CZ BREN 2 Ms Carbine

The CZ BREN 2 is the Czech maker's modern piston-driven rifle platform, and the Ms models are its semi-automatic versions for civilian shooters. CZ builds the receiver from lightweight 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and runs the gun on a short-stroke gas piston with adjustable gas regulation, so you can tune it for your ammunition or a suppressor.

The BREN 2 Ms Carbine is chambered in .223 Remington with a 16.5-inch barrel, the longest in the Ms line. The design is optimized for accurate shooting, even at longer distances. The barrel is hard-chrome lined, and CZ guarantees a service life of 20,000 rounds. Chrome lining helps the bore resist wear and corrosion and makes cleaning easier.

The controls will feel familiar if you've used an AR. CZ gives the carbine AR-style ambidextrous controls, so the rifle works well for left-handed shooters too. The charging handle is on the side and can be moved from one side to the other, which keeps your firing hand on the grip while you work the action.

At the front, the carbine comes with a long interchangeable forend. At the rear, it has an extended folding and telescopic stock with a raised comb. The raised comb helps you get a steady cheek weld behind an optic, and the folding feature makes the carbine shorter for storage and transport.

Mechanical sights come standard, so the carbine is ready to shoot out of the box, and you can still add an optic for longer shots. The carbine measures 35.6 inches and weighs 7.3 pounds, with a 30-round magazine.

If you want a modern piston carbine with ambidextrous controls and a folding stock, from a maker with a long history in military arms, the BREN 2 Ms Carbine is a strong and practical choice.