Whilst the French Army chose the Heckler & Koch HK416 Assault Rifle as the replacement of the FAMAS rifle, the elite French law enforcement and special forces unit, Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), decided to replace their HK416 rifles with the CZ Bren 2 as the standard issue rifle.

In a report last week by defence magazine, Shephard Media, Česká zbrojovkac informed them that the GIGN have selected the 7.62 x 39 mm version of the rifle and initially ordered 68 units. The report since they will eventually replace a majority of the HK416 in use by the unit.

In the same report, the GIGN was said to have selected the rifle as they needed a rifle that has more power, as the terrorist attacks that happened in Paris proved that 9mm are inadequate against terrorists wearing bullet-proof vests at the 5.56mm ammo, used by the HK416, lacks the stopping power. They  needed a bullet with more stopping power and they eventually settled for the CZ Bren 2 after evaluating rifles that use the 7.62 ammos, and they prefer the 7.62 x 39mm over the 7.62 x 51 mm which they find to be too heavy for close quarters combat.

The CZ Bren 2 is a multi-calibre rifle and can accommodate the 7.62 x 39mm apart from the CZ Bren 807 and is more suited for use by special units. It was proposed in the later stages of the selection and was intensively tested last year and meets the requirements of the GIGN.

At its product page at the CZ website, the CZ Bren 2 has the following characteristics:

• The weapon system is based on the tried and tested collection of gases from the bore with the option to regulate the piston mechanism in three stages.
• The weapon is extremely reliable and durable in all conditions.
• High accuracy and long service life.
• Complete modularity in all calibres and barrel lengths.
• Low weight and compact dimensions for fast and comfortable handling.
• Controls accessible from both sides.
• Bolt catch with two bolt release levers.
• Separate cocking handle with the option to forward assist the breech.
• Perfect ergonomics with outstanding control during shooting.
• Materials used are non-flammable or have increased flame resistance, they are impact resistant and have a high resistance to mechanical damage.
• The basic stripping and reassembly of the weapon for routine maintenance may be performed without the use of any tools, including the breech block carrier.
• Storage space in the pistol grip with interchangeable backstraps.
• Folding telescopic stock.

The CZ Bren 2 that will be issued to the GIGN will be customized to meet their needs such as a flashhider that can be fitted with a suppressor, as well as a modified gas regulation system that would allow for subsonic munitions.

Now, for airsoft players wanting to have an airsoft version of the CZ Bren 2, it is part of the CZ Bren 805 family and they can select either the CZ Bren 805 A1 or the A2 which are available via authorized resellers of Action Sport Games (ASG). But if you want specifically the CZ Bren 2, then you may just petition ASG to produce it, as there will be some tweaking needed to the 805 body, buttstock and front-end.

Photo Source: Česká zbrojovka