BRN-180® Upper Receiver Group Gen2 – Reliable Piston System Made Even More Versatile
Designed in conjunction with PWS & FM Products, the Brownells BRN-180® Complete Upper Receiver is inspired by the Armalite® AR-180 of the 1960s. Developed as a successor to the original AR-15, the AR-180 was a civilianized version of the AR-18, itself an upgrade on the M16 platform. The BRN-180® incorporates many of the AR-18/AR-180 improvements - including its robust and reliable gas piston operating system. (Yes, the originators of the AR-15 / M16 eventually embraced a piston!) The BRN-180® Gen2 Upper Receiver Group improves upon the original BRN-180 with two main upgrades. First, all BRN-180® Upper Receivers now ship with an Adjustable Gas System, previously only found on the BRN-180S®. The operating mechanism, the short stroke gas piston concept remains the same, but the user can select between two settings, depending on their conditions and ammunition, to ensure smooth and consistent function. No more spare gas piston cup to worry about. In addition to the new Adjustable Gas System, the Handguard is now retaining with a single locking screw. This large screw provides ample locking force and ensures a more consistent handguard lockup than the previous mechanism. During extended firing, and the barrel heating up, this new locking system ensures the handguard retains alignment and rigidity with the upper receiver. Also, with this new takedown mechanism, the handguard can be removed to access the gas system without removing the internal components. Like the original, the BRN-180® bolt carrier rides smoothly on a PAIR of guide rods. The carrier is buffered at the rear by a built-in polymer buffer with a molded-in steel plate that captures the guide rods. The Nitride bolt replicates the original AR-180 bolt design, right down to its use of a standard AR-15 extractor. Wait - we know what you're dying to ask. Yes, the BRN-180® upper receiver is fully compatible with any standard, mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. The 16" barrel is machined from extra-strong 4150 carbon steel, with a hard Nitride finish that really resists surface wear. The BRN-180™ is chambered in .223 Wylde - for extra flexibility in ammo choice - with 1-8" rifling, so it handles both .223 Remington and military-type 5.56mm NATO ammo with equal aplomb. Up front there's a replica of the AR-180's unusual three-prong flash hider: the hemispherical bottom prong helps prevent the muzzle blast from kicking up a dust signature when shooting prone. Standard ½-28 tpi muzzle threads let you swap on a modern AR-15 muzzle device should you be bitten by the customizing bug.
Ultra-reliable AR-180 piston operating system
Compatible with current mil-spec AR-15 lowers
Machined 7075 T6 aluminum receiver & handguard - hardcoat anodized finish
16" or barrel with matte black Nitride finish
.223 Wylde chamber
Button rifled bore; 1-8" twist
½"-28 threaded muzzle
Replica 3-prong AR-180 flash suppressor
Molded polymer ejection port cover
Total weight: 4.65 lbs
ALPHA Series Folding Stock
Shipped for rifle use, also compatible with Gear Head Works tailhook for arm brace use. Cosmetic arm brace plug sold separately to ensure back beam is smooth.
Adjustable polymer cheek piece for comfortable use with all users
Adjustable butt pad for increased usability with plate carriers or heavy gear.
5 position locking beam with textured button for quick changing
Heavy-duty side-folding mechanism constructed from 4140 heat treated steel
Compatible with firearms that include 1913 rail adaptor
Full-length locking lug for maximum strength
Solid positive lock up in both positions
Steel clamp with large surface engagement
Can be configured to right - or left-folding
Features 3 QD sling attachments
Curved, adjustable top surface for a comfortable cheek weld
Adds 8.0” to overall firearm length
Adds 0.75” to the length of the firearm in the folded position
Complete assembly weight: lb 5oz.
Constructed of high strength polymer, aluminum, and steel components
Made 100% in the USA – lifetime warranty
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that possession and use of this item is in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and municipal laws or statutes. End user is also responsible for any ATF requirements
Restricted Part
Please check with your state regulations for ownership of Restricted Parts. May require documentation.
