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

Trump Nra Pennsylvania F
Trump Nra Pennsylvania F

President Trump Touts the NRA and National Concealed Carry Reciprocity

At the Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa., President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the National Rifle Association as well as his support for national right-to-carry legislation.

Rifleman Review: Savage Arms Revel Classic

Offered as an affordable, rimfire, takedown design, the Savage Arms Revel line of lever-actions has expanded to include several popular chamberings, as well as a deluxe version.

A Modernized Classic: Chiappa's S.A. 1873 Black Thunder

Italian manufacturer Chiappa makes an interesting mix of historical designs, modern firearms and guns that combine both of those elements into one. In the latter category is the S.A. 1873 Black Thunder .44 Magnum revolver.

I Have This Old Gun: CZ vz.27

Pressed into Nazi service, the Czech-produced CZ vz.27 pistol was a popular GI bring-back from World War II.

Federal & Remington Awarded All Four Categories of FBI Rifle Ammunition Contract

The FBI recently awarded Federal Premium and Remington Ammunition—both members of The Kinetic Group family of firms—one of the largest law-enforcement contracts in TKG history.

Book Review: Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life by Amatangelo “AJ” Pasciuti with Neil McGinness

Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life by Amatangelo “AJ” Pasciuti (with Neil McGinness) is a powerful, unflinching memoir. It delivers raw combat accounts alongside thoughtful reflections on leadership, resilience, masculinity, and service.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.