Out of stock
SKU: 430106122
UPC: 050806000001
MPN: BRN-180S GEN 2
The BRN-180S Gen 2 is a complete 14.5" upper receiver assembly chambered in .223 Wylde, built for shooters who want the AR-180 short-stroke piston platform in a compact package. Developed alongside PWS and FM Products, this 180-14.5 upper drops onto any mil-spec AR-15 lower without a buffer tube, recoil spring, or receiver extension. That self-contained recoil system is the headline feature, since it opens the door to folding-stock builds that a standard direct-impingement AR upper can't accommodate. It's a strong fit for anyone building a short, suppressor-ready carbine on an existing lower.
The .223 Wylde chamber feeds both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington reliably, and the 14.5" lightweight barrel carries a 1-8" twist that stabilizes everything from light varmint loads to 77-grain match bullets. Construction is 7075 T6 aluminum for the receiver and free-float M-LOK handguard, both hardcoat anodized matte black, over a 4150 carbon steel barrel with a Nitride finish. The short-stroke gas piston is adjustable across two settings, U for unsuppressed and S for suppressed shooting, so gas can be tuned when a can goes on. The muzzle is threaded 1/2"-28 for standard muzzle devices, and a Nitride-finished multi-lug rotating bolt and side charging handle round out the operating system. The handguard removes with a single locking screw for cleaning and maintenance access.
This upper makes the most sense for builders who already own a stripped or complete mil-spec AR-15 lower and want a piston-driven, folding-compatible platform without buying a whole new rifle. The two-position gas adjustment and 1/2"-28 threads make it a practical base for a suppressed truck gun or a packable carbine. Pair it with a quality lower parts kit and a folding stock to take advantage of the self-contained recoil design. Browse our full lineup of AR-platform components to complete the build, and check our other upper receivers if you're comparing barrel lengths and calibers.
No. The BRN-180S Gen 2 uses a self-contained recoil system, so it does not need a buffer tube, recoil spring, or receiver extension. This is what allows it to work with folding stocks on a compatible mil-spec AR-15 lower, unlike standard direct-impingement uppers.
It's designed to fit mil-spec AR-15 lower receivers. Because the recoil system is self-contained in the upper, you can run it on a lower without a receiver extension, which expands your build options compared to a conventional AR upper.
Yes. The short-stroke gas piston has two settings: U for unsuppressed shooting and S for suppressed shooting. The 14.5" barrel is threaded 1/2"-28, so you can mount standard muzzle devices or a suppressor and tune the gas accordingly.
The .223 Wylde chamber is cut to safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington while delivering good accuracy with match-grade loads. With the 1-8" twist barrel, it stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, including heavier 77-grain projectiles.
No. This is an upper receiver assembly only. It must be paired with a compliant mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver to build a functioning firearm. The listed weight of 4.0 lbs reflects the upper assembly by itself.
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