Bren Gun Inspection

Ganderite

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 99.7%
355   1   0
I sold a semi-auto Bren about 2 years ago. The transfer was held up until it was sent in for inspection.

Today I got this email:

Daniel Guay <Daniel.Guay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>
11:05 AM (36 minutes ago)


Good morning Mr. Gander

Firstly let me introduce myself and my job function to you, I hold the job/position title, Senior Firearms Technician, specialized Firearms Support Services Section (SFSS). My section is a component of the Firearms Investigative and Enforcement Directorate, RCMP, Canadian Firearms Program.

This message is to confirm that the physical inspection of the Bren Gun Model Mark I serial number B417x is completed.

The following list of modifications from full automatic to semi-automatic have been observed;

List of Conversion (current);
1- The sear has been altered to remove full automatic capability by grinding off the automatic sear engagement surface of the sear.
2- The sear bent grounded off.
3- A pin was installed to obstruct the selector from pivoting into the full automatic position. This pin was welded to the interior oft he trigger frame assembly.
4- A hole was drilled through the sear pin and into the trigger frame; a roll pin was inserted to prevent the sear pin from being removed and prevent the sear from being replaced with an unmodified full automatic sear. (This method is not permanent and is addressed below in the upgrades required).

The above list of conversion is good but lack permanency. It is necessary that the alterations to the firearm to produce semi automatic fire is more comprehensive than simple disassembly and removal of full automatic parts or components which may easily and readily be replaced.

Updates required:
1- The trigger frame must be modified in such manner that it is no longer capable of accepting automatic parts;
a) The sear must be held permanently in place by the sear pin welded to the trigger frame at one or both ends.
b) The trigger pin must be welded into place at one or both ends to prevent the tripping lever from being replaced with an unmodified full automatic version.

Two options are possible at this point;

1- We can transfer the firearm to a local gunsmith here in Ottawa who can perform this type of work on this class of firearm, there is no cost to you for the transfer of the firearm to the business. However, any cost involved with the work on the additional modifications must be discussed/agreed between you and the gunsmith. The RCMP/Firearms Program is not responsible for any cost associated with this exercise.


2- We can return the firearm to you or to a properly licenced business of your choice who can perform the requested work. Again, any cost associated with the work being done is your responsibility. If the firearm will be returned to you it will be up to you to obtain the appropriate transportation permit (ATT) from your home to the prospective business or the carrier office. We can also return the firearm directly to the prospective business of your choice. The business has to be licenced to perform gunsmithing work on this class of firearm on behalf of a properly licenced individual (you).

I will provide the business with the instruction on the required work to be done. Once the requested modifications are completed, photos of the completed work must be submitted to me electronically for final approval. The final (updated) list of modifications will then be added to the firearm historical information and the transfer approved.

Please provide your preferred option.


Best regards


Daniel Guay
Senior FirearmsTechnician


I am guessing it will take a week and $100 to get these mods done and am pleased they will accept pictures of the work as proof.
 
I sold a semi-auto Bren about 2 years ago. The transfer was held up until it was sent in for inspection.

Today I got this email:

Daniel Guay <Daniel.Guay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>
11:05 AM (36 minutes ago)


Good morning Mr. Gander

Firstly let me introduce myself and my job function to you, I hold the job/position title, Senior Firearms Technician, specialized Firearms Support Services Section (SFSS). My section is a component of the Firearms Investigative and Enforcement Directorate, RCMP, Canadian Firearms Program.

This message is to confirm that the physical inspection of the Bren Gun Model Mark I serial number B417x is completed.

The following list of modifications from full automatic to semi-automatic have been observed;

List of Conversion (current);
1- The sear has been altered to remove full automatic capability by grinding off the automatic sear engagement surface of the sear.
2- The sear bent grounded off.
3- A pin was installed to obstruct the selector from pivoting into the full automatic position. This pin was welded to the interior oft he trigger frame assembly.
4- A hole was drilled through the sear pin and into the trigger frame; a roll pin was inserted to prevent the sear pin from being removed and prevent the sear from being replaced with an unmodified full automatic sear. (This method is not permanent and is addressed below in the upgrades required).

The above list of conversion is good but lack permanency. It is necessary that the alterations to the firearm to produce semi automatic fire is more comprehensive than simple disassembly and removal of full automatic parts or components which may easily and readily be replaced.

