Works with Radian ADAC Lower
Well build upper, and a nice deviation from generic AR15 platforms. Fits and functions well on a Radian ADAC lower. All ambi and bolt hold controls work, though the dust cover does occlude the right side bolt release on the ADAC
This upper feels butter smooth, and is plan and simple to field strip and clean.
Would you recommend this?
Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Great addition to my collection
I love the no buffer tube design. I put a Strike Industries FSA stock on mine with a Franklin Armory lower binary trigger. Surefire RC2 suppressor Warcomp mount. Vortex 1-8 scope. Took it to the range yesterday first time with the suppressor on you have to have the gas block set to unsuppressed otherwise it wont cycle. I assume it’s because the barrel length is only 10.5 inches. I shot 120 rounds no problems as long as it was set up like this. It’s the softest shooting I have ever fired. The accuracy surprised me too I shot some MOA groups with Federal Premium 77gr Sierra Matchking 223 ammo but this was the only one that it liked. The 77gr 556 IMI and 62gr 556 IMI spread out to 2 inches. I did not shoot it without the suppressor. The only other issue I had was cleaning it. You can’t get the handgaurd off to clean the gas system without removing the suppressor mount. My plan is to not clean it until I start having issues. The bolt and barrel are very easy to clean. I really enjoyed shooting this rifle smooth soft and accurate with the right ammo. It’s a great addition to my collection
Would you recommend this?
Yes, I would recommend to a friend
BRN-180
I thought I'd written a review previously but don't see it so here goes again. I've had mt 10 1/2" Brn-180 (300 Blackout caliber) for a couple years now. I put it on an Aero Precision M4 lower, and it fit perfectly. I've had it at the range several times and it shoots great. I put a Maxim Defense collapsible brace on mine, and it works well. The only issue, and a minor one at that, was the cranked charging handle. Occasionally, during ejection, the spent cartridge would hit the cranked charging handle and ricochet into my face. I solved that problem by replacing it with a straight one. Later I replaced the straight one with a folding "paratrooper" charging handle which doesn't protrude as far.
Would you recommend this?
Yes, I would recommend to a friend
BRN-180
I bought a 300 Blackout 10 1/2" bbl version of this upper about 3 years ago and it fit perfectly on an Aero Precision M4 lower. I've shot it several times since and love it. I replaced the cranked charging handle with a straight one and then finally with a folding one. I found that with the cranked handle, the ejected brass would sometimes hit it and ricochet it into my face, but the straight handle fixed that. I put a Maxim Defense brace, dot sight, and green laser hand stop on it to finish it off and I love it! The submitted picture shows it with the straight charging handle
Would you recommend this?
Yes, I would recommend to a friend
I like it
Never had any issues, over 1000rds and it's running great. Handguard is nice and small (unlike some piston guns).
My new favorite AR-ish firearm
I am very happy with the fit, finish, and operation of this upper. Being a fan of the original AR-18 from the way back, I have been interested in the BRN-180 since its introduction, but I wasn't interested in being an early adopter. I am happy I waited for the 2nd Gen to come out. It appears they addressed the deficiencies of the 1rst Gen, kept the unique features, and added some nice improvements. I have mine on a KP15 monolithic polymer lower, (available here at Brownells) and it runs like a champ. I ran a mix of Wolf steel case 62gr HP, IMI M195, Wolf Gold 55gr FMJ, and some odds and ends I had loaded in mags laying about. Everything cycled fine, and shot quite consistently. The impression of the action is that it is quite smooth, and has surprisingly soft felt recoil. The KP Arms polymer lower is a great way to save weight, and have a solid, comfortable platform for everyday shooting. The short barrel with the OEM three prong flash-hider was less annoying than I expected. The flash hider works surprisingly well, and does provide a measurable amount of control of muzzle flip. I have not shot the upper suppressed yet, but the simple to use 2 position gas adjustment looks promising. All in all, a very pleasant and effective shooter.
Works great !!!!!
I have three of these. This one, a 300BO and a 223 rifle version. This one on a Armalite lower the BO on the new Silencerco lower and the rifle on the brn-180 billet lower. All have 1 piece drop in triggers and mil spec lower parts. Plastic ejection cover wont close on 1. I have swapped lowers around and fit and function is consistent. Ran a few different brands of ammo through them with a few failures in the first 100 rounds. After a break in and a good cleaning they run like a scalded dog. I dig the ability to use folding stocks / braces. There soft shooting , fun and reliable. I havent done any accuracy testing other than I can hit my targets out 100yrds with range ammo and flip up sights.
Great Upper. Would buy again.
I only have about 200 rounds through the upper as if this review, but about 100 of that was at a 3 gun match. Pros: Super smooth shooting Reliable Shoots great suppressed Finish is great. The upper feels solid. Cons: I wish the charging handle was on the other side. Accuracy is good, but not great. My DD 10.3 barrel is a little more accurate, but I can still make hits on 8 inch plates consistently at 200 yards with a red dot and bulk ammo. Overall: I would definitely buy again. I am very happy with the upper.
Just Fantastic
What can I say, it works flawlessly and even looks good. And the only real option if you want a folder on an AR platform. I built two, one in .223 and one in .300 both with the 10.5" barrel. I just wish they made a 500 Beowulf.
Fantastic
Overall I'm really impressed. Fed it decades old Barnaul lacquer right out of the box and it ran. Followed up with federal 55gr and again, it ran. Accuracy with federal was better than expected. On par with decent D/I guns. Action is buttery smooth, and there's literally no gas to worry about. None. Zero. PWS and Brownells attempted to do a cool throw back, and in the process created something good enough to warrant it's existence - in it's own right. Super happy with it. If you're on the fence, hop. It's totally worth it. Really well thought out, and simple system.
