraine conflict. Once, they started supplying them to Ukraine, I kinda gave up trying to get spare parts.
Well if you didn't notice, we have war in Europe. And Bren2 is in massive use there. So stop whining about spare parts, our legion needs them more than some Sunday user. So write your congressmen to help with more heavy weapons, after the war, you can get spare parts.
Have you seen what kind of warfare is most prevalent in Ukraine? Hint: There are no vast and open deserts to take advantage of the long barrel, and nobody with half a brain will use a rifle with a long barrel within bayonet fighting distance.
"...we are taking a look at the Bren-new iteration of the rifle..." xD
In 3 years, they will completely redesign it again. And again. And again.
🔥🔥📜✍🏻
Okay, Dad.
@@donwyoming1936hell is repetition
@@donwyoming1936I strongly hope so
So only 7 versions and we will finally get the Bren Ten!
Probably not. At least not from CZ. They'd run into copyright issues with the Bren Ten pistol. 😉
Bren ten 2
Imagine it getting the nickname: The Omnitrix, because of the ability to be easily converted to different configurations and has success in different roles.
@@ShootAUT You are fun at party
Let's see... folding buttstock for cqc, quick swap barrel for long range engagement, interchangeable magazines for multiple calibers... we need 7 more, guys. Help me out! 😅
Another piece of incredible advancement of Czechnology
Haha! I love that term "Czechnology." Did you come up with that, or is it something you heard or read somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know!
/Edit this is the first time i have heard that word, "Czechnology." And i am still giggling to myself, such a fun pun.
@@jeromethiel4323 I heard it on an episode of forgotten weapons ages ago.
@@thatdudeinasuit5422 Dang, must have missed it! ^-^ Still love the term, and i am going to steal it.
@@thatdudeinasuit5422 Czech girls are also beyond believe.
@davidbowman2716 You gotta look for one without putty and upgrades 😁
Absolutely love CZ's idea of hitting the range!
Because, why not?
It's definitely a stylish entrance.❤😂
I think it deserves alot of credit to CZ, that they take input from combat units and improve on their products voluntarily.
really looks like a well thought out product.
We take pride in our firearms and want to make the best of the best
That is a good looking rifle. CZ just gets it right from a looks perspective.. Also doesn't hurt that the quality is great.
Agreed! I love my CZ VZ58
Meanwhile CZ Scorpion owners are replacing every part of their gun because of rampant quality issues.
Shouldve became ar grip compatible luke b&t did when they launched their 2nd gen of APCs
@@boygonewhoopdataZZI don't think that's possible because the Bren 3 has interchangeable back straps. Or at least it would be worse or a weird sidegrade.
Agreed but I'm not a fan of one time use parts on a rifle (The hand guard crush washers). That's definitely not grunt friendly.
Just Bren you thought Gun Jesus couldn't be more awesome, Ian's firing a suppressed one. From a helicopter.
the only thing missing is 1 or 2 grenades popped from the same helicopter ....
He would be dual wielding them 😂
Firing a silenced weapon from a flying loudener.
Ahh, c'mon! Now you're just showing off!
His "we can do that?" Was way too excited to just be a range trip. Dude has shot way too many cool guns to get that level of ears perked up disbelief and joy unless it's something special. Next shot, helicopter. Yea that tracks now.
CZ buying Colt gives me hope.
Also: that Spuhr red-dot mount is awesome.
Does that include colt Canada?
@@pannenkoekspek Yes
@@pannenkoekspek Colt Canada seems to be a subsidiary of the American Colt, which is a subsidiary of the "Colt CZ Group", a company created by the merger between CZ and Colt, with headquarters in Czech Republic. So yes, Colt Canada is indirectly owned by CZ as well.
The Colt management took over CZ USA and proceeded to piss off and then piss on the entire CZ dealer network. Putting the bankruptcy champions of the gun world in charge of your US operations, yeah that will work out well.
It is sad, though, that a classic American firearm manufacturer is now owned by a foreign company. 🫤
Did my man just take some tacticool shots with that magnificent beast out of a helicopter and left us with that cliff hanger? 😮
@b.a.hwyndham893 thx, I corrected it. Third language, happens sometimes 🙂
Wow! Mr Ian is living the dream and a very well deserved and hard earned dream too. (That last shot in the helicopter was epic). I wish the very best of health and happiness to you all and also to your families!!!
