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" or 18.5” 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.
The Side Folding Extruded Stock from Midwest Industries takes design cues from traditional AK-47 stocks, adding on modern features and functions for enhanced usability. This all-in-one folding stock is a game-changer for any rifle with a Picatinny rail–not just the AK-47. The skeletonized body and ergonomically curved top surface create a comfortable operating experience, while the rigid triangular design with a tight lockup promises the stability of a fixed stock.
- 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 18.5” 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
User removal of the trunnion, barrel and trunnion screws is not recommended. Removal of the trunnion screws will void our Lifetime Guarantee.
For Silencer or New Muzzle Device Installation:
1. To Remove Flash Hider
Turn jam nut clockwise, as if looking at the muzzle, to loosen from the flash hider.
Unscrew flash hider from muzzle by turning counterclockwise.
2. Tighten the jam nut, turning clockwise, against the “C” clip/shoulder.
Do not remove the “C” clip from under the jam nut or the jam nut. Doing so could induce misalignment and cause suppressor damage. The jam nut must remain tight against the “C” clip/shoulder
3. Install muzzle device or suppressor to the factory recommended specs.
If using a muzzle device that requires to be indexed to a specific position, use muzzle shims, 084-000-460, to obtain the proper index with the torque specified by the manufacture.
i. Do Not use the jam nut to secure the muzzle device or suppressor in place. This could cause misalignment and possibly damage the suppressor
DO NOT ALIGN THE DEVICE BY HAND AND USE THE JAM NUT TO SECURE IN PLACE. This could cause misalignment and possibly damage the suppressor.
4. Brownells recommends checking the suppressor with an alignment rod to insure proper alignment of the suppressor to the bore.
