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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - BRN-180 Gen 3 (Page 1 of 3)

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1/7/2025 1:09:31 PM EDT
This is going up today folks! I'll add some details and links in a bit when they go live.
The BRN-180  Gen 3 upper is available in 16" or 13.9" barrels chambered for .223 Wylde, or go compact with a 9" barrel in 300 Blackout. $1199.99

Landing Page

16" 223

13.9" 223

9' 300 BLK

New Lower  

Product Spotlight: BRN-180® Gen 3

1/7/2025 1:10:47 PM EDT
[#1]
That’s cool
1/7/2025 1:13:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Cool.

Still waiting on a 300 blk in the 6"- 7" range that can compete with the rattler.
1/7/2025 1:19:16 PM EDT
[#3]
They turned it into a gun for right handed shooters. That kind of sucks for us lefties,
but I’m sure “Righty” will appreciate it.
1/7/2025 1:22:00 PM EDT
[#4]
I have to say this is losing any resemblance whatsoever to the AR 180. It’s become more like a G-36 or an SA-80. It’s just a rifle that uses the AR 180s operating system, but has nothing else in common with it.
1/7/2025 1:33:46 PM EDT
[#5]
I lost half a tooth to a previous version because I didn't know the bolt carrier group was under tension inside the upper. Those motherfuckers should come zip tied from the factory.
1/7/2025 1:37:55 PM EDT
[#6]
As an early Gen 1 adopter I was excited for the Gen 3 when it was first teased.
It was near the top of my list for 2025 purchases.

Now, seeing that that charging handle doesn't appear to swappable from Left to Right, this is a giant F.
Who develops a product in 2024/25 and thinks single sided controls are OK?
1/7/2025 1:40:11 PM EDT
[#7]
Price?
1/7/2025 1:59:08 PM EDT
[#8]
Is this replacing the Gen 2, or will it be available alongside the Gen 2? In other words, should I buy a Gen 2 now before I can't any more? I have a BRN-180 slant-magwell lower that I need an upper for.
1/7/2025 2:00:03 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
Price?
View Quote
1199.99
1/7/2025 2:00:45 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
Is this replacing the Gen 2, or will it be available alongside the Gen 2? In other words, should I buy a Gen 2 now before I can't any more? I have a BRN-180 slant-magwell lower that I need an upper for.
View Quote
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.
1/7/2025 2:02:29 PM EDT
[#11]
I'll be getting a 9" .300 Blackout upper for sure.
1/7/2025 2:04:23 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have to say this is losing any resemblance whatsoever to the AR 180. It’s become more like a G-36 or an SA-80. It’s just a rifle that uses the AR 180s operating system, but has nothing else in common with it.
View Quote

This.  The initial appeal was being able to buy an AR18 style clone for us retro guys that missed out.  I know that the top rail and MOE forend weren't exactly retro, but the right side curved charging handle and folding stock still had that retro taste and look to it.  

This doesn't appeal to me at all now.
1/7/2025 2:04:42 PM EDT
[#13]
GD hates everything

1/7/2025 2:07:03 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
As an early Gen 1 adopter I was excited for the Gen 3 when it was first teased.
It was near the top of my list for 2025 purchases.

Now, seeing that that charging handle doesn't appear to swappable from Left to Right, this is a giant F.
Who develops a product in 2024/25 and thinks single sided controls are OK?

View Quote



It probably got put in an excel spreadsheet with other elements/features and tied to a revenue number or sales number and didn’t make the cut or it was scraped in the redesign because it interferes with some other aspect.

Doesn’t mean it was the right move though, a rifle is nothing more than a user interface device. “User” being the key term.
1/7/2025 2:07:06 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is this replacing the Gen 2, or will it be available alongside the Gen 2? In other words, should I buy a Gen 2 now before I can't any more? I have a BRN-180 slant-magwell lower that I need an upper for.
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.

Thank you.
1/7/2025 2:09:41 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is this replacing the Gen 2, or will it be available alongside the Gen 2? In other words, should I buy a Gen 2 now before I can't any more? I have a BRN-180 slant-magwell lower that I need an upper for.
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.