Ian getting the insider look into CZ is so great to see. They make some really nice guns.
Also that ending is absolutely amazing.
I think that I will never even see Bren 2, our unit is getting Bren 1 right now and Ian is showing us Bren 3. What a scifi! Thanks you.
I am personally fond of my Bren 2
What country do you serve in if you don't mind answering?
@@jjustdancerr8119 Czech army reserve, not active duty.
@@Lobotor23You are issued WW2 BREN ???? Zbrojovka Brno vz. 26 made for Britons in .303 British ???
@@zbigniewgurak8261 No, the Bren 805 adopted in 2011, the father of Bren 2 and 3
Bren 805: we have a scar at home
Bren 2: we have an acr at home
Bren 3: we have an mcx at home
Wonder what bren 4 will be
more like other way round...
😂😂😂 true 100%
@@noobmaster4412laser gun 😮
@@noobmaster4412 Direct impingement version 🤣
Thanks!
I’m definitely getting a Bren 3 zero doubt about that… amazing rifle
Wait for valgear to get his hands on it
@@andreahighsides7756 He will not het hands on it.
@@andreahighsides7756 I mean from his Bren 2 review we can clearly say they fixed most of the problems (short hand rail, stock attachment, mag release now has little protection cage so you dont release it by mistake, sturdier barrel etc etc. I hope he and the Ukraine army gets the Bren 3 asap so we can have his review and also that the army gets an upgrade.
I used a Bren 2 with an 11 inch barrel in Ukraine. I've never had any problems with it. Only the lack of tuning parts sucked. It's nice that they improved the handguard, and stock mounting , but it's a pity they didn't change the grip to the AR15 type and the barrel thread for the silencer is still non-standard
That gun has evolved more in 13 years than most guns have in the last 50, necessity is truly the mother of inovation.
I think it's more than just necessity driving all these changes. CZ has to be getting lots of extra government money to pay for all the factory changes to make these upgrades happen to the rifle in a timely manner. It's still absolutely necessity/an eminent threat that's driving the extra funding, but I imagine that lots of firearms companies could've pulled off a similar set of rapid generational changes with enough tax bucks coming in to pay for it.
Iirc that's what drove all the Sten Gun upgrades/variations during WWII that Ian recently went over, as another example. It's pretty neat though, and nice to see a recent rifle design flourish instead of being choked by penny-pinching essentially lol
This isn't even my final form
It's funny what happens when governments give a bunch of money to companies so they can let the products get field tested and the engineers get to work their magic
@@Supercohboy CZ (now Colt CZ Group SE) receives no special government money - only money from military/police contracts with government (plus minus same prices as every other mass customer). Bren 3 is not even proposed as candidate for next Czech army rifle.
I’ve always liked the Bren and the evolution of it, it just keeps getting better and better
The Bren 3 is without a shadow of doubt a really fantastic variant of an already fantastic assault rifle and all these improvements are the proof, i sincerely hope CZ decides to release a semi-auto variant of it and it was very kind of them to let you shoot the Bren 3 from the helicopter like an action movie hero. Thanks for providing us with this valuable insight Ian, you never cease to amaze me.
For the actual combat experience about Bren 2 there's a good video from valgear.
💯
Thanks.
They've put a better cage around the mag release, so they listened to him/them.
Hope one day we have Gun Jesus and Valgear cooperation.
They also changed the stock locking system from plastic to an aluminum one! Valgear said it was one of the most weak parts of the gun
@marc usott2973 I was wondering about that, thanks.
Now is when and how much, and will there be parts from CZ.
CZ makes some of the coolest stuff out there. Great rifle and gun company
I remember visiting a CZ store in Prague around a decade ago and seeing the Bren 805 before it hit the US market. Cool to see the evolution of it all, thanks Ian.
The list of changes in the video description is impressive, wasn't aware they added 2 heavier barrels 😉
CZ letting you hit the range with it is incredibly based. Another great video, Ian!
CZ recognizing the fact Ian's opinions carry weight. A good marketing scheme that only cost some ammo ,fuel, and air time. It would have been a little better if Ian was shooting from SPIE rig as he lifts off, but the Czechs evidently have liability lawyers, too.
yeah those washers are never going to be replaced haha. especially as that very well ventilated handguard gets filled up with dirt, twigs ect in the field and the COC decides that their men need spotless rifles on a friday afternoon! they look similar to Nord-lock washers which do work quite well.
