SHOT Show 2019: Brownells BRN-180 Upper

by
posted on February 1, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
brownells_white_ar180_upper.jpg
Over the last few years I've seen some gun companies turning their platforms inside out (in some cases literally) in order to produce an AR-15 with a folding stock. Some of these folding options will fire with the stock folded while others will not. There are designs that even go so far as to expose the inner workings of the rifle when folded, which seems problematic for use in dirty conditions.

Rather than developing something new, Brownells has tackled the AR folding stock problem by revisiting an existing, if somewhat forgotten, design and giving it a modern twist with the new BRN-180 upper assembly.

Based on the original 1960s era AR-180, this upper employs a robust short-stroke piston system, a three prong flash hider, a  reciprocating side charging handle and a twin internal guide rod system replacing the typical AR buffer assembly. This upper has been configured to drop onto any mil-spec AR-15 lower assembly with desirable modern updates including a  .223 Wylde chamber, 1:8 twist rifling, and an easy to remove M-Lok handguard. 

Manufactured with completely new materials and thoroughly-modern methods, this upper has a suggested retail price of $799, making it one of the most affordably priced piston driven options currently on the market. Look for the BRN-180  upper listed under product number #078-000-483 on the Brownells website.

Latest

Taurus 850 Revolver 1
Taurus 850 Revolver 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus 850 Revolver

One of Taurus' latest offerings is the 850, which builds on the company's earlier 650 design, providing the same shrouded-hammer design in a .38 Special-only chambering.

The 110 RF: Savage's Flagship Rifle Goes Rimfire

The Savage Arms 110 action has been a hallmark within the rifle world since 1958. Now, for the first time, the full-size 110 action is available in a rimfire chambering.

Review: Staccato HD P4.5

Combining an exclusive pistol design with a ubiquitous magazine makes the Staccato HD P4.5 practical and desirable.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Gold

Here’s how to improve your close-range carbine handling.

Caracal USA Awarded Government Contract in the Bahamas for CMP9K

Caracal USA announced it would be supplying its CMP9K platform to various government agencies in the Bahamas.

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.