With several early models varying in little ways, the L4A4 became the definitive one in the series, becoming the standard. A chromium-lined spare barrel was issued with the weapon system and the carrying handle was carried over from original Bren designs. The weapon system could be mounted on a tripod for the sustained fire role and the ammunition fed in through the top, as in the Bren .303. The straightened magazine was really the distinguishing feature between the two as both units appeared very similar to one another. The L4A4 was split between some rarer Mk II .303 Brens and the more common Mk III models, many of which were in large supply after the war.
To this day, many still swear by the reliability and fire power available through the Bren system, even as the L86 LSW (detailed elsewhere on this site) of 5.56mm blend takes to the stage with the British Army. The Indian Army produced its own Bren through Ishapur based on .303 Mk 3 conversion models, all accepting the 7.62x51mm round and designated as the "IA".
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