AR-style firearms constitute some of the most popular guns sold in the United States, and from what American Rifleman staff and contributors saw on the show floor at SHOT Show 2020, there's no slowing down on the part of firearm manufacturers in terms of AR-style firearms. Check out some of the latest and greatest models released early this year:
Brownells BRN-180 Stripped Lower Receivers
OK, so our first entry in this list isn't technically a complete rifle, but it's a serialized receiver, so that's close enough. In 2019, Brownells introduced the BRN-180 series of AR-15 compatible upper receiver assemblies. Designed in conjunction with PWS & FM Products, these uppers use a gas piston system inspired by the Armalite AR-180 of the 1960s. Because there is no buffer assembly, ARs outfitted with these uppers can have folding stocks.
However, folding stock adapters for AR-15s can be quite expensive. To remedy this problem, Brownells is now offering two stripped lower receivers with integral vertical rails in place of a threaded buffer tube mount. The forged BRN-180 receiver ($129.99) is designed to mimic the appearance of the original AR-180 rifle while the BRN-180M ($149.99) milled-billet receiver looks like an AR-15. Stay tuned for a full review.
CMMG Inc. 5.7x28mm Banshee Pistol
CMMG Inc. has enthusiastically embraced the return of the 5.7x28mm to American market prominence with AR-15 rifles, pistols and caliber conversion kits for this peppy little cartridge. Shown here is the 5”barrel Banshee 300 series pistol. This version features a dedicated 5.7x28mm lower receiver with a magazine well that accepts FN Five-seven 20-round pistol magazines.
However, the company’s 5.7x28mm caliber conversion kits include Mil-Spec profile 30-round magazines which fit typical 5.56 magazine wells. This means that just about any Mil-Spec AR-15 rifle or pistol lower assembly can be paired with the corresponding upper without any mechanical modifications required. Suggested Retail Price: Banshee 300 Pistol $1599.95, 5.7x28mm Conversion Kit Starting at $774.95
Fightlite Industries Wood Stock SCR
The Fightlite Industries SCR rifle, which stands for Sports Configurable Rifle, was first launched in 2014. It successfully blends the controls, magazines and modularity of the popular AR-15 semi-auto with the look and feel of a traditional Monte Carlo style shoulder stock.
The bolt carrier assembly has been modified to operate much like that of a Benelli shotgun, plunging down into an angled buffer tube contained within the stock. In keeping with its sporting design, the company is will be offering additional wood stock options for SCR this year. Solid walnut is available along with laminated hardwood stocks in a variety of conservative colors. Suggested Retail Price: Starting at $1,199.99
Patriot Ordnace Factory Rogue .308 Light Weight
Patriot Ordnace Factory (POF-USA) lightens the AR-10 load with the new Rogue rifle and pistol chambered in .308 Win. Typical AR-10 rifles can weigh around 8.5-lbs. or more before attaching any accessories. Based on the company’s Revolution platform, the Rogue 16.5” barrel rifle weighs in at 5.9-lbs. while the 12.5”barrel pistol (shown) weighs 5.6-lbs.
This has been done through a bit of clever engineering without the need for weight reducing cutouts in the receiver. The Rogue also sports other top-notch features including a match-grade stainless steel barrel, Revolution DI BCG and an ambidextrous safety selector. Suggest Retail Price: $1799.99 (Rifle)
Springfield Armory Saint Edge EVAC Pistol
This year, Springfield Armory is offering one of the most easy to store AR-15 pistols yet with the new Edge Evac chambered in 5.56. The 10”barrel features a patent-pending Pantheon ratchet barrel takedown system That allows the barrel and handguard to quickly twist off of the upper receiver.
A Gear Head Works for its Tailhook MOD 1 stabilizing brace brace is attached to the lower receiver via a Law Tactical Gen-3-M adapter which allows the buffer tube to fold to one side. Once separated and folded, the EVAC fits neatly into a provided custom storage bag that’s roughly the size of a small briefcase. Suggest Retail Price: $1,949
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