ZB-26 Available from Morphys here:
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_N__UTTERLY_FANTASTIC_CONDITION_WWII_GERMAN_NAZI_P-LOT655878.aspx
Today John Keene and I are comparing two light machine guns: the Czech ZB-26 and the British Bren. Of course, the Bren is a development of the ZB, so there are a great many similarities between the two. The question is which one would we prefer to have? The ZB in this example is an absolutely gorgeous Czech-made gun that was taken into German service in World War Two and waffenamt marked. The Bren is an early MkI with a MkIII barrel fitted. What do you think? Collectibility or practical shooting qualities?
In a fight, give me the ZB.
Loading up magazines with 7.9 x 57 is a Hell of a lot simpler than loading them with 0.303in, because there is no fiddling to avoid getting rims in the wrong positions.
Feeding is more reliable with the ZB, again because no rims involved.
The British Army left the Besa in 7.9 x 57. Why they couldn’t have done the same to the Bren, or just rechambered everything including the SMLE and No. 4 to 0.303in Magnum starting in 1919 is one of those stupid decisions that will probably never be satisfactorily explained.
clear ether
eon