With a carbon-fiber side-folding stock and aluminum upper, the CZ Bren Ms carbine is light and compact. It is also new to the U.S. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Kansas City-based CZ-USA this week introduced the world to their new 5.56 NATO Bren 2 Ms in a long-awaited carbine format.

While the Bren 2 first popped up as a pistol, the new carbine is fully 922(r) compliant and runs a 16.5-inch barrel with an adjustable side-folding stock, although other models are on the horizon.

Derived from the company’s select-fire Bren 2, a modular combat rifle in the same vein as the FN SCAR, Remington/Bushmaster ACR (nee Magpul Masada), Radom FB MSBS Grot and Serbu Diabolus, the Czech-made gun uses a carbon-fiber lower and stock mated to a lightweight aluminum upper.

As the short-stroke gas piston system does not use a buffer tube unlike an AR-15 platform, the folding stock is a big bonus.

When it comes to specs, the 35.6-inch long carbine, which is about the same length as a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch rifle, shrinks down to 28 inches with the stock folded. Weight is just above 7-pounds.

The “Ms” designation means the carbine uses a modular forend that can be swapped to different lengths or styles based on user preference.

When it comes to surface controls, the non-reciprocating charging handle– which can double as a forward assist– stays stowed in the forward position when not in use and is swappable from side to side. The AR-style bolt catch is mirrored on both sides of the receiver while the mag release and safety are also fully ambi.

CZ had the Bren 2 carbine in multiple formats at SHOT Show, including a 7.62 NATO version, which they say is currently only speculative.

The Bren 2 Ms ships with a single 30-round mag and has an MSRP of $1,999. The Bren 2 Ms pistol series, which have the same MSRP, typically retail for about $1750.

CZECH OUT CZ BREN 2 MODELS FROM $1744