Weapon Trivia Wednesday: Chinese 7.62x39mm Bren

Published on December 17, 2016
Duration: 2:24

This entry details the fascinating conversion of Nationalist Chinese 8mm Mauser Bren guns to the 7.62x39mm caliber by the Communist government. It highlights the minimal modifications required, including re-barreling with SKS barrels and adjusting the gas system, to utilize captured Brens with AK magazines. The original Bren design's robustness is emphasized, allowing it to function reliably with the less powerful 7.62x39mm cartridge.

Quick Summary

Chinese Communist forces converted approximately 18,000 Nationalist 8mm Mauser Bren guns to 7.62x39mm in the 1950s. This involved re-barreling with SKS barrels, adjusting the gas system, and adding a spacer for AK magazines, leveraging the original Bren design's robustness.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Weapon Trivia Wednesday
  2. 00:08Chinese 7.62x39 Bren Gun Overview
  3. 00:18Origin of Nationalist Chinese Bren Guns
  4. 00:46Communist Conversion to 7.62x39
  5. 01:13Conversion Process Details
  6. 01:43Design Tribute and Functionality
  7. 02:01Conclusion: Bren Gun Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary reason for converting Chinese 8mm Mauser Bren guns to 7.62x39mm?

The conversion was driven by the widespread adoption of 7.62x39mm by the Communist Chinese military through AK and SKS rifles. This allowed them to utilize vast stockpiles of captured 8mm Bren guns with their standard ammunition and magazines.

What were the key technical modifications made to convert an 8mm Bren gun to 7.62x39mm?

The conversion involved re-barreling by boring out the original 8mm barrel and sleeving it with an SKS barrel. The gas system was adjusted to maximum, and a magazine spacer was added to accommodate standard AK magazines.

Was the 8mm bolt face compatible with the 7.62x39mm cartridge during the Bren gun conversion?

Yes, the 8mm bolt face of the original Bren guns was found to be compatible with the 7.62x39mm cartridge, which simplified the conversion process and eliminated the need for a bolt face modification.

How did the converted 7.62x39mm Bren guns utilize AK magazines?

A specific magazine spacer was incorporated into the design of the converted Bren guns. This spacer allowed standard AK magazines to fit and feed reliably into the modified Bren receiver.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →