NRA Gun of the Week: Brownells BRN-10A Rifle

by
posted on May 4, 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. **

It was at SHOT Show 2019 when Brownells unveiled Retro Rifles, a tribute to Eugene Stoner and the renowned rifles he created, which leads us to this review of the BRN-10A. Built with modern materials, on modern machines, the BRN-10A is an authentic recreation of the original AR-10 design featuring polymer furniture colored brown to mimic the original fiberglass used. From the bolt carrier group to the charging and carry handles, all parts included are as close to the original as possible while providing interchangeability with some modern AR-10 components. To learn more, watch American Rifleman’s Mark Keefe as he examines a faithful copy of that first AR-10 designed by Stoner in this NRA Gun of the Week video. 

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Brownells Inc.
Model: BRN-10A
Chambering: .308 Win.
Action Type: gas-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire rifle
Barrel: 20"
Receiver
: 7075 T-6 aluminum    
Magazine: 20-round detachable box
Sights: post front, A2-style adjustable rear
Trigger: single-stage; 5-lb., 1-oz. pull
Stock: fixed brown polymer  
Weight: 8 lbs., 9 ozs.
MSRP: $1,699

Additional Reading:
The AR-10 Story
Brownells At-Home Dream Rifle Build: A Lightweight AR-Style Carbine
The Case for the 20"-Barreled AR-15 Rifle
SHOT Show 2018: Brownells Retro AR-15 and AR-10 Rifles










 


  

Latest

target with holes
target with holes

Resisting the Temptation of "Good Enough" for Firearm Performance

No matter what firearm you're using for whatever purpose, even if it's simply a trip to the range, always resist the temptation to accept “good enough” if there is the possibility of better performance.

Armed Citizens Stop a Lot More Criminals Than Most in the Media Will Admit

Since January 2025, the Crime Prevention Research Center has documented 16 defensive gun uses in which police say armed citizens stopped mass public killings.

Federal & Mossberg Collaborate on Autonomous Airborne Drone Defense

Federal and Mossberg are working with Palladyne AI in the creation of SwarmShot, a kinetic defense system that employs swarms of armed drones to shield troops from unmanned aircraft system threats.

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.