[SHOT 2025] Taking a Look at the New CZ BREN 3

One of the most interesting things at the CZ USA booth was the brand new BREN 3, the product improved BREN 2.

CZ explained that the BREN 3 has been extensively updated using feedback from both the Czech army and other users - especially Ukraine who have received a large number of BREN 2s.

While the lower receiver is largely the same the upper is where the most visible and important changes have been made. The rifle is still piston driven, gas operated but they have altered the gas block giving it 3 positions three gas settings, previously the settings were adverse and then off, CZ replaced the off setting with a suppressed setting.

It has a newly designed extruded aluminum monolithic upper with a longer handguard which is available in a range of finishes. Internally, the bolt runs on a steel track inside the upper receiver. The bolt itself has also been updated, it now has a redesigned bolt carrier and bolt, influenced by the work to develop the BREN 2 BR, if now incorporates dual extractors which sit on top of each other to the left side of the bolt face.

The BREN 3 also features a new side folding stock with a reinforced lock-up, now made from aluminium. This is an improvement in 2 ways over the former plastic design. Not only is it more robust but now simply by removing pins the stock assembly can come off and allow the action of the rifle to be removed out the rear of the receiver making disassembly easier.

While the BREN is currently a military product only, I wouldn't be surprised to see a commercial offering in the future. But in the meantime CZ USA say they have a new BREN 2 Ms in both carbine and pistol configurations, available in 5.56x45 and 7.62x39 (pistol only).

Also new for 2025 is the CZ P-10 C OR FDE with a color mat he'd slide and frame. It's available now with an MSRP of $469.