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AR-15 601 LOWER RECEIVERS Reviews & Ratings

Our BRN-601® lower receiver is a replica of the very first AR-15, the Model 601. Designed in conjunction with the folks at Nodak Spud, our receiver precisely mirrors the features and "slab-side" profile of the original. As a result, our BRN-601 lower is perfect for a "Retro" or reproduction build of a very early AR-15 (see Gun Tech Note™ below for details). Each BRN-601® lower receiver starts life as a 7075 T6 aluminum forging that is then machined to final dimensions. The machined lower then gets a gray hardcoat anodized finish that’s an excellent match to the color of the originals. Simple, engraved markings on the BRN-601® won’t detract from the period look and include the following:

Model: BRN-601®
Cal: 5.56mm
Mfg: Brownells Inc.

Standard, current-production AR-15 components will work perfectly with the BRN-601®, with the exception of the front takedown pin. This receiver so accurately replicates the original that you must use our special Model 601 Pivot Pin (#078-000-372, sold separately). NOTE: FFL required for purchase. Brownells Gun Tech™ Note: The original Model 601 lower receiver was found on early AR-15 rifles produced by Colt Manufacturing from 1959 through 1963. These receivers were used on the first rifles issued to the Air Force - and those tested by the U.S. Army. The production numbers of original rifles with this type of receiver are quite low, making the BRN-601® an excellent base for a very unique "Retro" build. Features of the Brownells BRN-601® lower receiver that make it a close replica of the original 601 include the front takedown lug profile and area surrounding the receiver extension. This lower has a distinctive "slab side" contour on the right-hand side of the magazine well, with no "fence" around the magazine release. Most forged AR-15 "carry handle" lower receivers produced today have the A2 profile, which is incorrect for reproductions of the early rifles. The BRN-601® lower is the proper receiver for building reproduction of the following rifles:

Model 601 (early AR-15 “Air Force” rifles)
Model 602
Early prototype AR-15 rifles

See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

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Reviews Summary

The AR-15 601 lower receivers have received largely positive reviews, praised for their build quality and ease of use during assembly. Many users appreciate the aesthetic design and fit with retro builds, although some mention concerns about the specific pivot pin requirement and occasional mismatched finishes. Availability is a noted drawback as they tend to sell out quickly. Overall, a solid choice for retro AR enthusiasts.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Product Quality

75%

Customers frequently highlight the high quality of the AR-15 601 lower receivers, noting the excellent finish and precision in machining. Many reviews mention satisfaction with the assembly process, as the components fit well without the need for modifications, underscoring the reliability of this product.

Aesthetic Design

60%

Reviewers appreciate the clean and classic design of the lower receiver, especially its resemblance to retro models. The aesthetics are a major draw for many users who are building nostalgic or retro-themed firearms, although some noted discrepancies in color matching with their existing uppers.

Compatibility & Requirements

50%

A high percentage of reviewers mention the specific requirement for a front pivot pin that is not commonly available. Some users had to devise solutions or purchase specialized parts to ensure proper compatibility, highlighting a potential inconvenience for those unfamiliar with the needed specifications.

Availability

55%

Numerous comments reflect concern regarding the availability of the product, as it tends to sell out quickly. Reviewers often urge potential buyers to act fast to secure a lower receiver due to its popularity among retro gun builders.

Shipping Experience

65%

Several reviews laud the fast shipping and secure packaging of the receivers. Customers express satisfaction with how quickly items arrived and the care taken to ensure they were in good condition upon delivery.

Price Value

70%

The price point of the AR-15 601 lower is viewed positively across many reviews, as it offers a good value for the quality received. Buyers appreciate that they can access a quality product without spending excessively, which contributes to overall satisfaction.

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The perfect piece for my Proto build

A very clean and aesthetically pleasing lower receiver that was easy to work with. Installing all the components to it was very easy and I didn't find the need to do any fitting to make anything fit properly. Magazines that don't drop free in other receivers drop free in this one just fine. The grey finish is perfect though not a perfect match to my BRN-Proto upper however to me this is not an issue. The only negative I can give this is that they're presently out of stock.

Great receiver!

This receiver is great. I like the Model 601 style of lower without all of the fencing. This is my second BRN-601 lower for my builds. Just do not forget to get the front takedown pin as nothing else will fit. You got to buy the one from Brownells. If a Retro rifle is what you are putting together then this lower is the ticket.

601

Is excellent quality at a decent price

Nice

Gray was the only version in stock, so I'll have to Cerakote it eventually. Looks good, and mates well with the old-school upper. Shipped fast, packed securely and arrived in good shape.

Very Nice

I bought one of these gray 601 lowers. I liked it so much I bought another. Nuff said.

Needed to build the 601 AR

This slick side lower is needed to build your own 601 AR, just like the US Air Force had way back in the fifties. It works like any other lower except that it takes a specific front pivot pin. It is of very high quality like you expect from Brownell's. I am putting together a clone of the CAR-15 I had while serving in the 70's. With 2020 being so messed up I decided to build an AR. The process is easier with some tools for the AR. This lower mates to the specific upper perfectly. The machining is very high quality and the anodizing matches the upper without flaws. The only down side to this part is that it is very popular and gets sold out fast. If you want one buy it fast, it may be gone quickly.

Fit my Colt 601 parts kit perfectly.

I purchased several original Colt 601 parts kits and needed a lower to complete my kit. The brownells gray 601 repro lower not only matched the original uppers color fairly well, but the original lower 601 parts fit perfectly into the repro lower. There's a little bit of play between the upper and lower but the rifle fires and functions great. You can see the vid of the rifle firing on youtube "Colt 601 Parts Kit". Thanks brownells!

Great gray finish

I caught the AR retro bug a while back and went down the rabbit hole. When I seen that the BRN 601 lower was on sale I jumped at the opportunity to score a nice rare retro lower. When I received it, the finish looked great. The markings aren't so appealing however and it'd be nice if they shipped it with the required take-down pin but all-in-all, it's a solid purchase at the sale price.

Excellent but the gray finish is dark

FAST SHIPPING!! I was very impressed on how well this was made. I also purchased the 601 upper receiver so a color match wasn't an issue, but the gray finish was a little darker than I expected. I have some M16 kits from back in the day, and it definitely wont match the Colt gray from any of those kits. My NODAK lower in gray does match however... Like I said earlier, since I purchased both the upper and the lower, the matching wasn't an issue. But if I used it with my M16 kit, they wouldn't have matched. Very well made product. Very impressed. Especially the price. Don't forget to get the rear site kit and charging handle.

Very Cool

I had two original Colt uppers with the large pivot pins that needed lowers, these came through with a little modification to the front pivot pin holes going up to .315. Originally made a bushing to fit inside the upper receiver front lug but wasnt happy with a quick fix. For the guys saying that no one else makes a pivot pin to fit this lower, I bought 2 KNS ball detent pins that worked perfectly. Nice lower with correct sizing and markings along with the faux receiver extension roll pin hole. Finish is perfect. Giving Pops one to reminisce about his first issued M16 at Bragg for his Birthday and gave the other to another buddy thats going through gunsmithing school in Fayetteville. Would highly recommend this lower for any retro build from this era.