The Brownells BRN-180 complete upper receiver developed in collaboration with PWS and FM products, draws inspiration from the 1960s Armalite AR-180. Originally designed as a civilian version of the AR-18, which itself was an enhancement of the M16 platform, the BRN-180 integrates several improvements from the AR-18/AR-180, notably its durable and reliable gas piston operating system. The BRN-180 Gen 2 upper receiver group introduces two significant enhancements over its predecessor. Firstly, all BRN-180 upper receivers now feature an adjustable gas system, previously exclusive to the BRN-180S . While maintaining the short-stroke gas piston mechanism, this system allows users to select between two settings based on environmental conditions and ammunition, ensuring smooth and consistent operation without the need for a spare gas piston cup. Additionally, the handguard is now secured with a single locking screw, providing substantial locking force and ensuring consistent alignment and rigidity with the upper receiver even during extended firing sessions when the barrel heats up. This new takedown mechanism allows for the removal of the handguard to access the gas system without disassembling internal components. The BRN-180 bolt carrier operates smoothly on a pair of guide rods and is buffered at the rear by an integrated polymer buffer with a molded-in steel plate that secures the guide rods. The nitride bolt mirrors the original AR-180 bolt design, including the use of a standard AR-15 extractor. Importantly, the BRN-180 upper receiver is fully compatible with any standard, mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. The 16 inches barrel is crafted from robust 4150 carbon steel and features a hard nitride finish for enhanced resistance to surface wear. Chambered in .223 Wylde, the BRN-180 offers flexibility in ammunition choice, with 1-8 inches rifling that accommodates both .223 Remington and military-type 5.56mm NATO ammunition effectively. The front end includes a replica of the AR-180's distinctive three-prong flash hider, with a hemispherical bottom prong designed to minimize dust signature when shooting prone. Standard 1/2-28 tpi muzzle threads allow for the attachment of modern AR-15 muzzle devices for customization.

AR-180 piston operating system with enhanced reliability
Compatible with existing military specification AR-15 lower receivers
The receiver and handguard are constructed from machined 7075-T6 aluminum and feature a hardcoat anodized finish
Barrel - 16 inches, matte black nitride finish
.223 Wylde chamber specification
Bore manufactured using button rifling technique; features a 1:8 twist rate
Thread specification - 1/2-28 muzzle
AR-180 flash suppressor, 3-prong replica
Injection-molded polymer ejection port cover
Total weight is 4.65 lb

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Certain firearm parts and accessories, including AR-style upper receivers, are subject to complex and frequently changing federal, state, and local laws and regulations. While an upper receiver may be lawfully sold and shipped as a component, the legality of possessing, assembling, configuring, or using an upper receiver in certain states (e.g., California, Washington State) and localities depends on how it is assembled, combined with other components, and ultimately used. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any assembly, configuration, possession, or use complies with all federal, state, and local laws, including any so-called “assault weapon” bans and short-barreled rifle restrictions. We do not provide legal advice and are not responsible for unlawful configurations or uses.