SHOT Show 2019: Brownells BRN-180 Upper

by
posted on February 1, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
brownells_white_ar180_upper.jpg
Over the last few years I've seen some gun companies turning their platforms inside out (in some cases literally) in order to produce an AR-15 with a folding stock. Some of these folding options will fire with the stock folded while others will not. There are designs that even go so far as to expose the inner workings of the rifle when folded, which seems problematic for use in dirty conditions.

Rather than developing something new, Brownells has tackled the AR folding stock problem by revisiting an existing, if somewhat forgotten, design and giving it a modern twist with the new BRN-180 upper assembly.

Based on the original 1960s era AR-180, this upper employs a robust short-stroke piston system, a three prong flash hider, a  reciprocating side charging handle and a twin internal guide rod system replacing the typical AR buffer assembly. This upper has been configured to drop onto any mil-spec AR-15 lower assembly with desirable modern updates including a  .223 Wylde chamber, 1:8 twist rifling, and an easy to remove M-Lok handguard. 

Manufactured with completely new materials and thoroughly-modern methods, this upper has a suggested retail price of $799, making it one of the most affordably priced piston driven options currently on the market. Look for the BRN-180  upper listed under product number #078-000-483 on the Brownells website.

Latest

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 432 TI UC revolver in a DeSantis holster
I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 432 TI UC revolver in a DeSantis holster

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 432 UC Revolver in a DeSantis Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Smith & Wesson Model 432 UC revolver carried in a DeSantis Holsters Super Fly pocket holster along with a Cold Steel Frenzy pocket knife.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New for 2026: Warne Maxlite MSR Scope Mount

Putting an optic on an AR-15 just got more affordable thanks to Warne's Maxlite mount.

Putting Red-Dot Optics On Revolvers

The red-dot trend is so pervasive that consumers can choose from a range of semi-automatic handguns that are cut to accept optics. But what about adding red-dots to revolvers?

Quiet Trend Defies Retail Challenges

The business of protecting shooters' hearing is booming—quietly, of course.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Revolver

Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson offer a Field Ethos-themed revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.