{"id":138837,"date":"2021-01-17T15:16:06","date_gmt":"2021-01-17T20:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=138837"},"modified":"2021-01-17T15:16:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T04:50:01","slug":"ditch-the-same-ol-ar-15-with-a-brn-180-lower-full-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ditch-the-same-ol-ar-15-with-a-brn-180-lower-full-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Ditch the Same Ol\u2019 AR-15 with a BRN-180 (Lower Full Review)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Ditch<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stocking up on AR-15\u2019s ain\u2019t a bad idea these days. Between the pandemic, social unrest, and a Democratic White House, the future looks just a little brighter with a small arsenal of effective self-defense weapons. And judging by the selection at my local gun store, I\u2019m not the only one who\u2019s concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even though AR-15\u2019s are infinitely customizable and super fun to shoot, the platform can get old after four or five builds. That\u2019s why I was stoked to get my hands on a BRN-180 upper from Brownells<\/a> and even more stoked when they (finally) released the lower early in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BRN-180 revives Eugene Stoner and Arthur Miller\u2019s original AR-18 rifle designed in 1963. The self-contained recoil system allows the action to cycle without a buffer spring, the piston-operated design is ultra-reliable, and the handguard can be removed without tools. I published a full review<\/a> of the upper in November of last year, but Brownells recently made my rifle complete by sending the lower as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
The folding stock reduces overall length by about nine inches.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With a folding stock from Black Collar Arms, my BRN-180 is finally set up as it was meant to be, and it\u2019s become one of my favorite rifles to take to the range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lower<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Brownells offers a BRN-180 lower receiver in two varieties \u2013 the BRN-180 stripped receiver and the BRN-180M receiver. Brownells sent me the BRN-180M for this review, and it\u2019s designed to look more like an AR-15 receiver than its counterpart. It\u2019s constructed from billet 7075 T-6 aluminum and protected with a hard-anodized finish. The mag well and trigger guard are shaped like a typical AR-15 lower, though it still features the Picatinny rail for the addition of a folding stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Ditch<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Ditch<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Ditch
The BRN-180M receiver is solid, well-built, and features a built-in rear Picatinny rail for mounting stocks. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The BRN-180 receiver is shaped more like an original AR-18. The original AR-18 used a stamped receiver rather than the forged or billet receivers we\u2019re used to seeing these days. But while the BRN-180 keeps the lines and weld marks of the original, it\u2019s more durable thanks to its forged 7075 aluminum construction and anodized finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
The BRN-180M receiver (right, used for testing) looks more like a standard AR-15 receiver. The standard BRN-180 receiver (left) more closely matches the original AR-18.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Both lowers take a standard AR-15 lower parts kit and feed from standard AR-15 magazines. Neither will work with a standard AR-15 upper because they aren\u2019t designed to accept a buffer tube, though the BRN-180 upper can be installed on a standard AR-15 lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BRN-180M can be had (when in stock) for <\/a>$149.99<\/a> while the BRN-180 comes in at <\/a>$129.99<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
The BRN-180 is tons of fun to shoot. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Build<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The internal parts and pistol grip on my build are run-of-the-mill components from Brownells and Magpul. Brownells sent me one of their lower parts kits ($41.99)<\/a>, and I found a GI trigger in my spare parts bin. The pistol grip is a Mission Adaptable (MIAD) modular grip system from Magpul, which usually <\/a>runs for about $35<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
There’s nothing better than assembling all the parts for a new AR-type rifle.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I only had trouble with one step of the parts kit installation. Because the receiver doesn\u2019t need a buffer tube, the rear takedown pivot spring and detent are installed in the bottom of the receiver rather than the back and are held in place with a small set screw. This process involves the usual frustrations of any takedown spring\/detent install, but I found that a standard spring is actually too long for the available space. Once I cut about 0.30\u201d from the spring, it fit perfectly, and I haven\u2019t experienced any issues with the gun\u2019s takedown functionality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
I had to cut the rear takedown spring to allow it to fit in the hole along with the detent. You may not have the same issue, but if you do, cutting the spring works fine. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can jazz up your trigger and parts kit however you\u2019d like, but the BRN-180\u2019s best feature is its ability to accept a folding stock. The gun\u2019s self-contained recoil system doesn\u2019t need a buffer tube, so users can attach any Picatinny-mounted folding stock system they prefer. The most popular are the Sig MCX or MPX lines, but I went with a new Stock Option<\/a> from Texas-based Black Collar Arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love the skeletonized, simplified design of BCA\u2019s stock system. The cheek riser can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, the rubberized recoil pad provides just enough cushion for the relatively light 5.56 NATO recoil, and the stock includes QD mount holes. Plus, the 7075-T651 aluminum design is rugged but lightweight \u2013 at only 10.6 ounces, the Stock Option is a great addition to any BRN-180 build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
