Stormproof! The CZ 805 BREN A1

Bren, this is primarily a British machine gun for people with military-historical knowledge, with a top-mounted stick magazine. The brand celebrates a return in 2015. With its long tradition, the Czech company CZ (Ceska zbrojovka) revived the Bren brand. At the IWA event in Nuremberg/Germany in March, the new assault rifle CZ 805 BREN A1 was presented. CZ has thus provided the specialist world with sustainable topics for discussion. Udo Lücken had the opportunity to take a closer look at this weapon.

This new assault rifle gives the impression of modern firearm technology and fits positively into the appearance of Western military weapons. The influence from Heckler & Koch is unmistakable and not denied. The development program of the CZ 85 BREN began in 2009 and already achieved demonstration status in 2010. In numerous tests ("Over the Beach" test series - seawater, dust, various types of sand and mud), it emerged victorious, even against Western competitors, and is now the standard weapon of the Czech Army.

Technical data:

- Overall length: in the A1 version - 915 mm (in the A2 Carbine version - 670 mm)

- Barrel length: 360mm/277mm (Right-hand twist)

- Weight: 3.49 kg

- Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm NATO

- Magazine capacity 20, 30, 100 rounds (CZ transparent magazine, M16/M4 standard curve magazine, belt box)

- Rate of fire: Two-stage adjustable, basic rate 750 rounds/min up to 1,000 rounds/min

- Firing modes: Single shot, 2-round limiter (!), fully automatic bursts/sustained fire

- Locking mechanism: Fixed locking rotating bolt

- Loading principle: Gas-operated

- Stock: a)Standard version made of polymer plastic, b)Metal/plastic with 6-position adjustable cheek rest, foldable to the right

Optional Accessories:

• Forend grip
• Lockable plastic bipod
• G1 40 x 46 mm grenade launcher
• Double magazine clip
• Sight device for grenade launcher G1
• Mountable sound suppressor
• Bayonet lockable under the barrel

The CZ 805 BREN is equally operable by left- and right-handed users. The safety device and magazine change button are accessible from both sides. The charging handle can be made operable from either the left or right side by simple unscrewing and screwing it into the receiver. Similar to the German H&K G36, the CZ 805 BREN can be field-stripped very quickly via three cross pins. The weapon is equipped as standard with four Picatinny accessory rails according to Mil-STD-1913 for all standardized attachments. This means that all Western standard optics (EOTech, RedDot, etc.) fit on the top rail. The same applies to night vision devices. The grip frame is easily replaceable (similar to the Walther P90 pistol) and can be optimally adapted to the shooter's palm.

The CZ 805 BREN A1 is very maneuverable despite its relative length and simple to operate. It gives a robust impression and has little play in the components. The recoil is mild as expected, and the weapon does not noticeably jump in rapid single-fire. The shot grouping is good to very good with a warm barrel and a 3x optic.

Conclusion: A straightforward operational weapon, designed from practice for practice.