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Bren light machine gun
Photo: Robert DuHamel (Rsduhamel) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Brenlightmachinegun

Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Czech Republic · 1938
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Brenlightmachinegun

Bren light machine gun
Bren light machine gun Photo: Robert DuHamel (Rsduhamel) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sustained Firepower
68
Effective Range
72
Accuracy
80
Reliability
78
Portability
75
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
70
Controllability
82
Versatility
77
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin Czech Republic
ManufacturerRoyal Small Arms Factory, John Inglis and Company
CategoryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
EraInterwar Period
In service1938–1971
Operators61 countries
Quantity500,000
Data Quality88%
72
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) MASS Rating
1/23
Interwar Period
14/75
All-Time
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · 10 axes scored
Sustained Firepower
68
Effective Range
72
Accuracy
80
Reliability
78
Portability
75
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
70
Controllability
82
Versatility
77
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
Bren light machine gun
Production
1938–1971
Quantity
500,000
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · INTERWAR PERIOD
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
84
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
72
light machine guns (lmg/saw) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Production Year1935
  • Service Entry Year1938
  • DesignerVáclav Holek
  • Weight (Empty)10.3 kg
  • Weight (Loaded)11.3 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre4MOD.4
  • Cartridge|.30-06 Springfield|7.62×51mm NATO|7.62×39mm }}
  • Calibre7.7 mm
  • Case Length56.4 mm
  • Bullet Weight11.3 g
▣Operation6MOD.6
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
  • Muzzle Velocity744 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)600 m
  • Maximum Range1,692 m
◆Barrel & Sights6MOD.6
  • Barrel Length635 mm
  • Rifling Twist1:10
  • Rifling Grooves6
  • Sight TypeIron
  • Sight Radius635 mm
  • Iron SightsYes
▤Construction2MOD.2
  • Receiver Materialsteel
  • Furniture Materialwood
⬢Features1MOD.1
▲Production & Cost4MOD.4
  • Total Production500,000
  • Production Start1935
  • Unit Cost40 USD
  • Variants7
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1938Production started
  2. 1939First deployment: World War II
  3. 1971Production ended
88
years in service
33
years in production
500,000
units produced
60
countries operating
ⓘ 1 countries retired it.
04 / Conflicts
BREN LIGHT MACHINE GUN · CONFLICTS SERVED IN0% win
Total Conflicts
1
Victories
0
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) entry →