Short 7.62x39 coming back?
1/7/2025 2:13:50 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:


Short 7.62x39 coming back?
View Quote
The 7.62 guns have been a real hard sell with the ammo situation. If that changes, I'd imagine demand would go up.
1/7/2025 2:17:01 PM EDT
[#18]
Any plans for a 5-6” 500blk barrel option?  9” is ok but shorter is better.
1/7/2025 2:19:32 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Quoted:
Any plans for a 5-6" 500blk barrel option?  9" is ok but shorter is better.
View Quote
I'm going to post a poll for line extension this week so we can get the Arf input. I'll make sure to link in this thread.

Thanks!
1/7/2025 2:25:28 PM EDT
[#20]
Good changes for a usable gun, I suppose. I don't know that this is in any way better than a Sig Spear LT.

Kind of defeats the entire point of making it like an AR180. I thought the AR180 style lowers (that you don't sell anymore) paired with the Gen 1 URG were a neat, retro thing. This is no longer that.
1/7/2025 2:31:59 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have to say this is losing any resemblance whatsoever to the AR 180. It’s become more like a G-36 or an SA-80. It’s just a rifle that uses the AR 180s operating system, but has nothing else in common with it.
View Quote


I noticed that. I'm thinking it became apparent their customer base wasn't as interested in the retro flavor of it and wanted more of the modern to make this the same as everything else.
1/7/2025 2:37:35 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is this replacing the Gen 2, or will it be available alongside the Gen 2? In other words, should I buy a Gen 2 now before I can't any more? I have a BRN-180 slant-magwell lower that I need an upper for.
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.


That better include the most retro looking 18" barrel ones!
1/7/2025 2:38:35 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Quoted:
They turned it into a gun for right handed shooters. That kind of sucks for us lefties,
but I'm sure "Righty" will appreciate it.
View Quote
Right Privilege FTW.
1/7/2025 2:39:48 PM EDT
[#24]
Tag



1/7/2025 2:53:00 PM EDT
[#25]
Man that actually looks awesome and like a really nice refinement of the platform.
1/7/2025 2:55:57 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Quoted:


That better include the most retro looking 18" barrel ones!
View Quote
Unfortunately, the 18" were slow. We did, however, have some barrels available for a special run for a customer so they might come back in a limited quantity.
1/7/2025 3:05:02 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Quoted:
They turned it into a gun for right handed shooters. That kind of sucks for us lefties,
but I’m sure “Righty” will appreciate it.
View Quote


I thought they just euthanized you left handed people at birth?
1/7/2025 3:05:55 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is this replacing the Gen 2, or will it be available alongside the Gen 2? In other words, should I buy a Gen 2 now before I can't any more? I have a BRN-180 slant-magwell lower that I need an upper for.
We're keeping the most popular Gen2 uppers available.


We?

Is this Larry?!
1/7/2025 3:07:37 PM EDT
[#29]
Grendel Arc etc? These will work with the 180 lowers you did?
1/7/2025 3:08:46 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:
The 7.62 guns have been a real hard sell with the ammo situation. If that changes, I'd imagine demand would go up.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


Short 7.62x39 coming back?
The 7.62 guns have been a real hard sell with the ammo situation. If that changes, I'd imagine demand would go up.


I’ll have to get a CMMG Dissent upper then. Put my vote down for an ultra short 300BLK 5-6in.

I still want to do a folding brace piston gun in x39, 300, 556, and 9mm.
1/7/2025 3:08:47 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Quoted:
As an early Gen 1 adopter I was excited for the Gen 3 when it was first teased.
It was near the top of my list for 2025 purchases.

Now, seeing that that charging handle doesn't appear to swappable from Left to Right, this is a giant F.
Who develops a product in 2024/25 and thinks single sided controls are OK?

View Quote



10% of the population is left handed
7.2% of the population is gay


If the lefties are catered to then next it will be the gays, do you want your rifles to have dick shaped selectors and to shoot rainbows? A line needs to be drawn.
1/7/2025 3:09:05 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:
I'm going to post a poll for line extension this week so we can get the Arf input. I'll make sure to link in this thread.

