CZ Bren 2
Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2015
Also known as: CZ 806, Bren 2, Bren 2 A1
Overview
The CZ Bren 2 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod since 2015.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3650 g (128.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 905 mm (35.63") |
| Folded Length | 720 mm (28.35") |
| Barrel Length | 356 mm (14.02") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 870 m/s (2854 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1514 J (1117 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
- 7.62x39mm — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, M43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Select Fire, Ambidextrous Controls, Folding Stock, Quick Change Barrel, Multi Caliber System, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Picatinny Rails, Three Stage Gas Regulator, Rotating Bolt
Variants
- CZ Bren 2 BR — Battle Rifle
- CZ Bren 2 DMR — Designated Marksman
- CZ Bren 2 Ms — Semi Automatic Only
- CZ BREN 3 — Successor
Service history
Operators
- Czech Armed Forces · adopted 2016
- Hungarian Defence Forces · adopted 2020
- French GIGN · adopted 2017
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 2022
- Ugandan Armed Forces
- Indonesian Navy Special Forces
- Portuguese Air Force
- Moldovan Army
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2015-present
Exact production figures not disclosed; adopted by Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine (licensed production), and exported to 10+ countries
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Česká zbrojovka design team
Notes
The Bren 2 was developed after Czech soldiers complained about the weight and ergonomics of the original CZ 805 Bren. The redesign resulted in a lighter, more balanced rifle with improved handling characteristics. The three-stage gas regulator ensures reliable operation in adverse conditions. The rifle uses STANAG-compatible magazines for 5.56mm and standard AK magazines for 7.62x39mm. A battle rifle variant (Bren 2 BR) chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO with a 16" barrel is also available. Ukraine has licensed local production of the Bren 2. The civilian semi-automatic version is marketed as the Bren 2 Ms.
Background
The Bren 2 emerged from a rare admission of design flaws in a modern military rifle. When Czech soldiers criticized the original Bren 805, CZ didn't defend their design-they went back to the drawing board and created a rifle so improved that even competing nations like Hungary adopted it over their traditional AK platform.