Brownells BRN-180 Gen 3 16" Railed Upper .223 Wylde 1:8 Rifle-Length w/BCG&CH, Black

The third generation BRN-180 upper receiver introduces a series of detailed enhancements, primarily informed by user feedback and extensive testing. These updates significantly improve the Gen 3's ergonomics, adaptability and reliability, while maintaining the core features that have defined the BRN-180. The short-stroke gas piston operating system, based on the AR-180, remains unchanged, as does the buffer tube-free bolt carrier assembly housed entirely within the receiver. The robust construction is preserved, ensuring compatibility with standard mil-spec AR-15 lower receivers and those designed for buffer-tubeless uppers and picatinny mount stocks. For owners of Gen 1 or Gen 2 models, rest assured that these remain among the most advanced and reliable AR-15 type upper receivers available. The Gen 3 model builds upon this foundation, offering enhanced features. Notably, the charging handle has been relocated to the left side of the receiver and is now non-reciprocating, eliminating concerns about moving parts near the shooter's face. The slot is sealed with a rubber gasket, ensuring smooth operation while protecting the receiver's interior from dirt and debris. The previous "dogleg" charging handle is replaced with a streamlined, ergonomic design that provides additional clearance for optics. A new retention system prevents the guide assembly from ejecting unexpectedly when the charging handle is pulled with the upper separated from the lower receiver. For maintenance, a simple button press allows for easy removal of the rods and bolt carrier assembly. On the right side, an AR-15 style shell deflector has been added and the traditional flip-up ejection-port cover is replaced by a carrier-attached cover. This design ensures the ejection-port is sealed when the bolt carrier assembly is in battery and opens automatically during operation, maintaining protection against external contaminants. The gas system has been refined for ease of use, with a lever accessible through the handguard to select gas flow settings. For the .223 Cal, there are three positions: suppressed loads, normal unsuppressed operation and adverse conditions. The .300 AAC Blackout variant includes a fourth position for extreme conditions, such as heavy unsuppressed subsonic bullets. To mitigate gas exposure for users employing a forward support hand position, the surrounding area on the handguard is reinforced with solid metal to deflect venting gas. Repositions the charging handle away from the ejection port area, thereby preventing the discharge of metal debris with each shot fired The left side placement facilitates an improved allocation of tasks between the firing hand and the support hand The charging handle is now designed with a downward angle, facilitating a more accessible grip without the need to maneuver around the optic This design improvement also simplifies the manual process of locking back the bolt The receiver slot is sealed with a specialized Swiss-engineered rubber gasket This design prevents the ingress of dirt, dust and debris while allowing unrestricted movement of the charging handle The ejection port cover has been upgraded from the traditional AR-15 design to an integrated cover affixed to the bolt carrier assembly This cover operates in tandem with the action, effectively sealing the gap behind the carrier when the bolt is in the forward position Manual operation of the cover is not required The easy-adjust gas system allows for seamless adjustment between suppressed, normal and adverse gas settings by accessing the lever through the handguard opening This process requires no additional tools Furthermore, the lever can be easily disassembled for cleaning once the handguard is removed The contact interface between the handguard and the barrel has been extended, providing a significantly more rigid attachment This design minimizes flex and offers a highly stable platform for mounting aiming devices Ambidextrous quick detach (QD) sling sockets have been integrated into the upper rear section of the handguard to enhance versatility in sling attachment These socket cups are equipped with a hardened steel insert, designed to prevent wear on the surrounding aluminum material of the handguard caused by the swivel This component secures the guide rod and recoil spring assembly, preventing it from dislodging when the upper receiver is pivoted open or detached from the lower receiver to remove the recoil assembly, press the release button The integration of a flange directly behind the muzzle threads facilitates the installation of muzzle devices on 3/4 inches OD barrels This design eliminates the necessity for special adapters previously required in earlier 180 generations, ensuring a seamless transition from the 0.6 inches OD barrel Constructed from flat wire, these springs provide increased force to ensure the bolt carrier is fully engaged in the battery position, even under conditions of significant fouling and when the firearm requires extensive cleaning The anti-bounce bolt carrier upgrade incorporates a protrusion mechanism that laterally displaces the carrier upon entering the battery position This design effectively prevents rearward bounce, ensuring the carrier is fully seated in the battery when the firing pin is released Consequently, this upgrade mitigates the risk of light primer strikes The full-length steel cam path integrated within the receiver minimizes wear caused by the more durable steel carrier This design feature significantly extends the receiver's lifespan during prolonged use, particularly when employing sound suppressors