CZ BREN 2 Ms Pistol 5.56

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.

This is the BREN 2 Ms Pistol in 5.56x45mm. CZ also makes a 7.62x39 pistol and a longer-barreled carbine, but the 5.56 pistol is the compact choice for the common NATO cartridge. It takes AR-15/M16 pattern magazines and holds 30 rounds.

The barrel is cold hammer forged and 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. In the 11-inch version, the pistol measures 22.8 inches and weighs about 5.6 pounds.

The controls are AR-style and ambidextrous, so right- and left-handed shooters can run the gun the same way. The charging handle sits 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. Folding adjustable sights and a stippled grip round out the package.

The pistol comes with a flush rear plate. CZ built that plate with a provision for an AR-style buffer tube, so you can add an arm brace or a cheek rest. You can also fit a carbine buffer tube with a stock, or swap the plate for a factory folding and adjustable stock, to build a short-barreled rifle. Adding a stock makes it an NFA item, so complete that process first and check current brace rules where you live.

If you want a compact, piston-driven 5.56 pistol that can grow with you, the BREN 2 Ms Pistol is a flexible choice.