I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if it is a nordlock with a plastic collar to hold the washer halves together?
@@dominicvonella3191the ones in the CZ Bren 2MS are nord locks and packaged the same as in the video.
Red Lock-tite
At best the soldiers will get some of that blue screw glue and call it a day.
1:50 A lot of advancements also get made in the factory during mass production, where you go from a design that technically works but its labour hours can get cut down a huge amount.
Ian living his best life.❤
It looks like CZ took a lot of inspiration from the civilian market, as well as making general improvements. I'd certainly like to have one of the 14.5" versions some day.
There is a fair bit of back and forth between the civilian and military sides, especially after the ACR trials. Also with the advent of civilian rifle action competition. The old rifle trials centered on accuracy on known distance stationary targets has rightfully (finally) gone out of favor (not that this type of testing has no utility, it's just not the main consideration anymore).
I'm not seeing the civilian inspiration at all, here (i.e. tuned triggers, compensators, pencil-profile barrels). It looks like they looked at current *military* weapons of NATO counterparts (i.e. full length MLOK handguards, improved ergonomics/ambidexterity, more aluminum vs. plastic parts) and played catch-up. Namely, I see the FN SCAR with an MCX handguard - both military developments. This is something that all manufacturers are expected to do to their systems to remain competitive for contracts.
What I mostly see in the changes is the feedback we (Ukrainian military) gave CZ when they asked us what we like and dislike about the BREN 2. Specifically, the durability and reliability improvements, such as the steel rail for the bolt carrier, and the dual ejectors - because the main gripe our assaults had with the BREN 2 was failure to eject in heavy use conditions. I also want to point out, that the fact the lower / firing assembly stayed the same is a testament to how well-made it already was in the previous version. It is probably my favourite aspect of the BREN 2 - how crisp and "easy to read" the trigger is.
@@eddietat95 The replaceable hand guard, different charging handles, etc. At least that was what I got from it.
Both replaceable handguards and slightly-enlarged charging handles were on military rifles long before the 805 Bren was even born (2009). CZ is playing catchup in 2024 with a format that should have been standard in the early-2010s.
Hey Ian, could you make a video covering the history of ergonomics for gun design? How and why the first firearms were designed the way they were, how that changed, how machining and Stamp metal changed that design and ultimately polymer changed that too. Things in particular like rifle stocks to pistol style grips, the change of the shooter’s face being behind the action to moving above and behind the action. Other things like the grip style used on many revolvers to modern day pistol grip design philosophy.
I love my Czech Neighbor!!!! CZ in my Eyes is today the most" flexible for new Solutions" Manufacturer inside Europe.....not as "stiff " like H+K or FN Herstal. Greetings from Germany!
Czechs are cool. 👍❤️🇨🇿
Don't forget the Croatians with their VHS.
scorpion is a bit of a swing and miss, especially the gen 1.
Cz has had some lemons like the rami comes to mind.
But still way more innovative and obtainable then HK.
Would love to see a new delayed blowback metal upper CZ PCC.
@Phoenix-x5e EVERYONE will pick an MP5. People have differing opinion on how well the roller delayed system works for 7.62 and 5.56, but everyone agrees that for 9mm it is just the most butter smooth and easily controllable system ever invented.
@Phoenix-x5e Yeah roller guns are a league of their own, but even HK doesn't stand a Shadow®of a chance competing with CZ handguns, not to mention their excellent shotguns. The MP5 will be a unicorn forever, no matter how good the competition!
Getting to shoot the new Suppressed Bren 3 from a helicopter... Life goals! Awesome review!
I jumped into this video and my wallet just cried out in terror.
Especially once you get to the helicopter at the end.
CZ might regret letting Ian have this thing *before* they're ready to sell on the US market. I'm pretty sure many will put off buying the gen 2 now they know the gen 3 is likely coming.
I just bought a Bren 2. No ragrets
The Bren trilogy
Super sick rifle. I love how easy the barrel swap is. No barrel nut needing to be timed. Awesome!
