SHOT Show 2019: Brownells BRN-180 Upper

by
posted on February 1, 2019
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

General Douglas MacArthur, “Model 1903” Colt Pocket Automatic pistol
General Douglas MacArthur, “Model 1903” Colt Pocket Automatic pistol

General Officer’s Pistols

From World War II to the present day, the U.S. military has issued pistols to officers, presenting men of high rank with some of the best-known handguns of all time—and conferring on them no small measure of prestige.

The Armed Citizen® April 22, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Potential 5.56 & 7.62 NATO Price Fluctuations Coming?

The U.S. Army’s shift to a 6.8 mm cartridge for close-combat troops will trigger 5.56 NATO market fluctuations in the next few years. History indicates enthusiasts can expect prices to initially decline, followed by slow rise to a price plateau.

Preview: RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press

The RCBS Summit press is in its 10th year of production, and a limited-edition model featuring Freedom Camo in red, white and blue is available in 2024.

New For 2024: Desert Tech WLVRN

Since the company's beginnings in 2007, Desert Tech has been at the forefront of innovative and groundbreaking bullpup rifle designs. New for 2024, the company is updating its Micro Dynamic Rifle (MDR) design with the modular and multi-caliber-capable WLVRN.

Preview: ALPS OutdoorZ Impact Pro Turkey Vest

Designed to function like a stadium seat with a wearable harness, this latest update to the Impact Turkey Vest from ALPS is packed with additions to better address the needs of dyed-in-the-wool turkey hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.