Česká zbrojovka (more commonly known as CZ) has a long tradition in the field of firearms, and has been making them for over a hundred years, that is since 1919. The manufacturer continues to follow trends and develops its designs, the latest being is the 3rd generation of the Bren carbine. The new Bren 3 lives up to the previous versions, additionally introducing significant modifications. The changes include a lower receiver made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, a series of different handguards (in the M-LOK, STANAG 4694 or Suppressor Ready system), an adjustable gas block with 3 positions (-/1/+), modular charging handles that can be used as a forward assist, an aluminum receiver with steel reinforcements for moving parts and a new cold-forged barrel made of 32CrMoV12-10 steel at the CZ plant in Uherský Brod. The barrel lifetime of the new Bren has reportedly been doubled compared to its predecessor (the durability is estimated at a minimum of 20,000 shots).
The method of disassembly has also been changed, and does not require taking off the stock. Some slight changes were also made to the bolt. The trigger mechanism from the previous generation has not been changed, although there is information about work being done on a development version. Despite all these new solutions, partial compatibility has been maintained, including such elements as the lower receiver, bolt assembly and charging handle. The stock hinge element has also been redesigned and, apart from the foldable one, a PDW variant will appear.
There are 7 QD sockets on the entire weapon for mounting the a carrying sling. From the technical data we know that there will be a whole range of barrel lengths (7"; 11"; 14.5"; 16.5" for 5.56 mm rounds with a twist rate of 1:7"/6 and 7" and 9" long barrels for .300 Blackout rounds with a twist rate of 1:5"/4). The trigger mechanism is to have a pull force of 25 N, travel of 7 mm and reset of 4 mm. The weight of the weapon will range from 3.0 kg to 3.6 kg depending on the variant. Currently, Bren 3 is only available for uniformed services but we will keep out tabs on the situation.
The new Bren 3 will also be 45% more durable than its predecessor. Following the experience gained from the ongoing war in Ukraine (CZ Bren 2 carbines are in use by the International Territorial Defense Legion of Ukraine and ZSU/SBU SOF), the new weapon has been subjected to rigorous tests checking its resistance to sand, mud, freezing, salt water, dropping, and even a cooking test was performed on it.
Despite the introduction of a new generation, its predecessor, Bren 2, will still be available, but its 5.56x34 mm and 7.62x39 mm variants will be withdrawn from the Czech armed forces. As Ukraine is one of the more active users of this platform, licensed production is planned to be started in Ukraine under the name Sich.
Photos: Česká pomocovka
