Eurosatory 2024: Premiere of CZ BREN 3

The Paris premiere of the CZ BREN 3 assault rifle was an event that garnered significant interest among both users and firearms manufacturers. As this is already the third generation of the Czech design, the changes introduced primarily reflect the experiences of current users. The Czech rifle has been redesigned to improve ergonomics, increase the level of modularity, and enhance the durability of individual components.

“The CZ BREN 3 is the result of feedback we received from soldiers, police officers and special forces personnel from around the world, who are equipped with the previous CZ BREN series. Our top experts have innovatively transferred this wealth of experience into the new CZ BREN 3 generation, with an emphasis on improving key features that include sophisticated ergonomics and the resulting shooting comfort. All of this leads us to believe that our new flagship product in the select-fire rifle segment will be a great success with the military and security forces,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at CZ., during the ceremony in Paris / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

Multiple configurations in two calibers

The BREN 3 carbine will be offered in two caliber versions: 5.56 mm x 45 NATO and 300 Blackout (7.62 mm x 35). For the first variant, the following barrel lengths will be available:

• 7 inch (177 mm),
• 11 inch (279 mm),
• 14.5 inch (368 mm),
• 16.5 inch (419 mm).

The second version is equipped with 7 or 9 inch (177 lub 228 mm) barrel.

New profile of the barrel

The third-generation barrels feature significantly thicker walls, which are designed to provide better accuracy and durability. The material used in their production is 32 CrMoV12-10 steel. According to the manufacturer, these barrels are cold-hammer forged and chrome-plated, allowing for a lifespan of up to 20,000 shots.

New handguard in three variants

The handguard, in both first and second-generation rifles, was an integral part of the receiver (although additional handguards are available for the civilian version BREN 2 MS). In the third generation, this concept was abandoned in favor of easily replaceable handguards in three variants. A button located at the end of the receiver rail segment locks them in place. The handguards are equipped with M-LOK mounting holes and NATO standard 4694 compliant mounting rails. Additionally, the manufacturer has ensured the possibility of attaching sound suppressors partially hidden inside the handguard.

Stronger folding stock mount

The third-generation folding stock mount is made of aluminum, which is intended to significantly enhance its durability. The adjustable polymer stock has also been redesigned to offer greater ergonomics when used with ballistic protection (such as plate carriers).

The telescopic stock in the folded position provides access to the bolt assembly / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

PDW Stock

The carbine can be significantly shortened thanks to the new telescopic PDW (Personal Defence Weapon) stock. Both stocks are designed for easy removal.

Steel rails

The bolt assembly of the BREN 2 rifle moved along rails that were an integral part of the receiver’s interior, which degraded over time with intensive use. The solution to this problem are screw-on steel rails that can be easily replaced when worn out.

Two ejectors, a stronger bolt with a modified release

Changes have also been made to the bolt assembly. The use of two larger ejectors is immediately noticeable. The amount of material used in the ring area has likely been increased.

Trigger housing with a military trigger mechanism featuring a 2.5 kg pull. Within the guard, you can see the controls for releasing and holding the bolt in the rear position. Above, there is the safety selector lever. The settings (every 45 degrees) allow for securing the weapon and switching to semi-automatic and automatic modes / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

Three settings

W systemie gazowym z tłokiem o krótkim skoku wprowadzono nową pozycję regulatora gazowego, dając użytkownikowi łącznie trzy możliwości:

• – indicating a lower amount of gas delivered, used when shooting with a suppressor
• 1, standard position,
• + delivering a higher amount of gas, which is intended to ensure greater reliability when shooting with a dirty weapon.

The gas regulator knob is shielded by a specially contoured handguard / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

Distribution in Poland

The official distributor of CZ in Poland is the Hubertus Chodzież store. The offerings of the Czech manufacturer could be explored during the Euro Target Show, where the second-generation rifle was presented.