
If you want your choice of caliber, barrel length, and platform–carbine or pistol–then you want to check out the CZ Bren 2 Ms carbine and pistol. CZ went ahead and enhanced the guns from the original platforms, taking things like customer opinions and usability into consideration. The end result is some sharply redone firearms that are both useful and aesthetically smooth.

CZ lauds the Bren 2 Ms guns at some of the “most sophisticated on the global market,” and they’re certainly well-made. Attention to detail went all-in on the newest generation, making changes like getting rid of the reciprocating charging handle and replacing it with one that’s independent of the breech block carrier. That means the charging handle stays in the forward position when you’re shooting, which is a good bonus for comfort and functionality.
It’s also reversible so you can swap it from right to left, or back. In addition, the Bren 2 Ms is lighter than before due to the inclusion of an aluminum receiver and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer lower. Even with those material changes, the gun remains durable.

This carbine might not scream “AR”–which isn’t necessarily a bad thing–but it does have a lot of AR features. That includes the bolt release and pistol grip, the latter of which has interchangeable backstraps. The magazine release and safety are ambidextrous, which is great especially when combined with the reversible charging handle. The carbine is chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16.5-inch barrel and a stock that is adjustable for height. It has a short stroke gas piston system. With the stock open, the carbine has an overall length of 38.5-inches, but with the stock folded over–yes, it folds–length drops to 28.3-inches which is handy for storage.
As for the pistol, you’ve got some options there. It’s available in either 5.56 NATO or 7.62×39 with barrel lengths ranging between 8.3-inches and 14.2-inches (barrel lengths offered depend on the caliber you want). The forend on the pistol is made to be modular so it can match the barrel length regardless of which one you choose. The Bren 2 Ms Pistol has a flush rear plate that’s built to accommodate an AR-style buffer tube, meaning it’s possible to add an aftermarket pistol brace (remember, if you add a stock, you’ve made an SBR and that requires a tax stamp and whatnot).
Both the carbine and pistol model come with iron sights but also have Picatinny rails for easy addition of optics.
MSRP varies by specific model but starts at $1899.
Did they fix the issues they had with 7.62×39?
Speaking of which, is 7.62×39 cheap and plentiful again yet? If it isn’t, then what’s the point? I haven’t checked since the Puppet screwed it up.
The MS carbine no longer comes with the factory back up sights. According to CZ the carbine was not shipped with sight because the felt most would be putting an optic on it anyway. Sucks for me. My model did come with the new 3 position gas block normal, adverse and suppressed.