SHOT Show 2019: Brownells BRN-PROTO Retro Rifle—The Father of All AR-15s

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_prototype.jpg
Last year Brownells shook up the AR market with the release of its Retro Series of rifles with no less that four historically significant AR-15 models and two of the early AR-10 models. For 2019, Brownells has gone all the way back to the very beginning with the new  BRN-PROTO, a rifle based as closely as possible on the prototype AR-15 Serial No. 1 as adapted from Eugene Stoner’s original AR-10 by L. James Sullivan.

This rifle sports a round, brown polymer handguard and grip designed to mimic the appearance of the protoype’s fiberglass furniture. The 20" 5.56 NATO Barrel features a 1:12" rifling twist rate, a chromed bore and a duckbill style three prong flash hider. Other features include a top-mounted charging handle, a prototype-style front sight and Brownells' reproduction of the the straight profile 25-round magazine.

I was lucky enough to get to shoot the BRN-PROTO during the SHOT Show's media day at the range. What I noticed right off the bat is how light and handy the rifle is. It also sounds a little different and I'm interested in finding out why. The BRN-PROTO is listed as #078-000-468 at Brownells.com and retails for $1,299.99.

Latest

BATFE Report Dissects
BATFE Report Dissects

ATF Report Highlights Trends In NFA Sales, Manufacturing Numbers & More

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently released a 61 page “Firearm Commerce Updates and New Analysis” report. Figures included are up to and including 2023, the latest available.

Preview: Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed

Designed for operators in the French National Police’s elite RAID tactical unit, the Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed knife is also eminently useful for everyday carry ...

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 2025

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

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.