SHOT Show 2019: Old Meets New with Brownells BRN-PROTO & BRN 180

Brownells is channeling their inner Eugene Stoner with the launch of the Brownells BRN-PROTO & and BRN 180.

When Brownells introduced their Retro line of rifles, it was a welcomed change of pace for an industry that is always looking to build on top of the original Armalite Rifle design. Going retro is something that many industries toy with, from auto to apparel, seeking inspiration from original designs. What is not common, however, is for a manufacturer to resurrect prototypes that never made it in to the hands of the end user.

We were on hand at the Brownells booth as they announced their two newest products for 2019, the BRN-PROTO and the BRN 180.

BRN-Proto

First up is the BRN-PROTO. This design, being sold as a complete rifle, is based closely on the prototype AR-15 Serial No. 1.

This rifle is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and has a very unique, trigger-style charging handle which is contained under the carry handle. The rifle also features polymer furniture in brown which gives it the look of the original prototypes fiberglass furniture.

The magazine is a 25-round steel magazine, a Brownells exclusive, which really completes the authentic look of the rifle.

Available for pre-order, and shipping in early February 2019 at an MSRP of $1,499.99, the BRN-PROTO has the following features:

Slabside lower receiver
Slickside upper receiver with trigger-style charging handle in the top
Matte gray anodizing
20″ 5.56 X45mm NATO Barrel with 1-12″ twist and chrome bore
Chrome-plated Bolt Carrier Group
Duckbill 3-Prong Flash hider
Brown buttstock, pistol grip and original AR-10-style handguard
Includes 25rd steel magazine, Operations Manual, Chamber Flag

BRN 180

Next up is the BRN-180, which is Brownells take on the AR-180 design. This is being sold as a complete upper, pair-able with any mil-spec lower receiver. What make’s this set up different than a standard AR-15, is that you will be able to fire this gun with the stock folded to the side.

Features of the BRN-180 Upper include:

Twin internal guide rods
Polymer ejection port cover
Easy-to-remove M-LOK® handguard
Original-style 3-prong flash hider
.223 Wylde chamber
1-8″ twist rifling
Reciprocating side charging handle

MSRP on the BRN-180 is $799. These uppers will be available for pre-order and shipping by the end of January 2019.

Ben Ryder

Ben currently leads the editorial staff for Outdoorhub, Alloutdoor, and The Firearm Blog. He is an avid outdoorsman and has hunted for large game across the United States including Alaska, Texas and his home state of Michigan. Ben also has a deep knowledge and passion for firearms and has participated in various civilian courses focusing on precision rifle shooting, carbine, pistol, ammunition reloading, and hunting focused firearm applications. Outside of work, Ben pursues a number of water based activities spending his free time in Northern Michigan boating and fishing on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.