Brownells BRN-180® Gen 3 Upper Receivers

BRN-180® GEN3 - 
A NEW GENERATION WITH THE UPGRADES YOU ASKED FOR!

"The difference is in the details," goes an old saying. It certainly proves true with the Third Generation of our BRN-180 upper receiver. This redesign incorporates a whole series of detail changes based in large part on feedback received from BRN-180 users, and on our own experience putting myriad thousands of rounds through 180s at our test range. We believe these updates result in a decisive advance in the Gen3's ergonomics, adaptability, and reliability.

Before diehard 180 fans start to worry, we have not changed the BRN-180's long-proven, ultra-dependable short-stroke gas piston operating system based on the AR-180. Or the buffer tube free bolt-carrier assembly contained entirely within the receiver. Or the 180's rugged "of a piece" construction. We kept what was good and right and  have improved what could be improved. It is still drop-on compatible with a standard mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver, as well as lowers specifically designed for buffer-tubeless uppers and Picatinny mount stocks.

If you own one or more Gen1 or Gen2 models, rest assured that you still have one of the most advanced, innovative, rock-steady dependable AR-15 type upper receivers currently available. If you add a Gen3 to your collection, you'll find that it delivers MORE of what the first two "Gens" offered.

The BRN-180® Gen 3 upper is available in 16" or 13.9" barrels chambered for .223 Wylde, or go compact with a 9" barrel in 300 Blackout. Precision and performance, tailored to your build.

When you pick up a BRN-180 Gen3 upper, the first thing you'll notice when you reach for the charging handle to check the chamber is.... there's no charging handle. Actually, there is, but we've moved it to the left side of the receiver. It is now non-reciprocating, so you don't have to worry about a mass of metal flying back and forth close to your face while you're shooting. The slot it rides in is sealed by a rubber gasket, so the handle moves freely but the interior of the receiver is protected from incursion of dirt, dust and debris. The quirky old "dogleg" charging handle is replaced by a more streamlined, ergonomic handle that angles downward to provide more clearance around your optic's objective bell.

When you pull back on that charging handle with the BRN-180 upper separated from the lower receiver, you will NOT get the surprise most of us got the first time we did that with a 180 upper. The guide assembly will not come shooting out the back of the receiver due a new retention system. When it's time to remove the rods and bolt-carrier assembly for cleaning, a quick push of the button lets you remove the assembly - no surprises!

Back on the right side, things are even more different. An AR-15 style shell deflector has been added just behind the ejection port. The traditional flip-up ejection port cover has been replaced by a cover that's attached to the carrier. When the bolt-carrier assembly is in battery, the ejection port is sealed. As the carrier moves back, the "automatic" port cover opens to allow the spent shell to depart. Then it seals right back up. All of this means the interior of the Gen3's receiver is superbly protected against incursion of external dust, dirt, or other debris. 

Up front, we’ve made the switchable gas system even easier to use. You reach through an opening in the handguard and flip the lever to one of three gas flow settings for the .223 or one of four settings for the 300 Blackout. Position 1 for suppressed loads, position 2 for normal operation unsuppressed, position 3 for adverse conditions. The 300 Blackout adds a fourth position for the most adverse conditions like heavy unsuppressed subsonic bullets in 300 Blackout. If you employ a far forward support hand position, your hand or wrist can be taking some of that gas blast. We've blanked off the surrounding area on the handguard with solid metal to deflect that venting gas.

We've just touched the highlights here. Read below for a full rundown of the upgrades we've made to the BRN-180 Gen3!