Thanks!
View Quote


6-7" imo. Either way, it's needed. Do it
1/7/2025 3:12:13 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Quoted:
1199.99
View Quote
Is that for the upper alone or the full rifle?
1/7/2025 3:17:43 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Quoted:


Is that for the upper alone or the full rifle?
View Quote
Upper. We don't have it as a complete firearm at this time.

A new lower will be coming out this week to pair with it.
1/7/2025 3:19:32 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Quoted:
Upper. We don't have it as a complete firearm at this time.

A new lower will be coming out this week to pair with it.
View Quote
Is a bullpup lower?
1/7/2025 3:19:52 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Quoted:
Grendel Arc etc? These will work with the 180 lowers you did?
View Quote
I'll do a poll for line extensions. We have a few things in the works, but I want to get our team some good data on what the community wants!

Same compatibility as the other uppers. We do have a new lower coming out as well.
1/7/2025 3:21:13 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote History
Quoted:


We?

Is this Larry?!
View Quote
Ha - nope. I'm Ben. I work at Brownells in marketing.
1/7/2025 3:22:01 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Quoted:


Is a bullpup lower?
View Quote
Not at this time.
1/7/2025 3:25:27 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Quoted:
Not at this time.
View Quote
Unfortunate.  I'm not your target demo, I have no doubt, but I'd rather spend $1250 on a DD RIS III upper than one of these, but having a bullpup lower available would peak my interest ifor sure.
1/7/2025 3:26:12 PM EDT
[#40]
Great rifle (I have a Gen-1) - nice to see it continue.
1/7/2025 3:27:42 PM EDT
[#41]
Looks like some neat progression but overall I think I actually like the gen 2 more.

And at 1200, I'm taking a super duty upper and keeping some money in the bank.  Im guessing these will be perpetually "on sale".
1/7/2025 3:30:50 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Quoted:
Upper. We don't have it as a complete firearm at this time.

A new lower will be coming out this week to pair with it.
View Quote


Please post a link to the lower in here when released.
1/7/2025 3:37:38 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Quoted:
Cool.

Still waiting on a 300 blk in the 6"- 7" range that can compete with the rattler.
View Quote

They did indicate they would be making other lengths in the future...though they did not specify 300 BO.
1/7/2025 3:37:44 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Quoted:


Unfortunate.  I'm not your target demo, I have no doubt, but I'd rather spend $1250 on a DD RIS III upper than one of these, but having a bullpup lower available would peak my interest ifor sure.
View Quote
We're going to be doing a bit of market research here going forward. The new products team at Brownells is new to the company and are excited to bring cool stuff to life.
1/7/2025 3:39:01 PM EDT
[#45]
I have a .300 blk Gen 3 on the way. The controls are now more inline with other modern piston guns and I think this moves the BRN 180 from range toy/hunting rifle to a more "duty" grade rifle/pistol.  

This Gen 3 will be my fifth BRN 180.

1. Gen 1 rifle, 16 inch 5.56  with the removable handguard on a retro lower.
2. Gen 1.5 pistol, 10.5 inch 556 in BRN M lower.
3. Gen 2 pistol, 10 inch 300 BLK on BRN M lower.
4. Gen 2.5 rifle, 16 inch .350 Legend on Foxtrot Mike Ranch lower.
5. Gen 3  pistol, 9 inch .300.blk that will at first be in a BRN M lower.

These have been fun to own and shoot.
1/7/2025 3:40:43 PM EDT
[#46]
I assume the 13 is perm attached?
1/7/2025 3:44:15 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Quoted:
I assume the 13 is perm attached?
View Quote
Correct.
1/7/2025 3:47:12 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Quoted:
Correct.
View Quote

Nice.
1/7/2025 3:48:31 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Quoted:
Ha - nope. I'm Ben. I work at Brownells in marketing.
View Quote




Have Larry call me.
1/7/2025 3:52:28 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Quoted:
Correct.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I assume the 13 is perm attached?
Correct.


Can a non-P&W upper be purchased for those who have a registered lower?

Is the barrel CL or nitrided?  

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - BRN-180 Gen 3 (Page 1 of 3)