Brownells BRN-180 Short Stroke Rifle AR-180 5.56 18” AR-15 Lancer Trigger

SOLD FOR: $850

WOA#: WY230220VM005

Make:  Brownells

Model: BRN-180

Serial Number: 180-00775

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: 5.56 / .223

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short-Stroke Gas Piston

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “MODEL . BRN-180 / CAL . 5.56X45mm / S/N . 180-00775” with “SAFE / FIRE” around the safety.  The left side of the receiver is marked, “BROWNELLS INC. GRINNELL . IA” with “SAFE / FIRE”.  The left side of the upper receiver is marked, “BRN-180”.

Barrel Length: 18”.  19.75” with fixed muzzle device.

Sights / Optics:  The top of this rifle is a uninterrupted full length picatinny rail for all your favorite sights and optics.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a skeleton folding stock with ambi QD mounts, and soft rubber buttpad.  The left side of the upper receiver has a rubber impact absorber for the folding stock to rest upon when folding against the receiver.  The pistol grip is a polymer faux wood grip with side serrations.  The trigger is a Lancer Systems CMC Drop in Flat Trigger.  The rear of the receiver is a picatinny rail for custom buttstock options.  The charging handle is located on the right side of the bolt and is an upswept handle for easier manipulation.  Has Ambidextrous safety.  The handguard is a 14” MLOK handrail.  The LOP measures 11.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the fully buttstock.  The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.  There is some wear inside of the picatinnies on the handrail.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  None.  Takes standard AR-15 magazines.

Type of Finish: Anodized Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear mainly consisting of a couple light scratches and loose storage marks over the receiver.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.  There is no short stroke gas piston in this rifle and will need one to become operational.

Mechanics:  There is no short stroke gas piston in this rifle and will need one to become operational.  

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Brownells BRN-180 is a modern take on the classic AR-180 rifle, originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the 1960s. Brownells, a well-known firearms and accessories retailer, has reimagined and recreated the AR-180 platform with modern enhancements, resulting in the BRN-180.

The BRN-180 features a short-stroke piston system, which differentiates it from the direct impingement system typically used in AR-15 rifles. The short-stroke piston system reduces fouling and heat buildup in the receiver, which can lead to increased reliability and easier maintenance. The piston is adjustable for different gas settings, allowing for fine-tuning depending on ammunition or shooting conditions.

The BRN-180 lower receiver is compatible with standard AR-15 lower parts kits, making it easy to customize with a wide variety of aftermarket AR-15 components. The lower receiver also features a flared magazine well for smooth and fast magazine changes.

Overall, the Brownells BRN-180 is a modern and innovative take on the classic AR-180 platform, offering unique features with its short-stroke piston system. It provides shooters with a reliable and versatile firearm that is well-suited for various shooting applications, including competition shooting, recreational shooting, and home defense.  This rifle is missing its short stroke gas piston and will need one installed to become operational.  Please see specs below and good luck!