Brownells BRN-601 Original M16 Reproduction 5.56 20” Retro Carbine AR-15
SOLD FOR: $1325
WOA#: WY230325PK007
Make: Brownells
Model: BRN-601
Serial Number: B6010611
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 5.56 / .223
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “MOD. BRN-601 CAL. 5.56MM SER. B6010611 BROWNELLS INC MONTEZUMA, IA USA SAFE SEMI”. The neck of the bolt head is marked “MP”. The right side of the carry handle is marked “C” with a Splintered A Forge Mark. The right side of the gas block is marked “<B>1”.
Barrel Length: 20”. Pencil Profile. 21” with 3 prong flash hider 1:12 Twist
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an A1 post iron sight and the rear sight is A1 Type L-type flip aperture. The top of the carry handle is mounted with a Brownells Retro AR-15 Carry Handle 4x Scope in Excellent condition. The sight picture is clear.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is an original style buttstock with sling ring, and serrated buttplate with no trap door. The pistol grip is an A1 grip with sling loop. The handguard is an A1 style triangular handguard. The bottom of the gas block has a bayonet lug and sling swivel. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. There are loose storage draglines on the handguard and buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering on the grip is crisp. Chrome Plated BCG. Original 601 Charging Handle.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 20rd Brownells AR-15 magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Anodized Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are some light storage drag lines on the barrel and carry handle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this Retro style rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Total of one magazine in factory packaging, Green Nylon Sling, and Brownells Scope Factory Box with instructions.
Our Assessment: The Brownells BRN-601 is a faithful reproduction of the very first M16 adopted by the US Military in the early 1960s. This rifle is a nostalgic piece of American military history, and it’s been painstakingly crafted to look and feel just like the original.
The BRN-601 features a classic triangular handguard, 20-inch barrel, and a slick-side upper receiver with a carry handle. The rifle also features the iconic “Duckbill” flash hider (3-pronged) with original charging handle that is unique to this rifle. The Brownells team went to great lengths to ensure that every detail of this rifle was as close to the original as possible and with every year the iterations are getting closer and closer to the original as they work through resource, research, and reproduction costs.
This rifle is not only a beautiful piece of history but is also a functional and reliable rifle that is still relevant today. It’s chambered in 5.56 NATO, so it can fire both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition. If you’re a fan of military history and the AR-15 platform, the Brownells BRN-601 is an excellent choice.