The CZ Bren 2 MS is a semi automatic rifle from the Czech Republic but also made in the US. We were supposed to get some factory-made, long barrel versions in Canada but then this whole Ukrainian/Russian war happened and CZ has been too busy selling rifles to the Ukrainians to bother with making special rifles for us. A buddy of mine loaned me this rifle for review.
Availability in Canada right now:
The rifles I’ve seen so far have included:
- 11″ barrel versions legally converted to 18.6″ barrels so they’re non restricted (like the one pictured)
- 16.5″ barrel versions (restricted) in 556
- 11″ barrel versions (restricted), available in 556 and 7.62×39
- 8″ barrel versions (restricted) available in 556
Some are coming in the regular channels, some are coming in grey market.
Marstar is bringing in HBI handguards that are longer if you prefer more than the stubby 11″ handguard.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics on this rifle are very good.
- Ambi, short throw safety
- Ambi mag release
- Side-swappable, charging handle
- Ambi bolt hold open/release at the front of the trigger guard
- Stock adjustable for length of pull (4 positions)
- Mash hook and QD cup sling attachment options
- MLok slots on the forend
Some adjustability of the cheek riser would be nice, but it’s hard to complain about anything else. The 11″ forend is a bit small but that’s to be expected given the barrel length they come with.
Shooting the Converted CZ Bren 2 MS
Because these rifles were converted from 11″ barrels to 18.6, I was afraid they’d be way overgassed but at least on this one, they nailed the gas port sizing just right. This rifle shot smooth and empties ejected in a reasonable pattern on gas setting #1 (#2 is for extreme fouling.)
I shot this rifle at a 3 gun match and it . . .went really well! The trigger pull is an absolutely fantastic, crisp, 3-4lb pull and that helped me go fast on the close targets.
CZ Bren 2 MS vs Competitors
Here in Canada, with no AR15 options, the CZ Bren 2 MS is somewhat unique in several ways:
- Fantastic ergonomics and setup for go-fast competition shooting
- It doesn’t fucking break
So many of our options available in Canada are unreliable or are known to break parts. Some of the bullpups available are good (ie: X95 Tavor), but they may need more training to shoot well for people used to traditional rifle layouts.
So what rifle competes with the Bren 2 MS? The B&T APC223 but they cost even more. It’s interesting because before, a $600 AR15 would give you all the reliability and flexibility you’d need as a platform. There aren’t any really great action rifle platforms in Canada for less than $2500 anymore. The Bren 2 MS is pretty plasticky: the lower is almost all plastic, the stock is all plastic, etc.
Anyhoo, if you wanna buy once, cry once, the CZ Bren 2 MS is a good choice.