If they charge what those crush washers are actually "worth" (+something for packaging and handling) so a zip bag with 7 is, say, $3 and a box with 700 +/- 3 (quick-weighed) is, say, $50, then they could get enthusiasts to buy a lot of extras. People get stingy on running costs, but don't mind laying down dole for the item itself. Unfortunately a lot of marketing people don't realize this, so they lose more on big item sales what they try to "rip off" on things where it practically would make no difference if they sold at break-even.
Interesting fact: The South African Special Forces has selected this rifle as their new standard go to rifle. They seem pretty happy with it.
Welcome back to Czech Republic Ian. I hope I'll meet you next time...
I absolutely love the Bren rifle. It's always cool to see countries making guns that aren't some derivative of the AR platform.
Plus. Czech guns are quite nice.
Edit:
I know now that the Bren is - in fact - derivative of the AR. I intended my comment to mostly be about the aesthetics of the weapon, but I do concede that it was phrased poorly and that I was wrong about how much the Bren 2 shares with the AR.
Agreed.
The Bren 805, 2, & 3 are all derived from the AR-18.
**edited to change the wording a bit for clarity
@@TheAlphaDoge I don't think so. The short-stroke gas piston system may be derivative of the AR-18's, but as an actual platform they are certainly different guns.
The SG 550 takes its action from the AK. They are clearly not the same platform.
@@glock22357To be fair, AR-15 ergonomics are unmatched; so it's not strange that the lower would be copied
@@glock22357
My comment was mostly about looks (even if I didn't phrase it properly to communicate that). I was moreso including rifles that look like an AR-15, namely things like the MCX or HK-416.
Regardless. I don't know enough about AR-15 bolts so I can't really argue against that point, but I honestly think the lower is just an ergonomics compatibility thing. It does seem like the magazine is noticeably a bit further away from the trigger than with a usual AR, so I would say it's distinct enough.
Position 4 is for Hickok45.
ok that heli outro was badass as hell Ian
It nice to see, that the popularity of the Bren during the conflict in Ukraine did not go to CZ's head, but on the contrary, they responded very quickly to the needs on the real battlefield a fixed weak points.
Love my Bren2, (and all my CZs) just got home from shooting it. Guess I’ll be getting this new variant when I can. Great vid.
13:47 good thing Ian brought his helicopter 😂
Ive waited for this version. As an unapologetic CZ fan, I needed them to work the kinks out. I will absolutely have one of these when they release in the US.
Always nice when someone considers the ergonomics for us close to 7 foot freaks :) apparently at design schools they decide our feelings don't matter
You’re an absolute abomination 😁
That upgraded stock attachment mechanism reminds me a ton of my B&T “brace” for my SP5.
CZ for life 🤘
Honestly your videos on the Bren and the way the Bren looks and operates makes me want to have it as my first rifle.
9:10 for anyone interested these are called "Nord-Lock or Wedge lock Washers"
But would they work if the hole didn't have the dimples for those to key into?
@@kevintran7208 No. The hole and the backside of the bolt has to have matching ridges. These are specifically designed to work in areas where thermal expansion and contraction is a factor. The "nylon" (don't know what it actually is) between the two serrated discs takes up travel caused by expansion and contraction, which ensures are relatively even bolt pressure in the entire temperature range.
@@andersjjensen Yeah that makes sense, thanks for confirming. Guess I'll stick to loctite for now
@@kevintran7208 Loctite (with the correct heat rating) is a perfectly viable solution for civilian owners working on a clean bench at roughly room temperature. But an armorer working out of an M113 in freezing conditions needs another solution.
@@kevintran7208the dimples on the bottom of the hole are from the teeth of the nord locks bitting into the aluminum. Think of these as ratchet. Until there is sufficient force in the opposite direction (backing out) they can’t jump the teeth. The blue coloring is just a wrapper that keeps the two halves of the nord lock together. You can buy them from McMaster, but they don’t have the fancy wrapper.
God, this is beautiful. It's like looking at a fully developed XM8 with that modularity.
Ian just completed a side quest 😂
Love my Bren2- look forward to buying one of these when they hit the market in 5 years
@13:55: CZ showing off, love it.
Shout out from Tucson Arizona 💯
I know why they removed the 7.62 option, but it still sucks, man. 7.62 is so fun, and the 7.62 version of the BREN 2 is such a sexy gun. It's a shame... hopefully if and when the 3 comes to the civilian market, there will be enough demand for them to bring the 7.62 conversion back. ☹
Wouldn’t bet on it seeing as CZ was never able to get the semi auto 7.62 Bren 2s working lol. All the gas system fixes are aftermarket as far as I’m aware.
