The reversible barrel Bren Machine Gun? With firearms and weapon expert, Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 8, 2023
Duration: 17:00

This guide details the process of reversing a Bren Gun barrel, a feature designed to extend barrel life by allowing use of both ends. The process involves removing the barrel, detaching the flash suppressor using a left-hand thread, rotating the barrel, and re-aligning the gas regulator. This modification was an experimental concept originating from artillery designs, aiming to mitigate barrel wear and shifting impact points due to heat and erosion.

Quick Summary

The reversible barrel for the Bren gun was an experimental design intended to extend barrel life and maintain accuracy by allowing the barrel to be flipped. It featured a thicker profile and a chamber at both ends, but was ultimately not adopted due to complexity, weight, and unproven effectiveness.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to the Bren Gun
  2. 00:16Bren Gun History and Service
  3. 01:07The Unusual Barrel Feature
  4. 01:24Standard Bren Barrel Removal
  5. 02:49Mystery of the Thick Barrel Profile
  6. 03:05Examining the Gas Regulator
  7. 03:35Overhead View of the Barrel
  8. 03:51Detaching the Barrel
  9. 04:18Damage to the Gas Regulator
  10. 05:06Breach End and Attachment System
  11. 05:46Czech Design Origins
  12. 06:11The Reversible Barrel Mechanism
  13. 06:13Flash Suppressor Thumb Catch
  14. 06:30Barrel Nut and Catch Operation
  15. 06:47Reversing the Barrel
  16. 07:14Reinstalling the Flash Suppressor
  17. 07:31Gas Regulator Alignment Issue
  18. 08:07Barrel Reinstallation Limitations
  19. 08:46Origin of the Reversible Barrel Idea
  20. 09:00Artillery Inspiration
  21. 09:40Application to the Bren Gun
  22. 10:10Ordnance Board Proceedings
  23. 11:06Drawing and Prototype Creation
  24. 11:24Prototype Barrels Don't Fit
  25. 12:16The Sole Surviving Barrel
  26. 12:23Purpose: Preserving Barrel Accuracy
  27. 12:32Chamber at Each End
  28. 12:35Planned Accuracy Trials
  29. 13:00Trial Firing Sequence
  30. 13:54Comparison with Standard Barrel
  31. 14:14Trials Never Happened
  32. 14:16Critical Wear Areas
  33. 14:34Concerns with Front Chamber Design
  34. 15:05Alternative Solutions
  35. 15:30Design Challenges
  36. 16:08Why No Other Reversible Barrels?
  37. 16:13Upcoming Firearms Event

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the reversible barrel on the Bren gun?

The reversible barrel for the Bren gun was an experimental design intended to extend barrel life and maintain accuracy. By having a chamber at both ends, the barrel could be flipped, allowing the less-worn end to be used, thus mitigating the effects of heat and erosion on accuracy.

How did the reversible Bren barrel differ from a standard barrel?

The reversible Bren barrel had a distinct, thicker, and more parallel-sided profile compared to the standard Bren barrel, which tapers towards the muzzle. It also featured a chamber at both ends and a flash suppressor with a left-hand thread for removal.

Why was the reversible barrel concept for the Bren gun not adopted?

The reversible barrel concept for the Bren gun was not adopted due to several issues. These included the increased weight and complexity of the barrel, potential problems with proper locking in the receiver, and the fact that the planned accuracy trials were never completed, leaving its effectiveness unproven.

What is the history of the Bren machine gun?

The Bren gun was adopted by the British Army in 1937 as their new light machine gun, replacing the Lewis gun. It was a Czech design (ZB vz. 26) and served for decades, even after being converted to 7.62 NATO, until its phasing out in the mid-1980s.

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