If you’re in the market for a folding stock, the new Stock Option from Black Collar Arms is a great option paired with a hinge from Sig Sauer.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Black Collar Arms has plans to introduce a folding hinge, but for now, I\u2019m using a hinge from Sig. It works great, and if you can find one in stock, I\u2019d definitely recommend it. It can be folded with one hand by lifting up on the stock, and unfolding is a simple matter of pulling the stock back while keeping one hand on the pistol grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Range<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re curious to see an accuracy test of the BRN-180, check out my full review of the 16-inch BRN-180 upper<\/a>. (Sparknotes: I found accuracy to be acceptable, but nothing to write home about.) For this review, I\u2019m sticking to the function of the lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
Nothing better than a sunny day at the range. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All internal components functioned properly. Trigger, selector, mag release, bolt release, and safety selector all function exactly like an AR-15, so there isn\u2019t a learning curve if you\u2019re already used to the standard configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only real difference in my build is the non-adjustable folding stock. I generally prefer the classic six-position stock because it allows me to tailor the length of pull to shooting position. Especially when using a magnified optic with a small eye box (i.e., the distance your eye should be from the scope for maximum field of view), adjusting the length of pull for prone vs. kneeling vs. standing allows for a quick and reliable target acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the fixed folding stock from Black Collar Arms comes with its own set of advantages. The cheekpiece can be adjusted vertically to line up with the optic, but also horizontally to mimic some of the benefits of an adjustable stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, of course, it folds! With the 16-inch barreled upper, the overall length drops from 35 inches with the stock unfolded to 26 inches with the stock folded. Plus, unlike AR-15\u2019s fitted with folding stocks, the action of the BRN-180 allows it to be fired with the stock folded or unfolded. I\u2019m not sure when this would be necessary\u2014it\u2019s hard to imagine a situation that would call for the use of a rifle but wouldn\u2019t allow for the half-second needed to unfold the stock. But it\u2019s cool, nonetheless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch
To take full advantage of the folding stock, go with the BRN-180S. If you don’t want to deal with an SBR\/pistol brace, the OAL still drops down to 26 inches with the 16-inch barrel.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You might point out that 26 inches is still too long to fit in the kind of day pack most folks might use for everyday carry. I tried stuffing my BRN-180 in a few backpacks without much success. To truly take advantage of the BRN-180\u2019s functionality, the BRN-180S is the way to go. The 180S features a 10.5\u201d barrel, which reduces overall length all the way down to just over 20 inches with the stock folded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you\u2019ll need to either apply for a tax stamp to make the firearm a short-barreled rifle or roll the dice with the ATF and get a pistol brace. Given the ATF\u2019s stance toward gun owners<\/a> lately and the confusion surrounding pistol braces<\/a>, I\u2019d bite the bullet and go with the SBR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal issues aside, the complete BRN-180 is a blast to shoot. At 7.5 pounds, it isn\u2019t the lightest AR-type rifle, but it\u2019s still light enough to be easily maneuverable in any shooting position. I mounted a Primary Arms 2x prism scope, which I\u2019ve found to be just enough magnification for the short-to-mid range work I\u2019ve been doing with this rifle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ditch<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last Shot<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The complete BRN-180 ain\u2019t cheap ($130-150 for the lower + $900 for the upper + parts), but it\u2019s a great option if you\u2019re in an AR-15 rut. The side charging handle and folding stock are eye-catchers at the range, and the rifle is reliable and accurate. While your buddies are building another AR-15 for their ever-expanding collection, branch out to something a little different and check out the BRN-180 from Brownells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a>***<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The complete BRN-180 ain\u2019t cheap ($130-150 for the lower + $900 for the upper + parts), but it\u2019s a great option if you\u2019re in an AR-15 rut. The side charging handle and folding stock are eye-catchers at the range, and the rifle is reliable and accurate. While your buddies are building another AR-15 for their ever-expanding collection, branch out to something a little different and check out the BRN-180 from Brownells.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":138765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[872,694,593,37],"tags":[613,132,102,1032,1760],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-138837","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gun-reviews-ar-15","8":"category-gun-reviews","9":"category-jordan-michaels","10":"category-gun-reviews-rifles","11":"tag-ar-15","12":"tag-buzz","13":"tag-feature-articles","14":"tag-gun-review","15":"tag-rifle-review"},"yoast_head":"\nDitch the Same Ol\u2019 AR-15 with a BRN-180 (Lower Full Review)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The BRN-180 ain\u2019t cheap, but it\u2019s a great option if you\u2019re in an AR-15 rut and are looking to branch out to something a little different.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ditch-the-same-ol-ar-15-with-a-brn-180-lower-full-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ditch the Same Ol\u2019 AR-15 with a BRN-180 (Lower Full Review)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The complete BRN-180 ain\u2019t cheap ($130-150 for the lower + $900 for the upper + parts), but it\u2019s a great option if you\u2019re in an AR-15 rut. The side charging handle and folding stock are eye-catchers at the range, and the rifle is reliable and accurate. While your buddies are building another AR-15 for their ever-expanding collection, branch out to something a little different and check out the BRN-180 from Brownells.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ditch-the-same-ol-ar-15-with-a-brn-180-lower-full-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-01-17T20:16:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-07T04:50:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Feature-Glam-180.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"767\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta 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