@@ProLapsRacing couldn't they just work with those aftermarket manufacturers to make them work properly from the factory? I assume that would be an option.
@@CorndogCrusader That would seem like a great option if they cared about making things right with people they sold broken guns to such as myself! However they were made aware of the issues as early as 2018/2019 and only ever offered a 5.56 replacement or buyback of impacted guns at the original price paid (had to submit your receipt) for the original owner. Felt like a bit of a slap in the face considering one of my two broken ones was a “collectible” 2S and they’d hiked the MSRP on the 2MSs after I bought mine. Not to mention having to eat the cost of ammo, optics, and accessories.
@@ProLapsRacing yikes... I can see what's going on now.
Cool story bro, one of the few I watched today. Take care and keep up the good work! Namaste!
Well 7.62x39 is still very popular in Czech Republic and post Warsaw Pact countries between shooters. Reason why they change it to .300 BLK because they are primarily aiming on west military (NATO and allies) and US civilian makret. Most shooters in Czech can not afford Bren 2 Ms rifle because it is expensive. They rather choose AR-15 in 5.56x45 or if they want 7.62x39 they choose civilian vz.58 or AK/AKM variants because it is half of the price that Bren 2 Ms costs . Sadly Bren 3 may be on the market in the USA earlier than in the Czech Republic. Still it is very nice and reliable rifle. I am very glad and proud that our CZ armory is making these rifles.
I have been wanting the bren 2 for a while. Glad they are coming out with better versions while i continue to save.
10:00 Oh yeah, I bet many NCOs are going to absolutely love that feature.
Either your soldiers are gonna lose all the little and not so little bits and pieces during cleaning, so you can make them do push ups all day or they will get mud, dirt and other foulness inside the handguard you are not permitted to take off which you can't clean, so you can make them do push ups all day.
Win-Win
Genuine WTF momement. To clean the rifle, You need to remove the barrel too? 🤨
I like that you think being unable to take the handguard off will stop any military from demanding troops successfully clean under it anyway. Hope the CZ cleaning rods are robust...
I joke; troops will find a cheap motorbike chain brush or something pretty much immediately to use when grown-ups aren't watching.
@@slightlyagricultural in the croatian military i was issued the VHS-D1 and the VHS-2D.
The D1 did not have the top carry handle or the trigger pack removable.
There was no way to clean all the powder fouling in certain places and everybody knew it.
When the NCO felt particularly dickish during the whole company cleaning exercise, he'd come up to the soldiers he didn't like, ask them if their gun was clean, then take his finger, get in there just enough to get a bit of soot on it, wipe it off the soldiers nose, cheek or forehead (which obviously you couldn't clean until you get to the baracks and sometimes the NCO in question would march you the long way around the installation so that absolutely everyone saw you), then give said soldier 20 pushups for every dirty part he found.
A tradition that coincidentally goes back to the AKs, where soldiers woild always forget to clean the gas tube, the gas vent block and the inside of the sight tower, but at least that you could clean once you learned your lesson two or seven times.
@@MatoVuc Is no one else confused about the barrel part? Are they gonna re-zero the rifle every time they clean the gas system?
Btw, how are VHSes holding up? I think it's a nice rifle, just needs few cosmetic and ergonomic changes.
@@BobSaint doesn't look like you absolutely have to remove the barrel, but loosening it and retightening is bad anyway.
Maybe there is one screw that holds the barrel in but isn't necessary for the handguard.
As for VHS, the first model is in second line unit hands, eventually to be retired into storage. They are OK, but they have limitations.
The VHS-2 is a significant improvement and outside the weight, it is well liked.
There are some improvements that could be made, but they would improve the rifle very little for practical purposes.
Most soldiers would like to just drop 0.5kg off the rifle and that is it.
Beautiful. Would definitely like to own a semi of this. Looks like one that won't let you down.
I love this Bren-new gun 😀
The charging handle placement on the Bren is just so much more convenient than the charging handle on AR style guns.
Those handguard washers look like a variation on Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers.
