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

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series
Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series

Smith & Wesson's pocket 9 mm gets some upgrades.

The Hush-Points: Hi-Point Introduces Centerfire Pistol & Rimfire Suppressors

Long-known for making affordable guns, Hi-Point Firearms has branched out this year to make affordable suppressors.

Review: Assembling an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a high-quality AR-15 starts with selecting appropriate components.

Suppressors Deregulated in South Dakota

In a move anticipating a further reduction of restrictions, South Dakota has removed the law requiring the Federal stamp.

The Pursuit Of Increased Muzzle Velocity Comes With A Price

The quest to make our firearms’ projectiles move downrange at ever higher velocities cuts across multiple shooting pursuits and predates anyone alive today.

Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol

Springfield Armory just released its popular Hellcat double-stack, striker-fired pistol in .380 ACP, and it might be an ideal option for armed citizens looking for a soft-shooting handgun for concealed carry.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.