Daily Deal: Brownells G17 Gen3 Billet Slide Parts Kit ~~$46.48~~ $34.99 - Get Yours!

BRN16A2 5.56 20" COMPLETE UPPER RECEIVER Reviews & Ratings

The BRN16A2 features the correct components you're seeking in a M16A2 build.

The forged upper receiver itself is the classic M16A2 style, with the robust and incredibly adjustable A2 rear sight assembly. The elevation drum can be adjusted from 300 to 800 meters (zero at 25m for 300m). This upper receiver does not have M4 feed ramps, just like the original A2. The included bolt carrier group has a phosphate finish with chrome bore and gas key interior.

With the classic 20 inch Government profile 5.56x45mm NATO barrel, the BRN-16A2 has an instantly recognizable appearance. The 20 inch barrel has a chrome bore and chamber, with 1-7 twist, perfect for M855 62 grain or heavier bullets. The muzzle is capped by the great performing M16A2 flash hider.

The non-“F” Marked front sight base has the correct A2 square post, bayonet lug, sling swivel and triangle handguard cap. USGI barrel nut will accept many off the shelf handguards, making the upper future proof for upgrades. The included M16A2 style handguards feature the standard heat shield and replicate the look and feel of the original A2 handguards.

Key features of the BRN-16A2:

All new production, no surplus parts
M16A2 Upper Receiver
A2 USGI Rear Sight Assembly
20" 5.56x45mm NATO barrel with 1-7 twist & chrome bore and chamber
Mil-spec bolt carrier group with phosphate exterior and chrome interior

View Product

Write a review

1 Stars

Reviews Summary

Many users express satisfaction with the BRN16A2 upper, particularly praising its accuracy and nostalgic appeal. However, concerns arise regarding the quality of handguards and rear sights, with some noting issues like wobbliness and fit problems. Despite some quality control issues, it generally provides good performance for those looking for a military-style rifle.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Accuracy

60%

Many reviewers commend the upper's accuracy, reporting successful zeroing and tight shot groups even with inexpensive ammunition. Users appreciate its performance at the range, often exceeding expectations compared to other rifles.

Nostalgia

40%

Several customers mention a sense of nostalgia, recalling their experiences with the rifle during military training. This emotional connection adds to their enjoyment of the product, enhancing their overall satisfaction.

Quality Control

55%

A notable number of reviewers express concerns regarding quality control, specifically mentioning issues with rear sights being loose or improperly aligned and the overall build quality of components like handguards and the dust cover spring.

Handguard Quality

45%

Critiques about the handguards are common, with many users describing them as flimsy or inadequate for a high-quality rifle. This issue could negatively impact user experience, suggesting a need for better materials or design.

Overall Satisfaction

70%

Despite some quality issues, a majority of reviewers express overall satisfaction with the BRN16A2 upper. Users highlight its performance and reliability, and many indicate they would recommend it to others looking for a complete upper receiver.

Customer Photos & Videos

Sort by Filter by rating

M16 A2 upper 20”

This is what I had in MCRD boot camp back in 2005. Great rifle. Brownells made it right. Thank you Brownells.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

Excellent

I purchased this out of nostalgia. I was issued this rifle in basic training and hated the length of it. Now, I love it. I got this upper today and slapped it onto my Aero Precision lower. Everything is period correct, minus the trigger. I used a Rise Armament trigger… it’s all I use in my AR’s. I took it out of the box, mounted it on the lower and went to the range. I shot an M855 clone (62gr Penetrator under 24gr of WC844 in LC brass) I didn’t clean it, lube it, nothing. Did a functions check and hit the road. Upon zeroing at 25 yards (not meters… I know) it never shot more than .25”. I had to bring it 3 revolutions up, 4 clicks right. It was dead center after that. Not bad at all for out of the box. The zeroing process was set it on 8/3 +1 up Went to 100 yards and shot a 12”x18” silhouette target, aiming at the bottom of the paper (belly button) and sent 6 rounds. They hit just about dead center as they should, providing a 2.9MOA group. Better than my military rifle, that’s for sure. Fired many more groups, all the same size and impact area. I switch over to 55gr SP ammo I had loaded, not sure of the load. It printed just about the same height but to the right about 3”. Overall 10 round group was just under 5MOA, but the core group was about the same 3MOA as the 62 grain. These were all rapid shots, about 1-2 seconds in between on a front rest. I did notice the 55gr SP did get deformed noses from the non-M4 feed ramps… but still shot decent enough. FMJ of course didn’t have issues. Overall, very happy with my upper and it brought back a lot of memories.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by Rob on April 22, 2025

Verified Purchase

Was this review helpful? 6

Feels like an A2 to me.

I don't understand the negative reviews. Mine feels pretty darn good. Everything is tight and smooth. Tight groups with cheap ammo. Nostalgic, which is why I bought it. I've ran it pretty hard and I have no reservations. They built it to be a hard use rifle.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

Just what I wanted.

I am very happy with this receiver. I sighted it in today at 25 meters with M855 62 gr. ammunition. It shot very well and functioned perfectly. I only had to move the front sight 3 clicks and the rear sight 5 clicks to the right which leaves it just on the right edge of the center mark on the back of the receiver. Very good! The service was super fast too.

by Mark H. on December 13, 2023

Verified Purchase

Was this review helpful? 14