They are. Confirmed with cz and ordered a bunch for my bren 2ms from fastenal
Having had a fair bit of use with the CZ Bren 2, everyone i know loves it, but these upgrades are fantastic and will be well loved
A lot of screws and fasteners and a high part count for my liking. I know that's meant for armourer level but seems like the Meccano™ school of manufacture to me.
lot of screws vs fixed part of the receiver ... guess which is better
that ending... this man LOVES his job and I WISH I could do that for a living...
At this point it's probably the most product improved firearm today with about 3 years worth of combat footage to prove it.
HK400 series?
Top notch flex at the end.
The International Legion in Ukraine seems to use the Bren a lot.
Not just them, it seems to be the most common western weapon in the UAF, aside from AR15 variants
International meat grinder
13:57 Very nice. The perfect accessory for when you have to make a very quick trip to the range. :D
Bren 3 needs 7 screws and 1 latch to remove the handguard? They definitely took a lesson from Sig Spear LT's bendy handguard drama.
Aaaaand - to remove the handguard and clean the rifle, You remove the barrel as a bonus! 😅
The Brens all look great!
If nothing else, I’m envious of all the cool countries Ian gets to visit to make these videos.
I spoke to a guy in the CZUB store in Prague and I was told this rifle will be available to the civilian market some time in 2026.
Good. That's not too far away but gives me time to save up
Probably sooner. I actually have a Bren 3. But got it from knowing people very well at CZ USA. CZ is one of our major clients for our family company. We make firearm parts for other manufactures. I did want the 11" but got a 14.5" I suppose I'll get an 11" barrel when they come out.
@@ricks.1092 wait...so you're saying there are Bren 3s in the United States already?
@@simonevans5562 Not a bunch, just a few to be given to staff, clients, etc. I can't even get extra crush washers for when I would take off the handguard. Like I said it was gifted to me. But then CZ is one of our top clients. And there's been many times, they would order some parts. And need them in an unrealistic time span. However, we've always met their deadlines. Over-seas companies always get their hands on new stuff. WHen the Tavor initially came out, I got one too. Was another year till those rifles were available. Be patient, CZ knows they have a hit with the Bren 3. And all companies like to make profits.
That's all good as I'm quite pleased with my Bren2s, I can wait.
That's a cool rifle. It even looks good. Heck, it even wears the Ugg boot stock well.
I bought a used CZ-75BD and I really like it. The history behind this company is great. Many Americans look down on the Czech products and don't realize many of their American brands are rebranding of CZ products. I think this is changing from youtubers and the internet in general.
I think most Americans are Xenophobic in General. If it’s not American somehow it’s a bad product.
A Bren 2 that comes with all the upgrades you'd have to buy to really make it cool? Nice. I hope we start seeing them soon here in the States, I find myself finally being tempted by a piston gun.
Cz needs to provide actual support and spare parts for their CURRENT LINEUP instead of making new designs. For God's sake.
It was designed as an improvement for military use. Lack of spare parts for the Bren 2 is a separate conversation irrelevant to this video.
Well if you didn't notice, we have war in Europe. And Bren2 is in massive use there. So stop whining about spare parts our legion needs them more than some Sunday user.
So write your congressmen to help with more heavy weapons, after the war, you can get spare parts.
@marektoman8388 Even US media is now admitting Ukraine is losing.
@@marektoman8388Find funds and weapons elsewhere than mooching off American taxpayers.
Got linked here through shorts for what its worth. Keep up the good work!
Some great improvements, but the 7 screws attaching the hand guard with single use washers are a letdown. Given all of the fasteners, clips, latches, etc in all the rifles in the world, you would think they could come up with something better. Heck, even the barrel bands on a Charleville musket seem more practical.
Yeah, considering for example that HK can now fix their Handguards with a simple Quick Detach Lever, these 7 screws are very outdated.
I think the idea with the washers is that the washers themselves take the wear rather than the screws and contact area, thus increasing the life of the handguard and receiver, similar to the steel guide rail.
They are also cheap and probably widely available.
I think the fact that there are a lot of the same screws on the rifle is a conscious choice. Could be wrong, but I think there's a definite plan there.
@@tz6070 How often an average soldier need to change handguard in the field ? Consider this as a working tool, rugged, reliable. This weapon is made for field use, not a shooting range presentation. 7 screws is certainly stiffer and can withstand beating than a lever.
