Brownells BRN-180® Line
10" Barrel
10.5" Barrel
13.9" Barrel
14.5" Barrel
16" Barrel
16" Barrel
BRN-180® Gen2 Overview
The new Brownells BRN-180® and BRN-180S® Gen2 upper receivers were designed in conjunction with PWS and FM Products to incorporate many improvements AR-15 creator Eugene Stoner made in the AR-18/AR-180 rifles originally introduced in the 1960s. Key features that make the BRN-180® the "revolutionary evolution" of the AR-15 platform include:
- Ultra-reliable, short-stroke gas piston operating system
- NO buffer tube! Ideal for a folding stock (see below)
- Can be fired with a folding stock FOLDED!
- Adjustable gas block lets you control gas flow for a sound suppressor
- Rock-solid Picatinny/M-LOK handguard easily detaches by removing ONE screw
- Compatible with any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver
- Or mate to a dedicated Picatinny-stock ready BRN-180 lower
- AR-180-style 3-prong flash hider really quells the fireball
- Muzzle threads: 1/2"-28 tpi (.223) and 5/8"-24 tpi (300 BLK & 7.62x39)
The BRN-180 and BRN-180S Gen2 upper receivers are available chambered in .223 Wylde (optimized for both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammo), .300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm. All barrels are button rifled with a 1-8" twist rate and come in pistol, carbine, and rifle barrel lengths.
BRN-180® Gen2 Videos
Brownells BRN-180 Gen2:
An Introduction
Brownells BRN-180 Gen2:
How to Field Strip
Changing the BRN-180 .300 Blackout Flash Hider
BRN-180® Gen2 Model Comparison
Fetures:
SKU:
Chambered:
Barrel Length:
Length:
Weight:
Action Type:
Gasblock:
Twist Rate:
Muzzle:
Finish:
BRN-180S® 300 BLK
078-000-609
.300 Blackout
10 inch
18.57 inches
4 lbs 10 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
3 Prong Flash Hider
Anodized Black
BRN-180S®
078-000-599
.223 Wylde
10.5 inch
18.7 inches
3 lbs 15 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
3 Prong Flash Hider
Anodized Black
BRN-180S®
078-000-724
7.62x39mm
10.5 inch
18.7 inches
3 lbs 15 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
3 Prong Flash Hider
Anodized Black
BRN-180S® 13.9"
430-106-123
.223 Wylde
13.9 inch
20.875 inches
4 lbs 0 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
None
Anodized Black
BRN-180S® 14.5"
430-106-122
.223 Wylde
14.5 inch
21.5 inches
4 lbs 1.7 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
None
Anodized Black
BRN-180® 16"
078-000-600
.223 Wylde
16 inch
24.57 inches
4 lbs 10 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
3 Prong Flash Hider
Anodized Black
BRN-180® 16"
078-000-723
7.62x39mm
16 inch
24.57 inches
4 lbs 10 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
3 Prong Flash Hider
Anodized Black
BRN-180® 350 Legend
430-103-461
350 Legend
16 inch
23.375 inches
4 lbs 10.2 oz
Gas Piston
Adjustable
1:8
Thread Protector
Anodized Black
BRN-180® Gen2 Photos
BRN-180® Gen2 Details
Fits Mil-Spec AR-15 Lowers: The BRN-180®/BRN-180S® is a complete, plug-and-play upper assembly that drops onto any standard mil-spec AR-15 lower.
Short-Stroke Gas Piston: Designed for maximum reliability, the short-stroke gas piston keeps fouling out of the receiver and helps the bolt run cool and clean. The entire piston system is contained within the receiver, so the BRN-180/-180S does NOT require the standard AR-15 recoil buffer, spring, and receiver extension.
Flash Hider: The 3-prong flash hider has the authentic look of the original AR-180, while also effectively reducing both muzzle flash and rise. Note that the 13.9" and 14.5" ship with no flash hider.
Adjustable Gas Block: ALL Gen2 BRN-180® models now have an adjustable gas block that enables you to easily dial in the correct amount of gas flow for suppressed OR unsuppressed shooting.
Simple Yet Rock-Solid Handguard Attachment: The Gen2 handguard is now retained by a single, large setscrew, a big improvement over the over the original BRN-180 uppers. Remove it with a hex wrench, and the whole handguard comes off. Once the 'guard is removed, you have access to the gas system without removing any internal components. This new system offers more than ample locking force to keep the handguard securely anchored.
Bolt Carrier & Recoil Guide Rods: True to the original, the bolt carrier rides on twin recoil guide rods for a smooth, light recoil impulse. The recoil system is completely self-contained in the upper.
Bolt: The BRN-180® bolt features a tough black oxide finish for easy cleaning and corrosion resistance. It's a classic multi-lug rotating bolt that ensures reliability and secure lockup.
Folding Stock Ready! Because the BRN-180's recoil assembly is contained ENTIRELY in the upper, there is no need for the AR-15's recoil buffer, spring, and buffer tube. You'll still need the tube for mounting a stock, unless you get one of our dedicated BRN-180® lowers (see below). A BRN-180® rifle readily accepts folding stocks - and you can fire the gun with the stock FOLDED!
The Perfect "Other Half" for Your BRN-180®
Now only available from Brownells, the ADM UIC-180 Stripped Billet Lower features an integrated 1913 picatinny rail section to attach any rail compatible stock or brace to take full advantage of the BRN-180® upper's self-contained recoil system. The UIC-180 lower retains the renowned proprietary ambidextrous magazine release, ambidextrous bolt catch/release lever & dimpled takedown and pivot pins found on the original ADM UIC.
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Midwest Industries Picatinny Compatible Stocks
Unlock the full potential of the BRN-180 upper's self-contained recoil system by pairing it with a BRN-180 lower (or picatinny stock adapter from KNS Precision) and Midwest Industries' line of stocks designed for the BRN-180. From high-value lightweight beam-style stocks to versatile stock tubes, enabling you to choose your preferred stock, and the full-featured Alpha Series of stocks, there is an option for every budget and every shooter!
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JMAC Customs Picatinny Compatible Stocks
From compact folding options for tactical mobility to ergonomically designed fixed stocks, JMAC Customs offers versatility for every shooter. The durability of materials ensures long-lasting performance, while innovative designs enhance aesthetics. Whether you seek tactical efficiency or customizable style, JMAC Customs stocks deliver. Upgrade your BRN-180 with JMAC Customs and experience a new standard of shooting excellence.
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Foxtrot Mike G2 Bufferless Billet Lowers
Renowned for machining excellence, Foxtrot Mike now offers billet lowers designed and optimized for the BRN-180. Choose from the basic complete lower with a Picatinny adapter, allowing you to utilize stocks from Midwest Industries, JMAC Customs, Sig Sauer, and more. Opt for an option that includes a folding adapter for the most compact package possible or the Magpul Zhukov option for the ultimate in comfort and adjustability!
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