Updates required:
1- The trigger frame must be modified in such manner that it is no longer capable of accepting automatic parts;
a) The sear must be held permanently in place by the sear pin welded to the trigger frame at one or both ends.
b) The trigger pin must be welded into place at one or both ends to prevent the tripping lever from being replaced with an unmodified full automatic version.

Two options are possible at this point;

1- We can transfer the firearm to a local gunsmith here in Ottawa who can perform this type of work on this class of firearm, there is no cost to you for the transfer of the firearm to the business. However, any cost involved with the work on the additional modifications must be discussed/agreed between you and the gunsmith. The RCMP/Firearms Program is not responsible for any cost associated with this exercise.


2- We can return the firearm to you or to a properly licenced business of your choice who can perform the requested work. Again, any cost associated with the work being done is your responsibility. If the firearm will be returned to you it will be up to you to obtain the appropriate transportation permit (ATT) from your home to the prospective business or the carrier office. We can also return the firearm directly to the prospective business of your choice. The business has to be licenced to perform gunsmithing work on this class of firearm on behalf of a properly licenced individual (you).

I will provide the business with the instruction on the required work to be done. Once the requested modifications are completed, photos of the completed work must be submitted to me electronically for final approval. The final (updated) list of modifications will then be added to the firearm historical information and the transfer approved.

Please provide your preferred option.


Best regards


Daniel Guay
Senior FirearmsTechnician


I am guessing it will take a week and $100 to get these mods done and am pleased they will accept pictures of the work as proof.

I found this post very interesting to read. On one hand I think it's rediculous that you have to go through all this nonsense to make the gun "safe" when we all know that a weld can be ground off and the full auto parts could be installed. That and the fact that criminals don't send in their guns to be inspected by the RCMP so all this is a waste of time.


But on the other hand it's resonable that pictures can be provided after the work is complete.
 
Huh.... two converted autos in a week... someone got prodded with a stick to get a move on or something...

Nice to hear that they'll accept photos. Saves another two year wait. If I have to guess this' their way of retroactively updating conversion methods on converted autos. I suspect they would like to do it on deacts as well, but don't have the ability to.
 
Pardon my ignorance with the current transfer procedures, but is this how it really works now. Do you have to send in a 12(3) CA to the RCMP for examination before a transfer will be approved? These all went thru an RCMP inspection back in the 1992 timeframe when an inspection was a requirement for inspection.
 
Actually three 12.3 inspections completed this month I had one as well . This one only took two years . Mine was 37 months and a CGN'r with a FAL took five years. To purple not all 12.3 's were inspected by the RCMP in 1992. Mine was registered with a letter from a local gunsmith. They have made it their policy to inspect any 12.3 being transfered that does not have their blessing.

And if you have any more Bren's I would love to buy one
 
Huh.... two converted autos in a week... someone got prodded with a stick to get a move on or something...

Nice to hear that they'll accept photos. Saves another two year wait. If I have to guess this' their way of retroactively updating conversion methods on converted autos. I suspect they would like to do it on deacts as well, but don't have the ability to.

I'm in part responsible for getting the ball rolling. I bought that BREN from Jim in January of 2014. It was sent to the RCMP lab in February of 2014.

I approached my member of parliament earlier this year and she sent a letter on my behalf to Ralph Goodale (Minister of Public Safety) last July. She also spoke to him in person last August about this matter.

Just in case anyone here who doesn't know me decides that I'm full of BS (this has happened before) I have Diane Findley's letter. I'm trying to get in contact with Jim B. and see how this matter should be handled from here on in.

I'm very happy that Jim posted here today. This BREN incident has been on my mind for a long time and now it appears that it may be resolved very soon.

Jim Loney.
 
Last edited:
Yep I got the same letter about my FAL i had to weld a safety sear blank in place where the original one was ...2 minute inspection =almost 5 years great job if you can get it
 
Overall it's a pretty sad commentary on what's important in the eyes of the govt. AFAIK there have been no crimes comitted in this country using a 12 (3) CA category firearm.

We have more important things to worry about, like the use of illegal opioid drugs which will probably wind up taking 1000 lives in BC and AB alone this year.

Meantime the Liberals have approved anal ### for 16 year olds and Trudeau went swanning off to Cuba hoping to venerate some geriatric old commie.
 
Back
Top Bottom