Removing the handguard is definitely not supposed to be a routine user level task, armorers only. The simplified gas piston is likely to allow that to be serviced without removing the handguard, which you should note is also the procedure for removing the barrel. No handguard needs to be quick detach, and this setup is likely very rigid to retain zero for LAMs & NV, so you really dont want individual soldiers monkeying with it.
@@gg.youlubeatube6249 Well considering that the QD lever is also present at the HK416 examples for the german army field trials, it is also far from being only intended for "shooting range presentation". And even before HK was able to use just one screw/pin to secure their handguards since quite a few years now. So my opinion stands, 7 screws are complete overkill!
Thank you😊Video exactly on my birthday:D its like a gift from Ian:)
Hey, they may never have been able to make sufficient spare parts for the 805 and Bren 2 available on the US civilian market, but I’m sure if you drop a couple grand this time it’ll be supported by CZUSA and they won’t completely screw you over lmao
Cool ending of the video!
Please ask CZ why it's impossible to get spare parts for my BREN 2!
They are overloaded with government orders. Better profit than civilians.
Any "why is X European military thing impossible to get at the moment" has answer of "have you seen the current security situation in Europe. One word: War". Everyone and their mother of any military related hardware is equipping Ukraine at the moment, what is left over is going to restocking European military mobilization warehouses. It's a weapon of war and *war is going on* . Their military customers are just tiny bit higher on the priority list, than fun time civilian customers. Heck civilian customers in peace time exist so they can keep the high capacity production line maintained for, when military comes asking "we would like twice as many guns as you can make, yesterday, you see continental full scale war just started. We are probably going to mobilize and loose couple million troops over the next couple years and that is, if the war goes well for us".
@@aritakalo8011that explanation would make a lot more sense if CZ hadn’t been absolutely terrible at keeping things in stock long before the invasion of Ukraine. When the scorpion EVO came out the stocks were constantly unavailable.
@@aritakalo8011 The issue was pre-existing long before the Ukraine conflict. Once, they started supplying them to Ukraine, I kinda gave up trying to get spare parts.
I sold my Bren 2 for an Aug and haven’t regretted it.
Another awesome vid. Thanks!
A range that comes with a helicopter. Way to have fun.
Ian gives Air Rifle a whole new meaning.
A gun company being responsive to user feedback? I'm don't know how to feel about that.
Honestly this seems like a really solid set of upgrades. Not just minor tweaks but UPGRADES.
CZ can't even make parts available for Bren 2 and now they have a non-backwards compatible Bren 3.
And yet people will still glaze them endlessly online lol. Modern CZ sucks.
Well if you didn't notice, we have war in Europe. And Bren2 is in massive use there. So stop whining about spare parts, our legion needs them more than some Sunday user.
So write your congressmen to help with more heavy weapons, after the war, you can get spare parts.
@@marektoman8388 Bren 2 dropped in the US in 2018 lmao but it’s cute that you’re here begging for more of our tax dollars
Love my Bren 2. Now I just need the Bren PPS DMR and my life will be complete.
No bayonet lug? 😢
Yes I know it's obsolete. Still cool though
Fav weapon platform, happy to see it updated. 🎉
I can’t figure out why any serious manufacturers would make 556 with under a 10” barrel. Who wants a 7” 556?
Trench sweepers?
Drivers, tankers, spec ops with a suppressor maybe
Have you seen what kind of warfare is most prevalent in Ukraine? Hint: There are no vast and open deserts to take advantage of the long barrel, and nobody with half a brain will use a rifle with a long barrel within bayonet fighting distance.
I do. Seems perfect for trench fighting
On the civilian market you wouldn’t want a 5.56 with a 7” barrel. Somewhere like Ukraine you probably wouldn’t want to have to find .300 blackout
The helicopter was awesome. Great video Ian!
Not a fan of crush washers.
Ian, you crafty SOB! That ending was glorious! 😉
Seems a bit odd to have a single use crush-washer be part of the "quick change" system.
Because it isn't a quick change system as stated in the video. It is designed to be reconfigured easily by an armourer, not in the field
This is fantastic. I’m sure the guys on the front will appreciate these QOL upgrades if they get access to these.
Ukraine is on a trajectory to lose its war with Russia. Guys on the front won't notice any of these improvements.
I came as fast as I could!
Hopefully you did not make a mess. I did.
I spilled my coffee a bit.
Your girlfriend confirmed that, with a scowl...