BRN-180 GEN3 Upper Receiver, 300BLK 9" (BLEM)

The BRN-180® GEN 3 upper receiver brings the trusted reliability of the original design into a new era, with enhanced ergonomics, greater durability and field-ready features developed directly from user feedback. Everything that made the BRN-180 a favorite, from the short-stroke gas piston system to its bufferless design and rugged construction - it is still here! What's changed is how refined and easy it is to use. 

When you pick up a BRN-180 Gen3 upper, the first thing you'll notice when you reach for the charging handle to check the chamber is.... there's no charging handle. Actually, there is, but we've moved it to the left side of the receiver. It is now non-reciprocating, so you don't have to worry about a mass of metal flying back and forth close to your face while you're shooting. The slot it rides in is sealed by a rubber gasket, so the handle moves freely but the interior of the receiver is protected from incursion of dirt, dust and debris. The quirky old "dogleg" charging handle is replaced by a more streamlined, ergonomic handle that angles downward to provide more clearance around your optic's objective bell.

When you pull back on that charging handle with the BRN-180 upper separated from the lower receiver, you will NOT get the surprise most of us got the first time we did that with a 180 upper. The guide assembly will not come shooting out the back of the receiver due a new retention system. When it's time to remove the rods and bolt-carrier assembly for cleaning, a quick push of the button lets you remove the assembly - no surprises!

Back on the right side, things are even more different. An AR-15 style shell deflector has been added just behind the ejection port. The traditional flip-up ejection port cover has been replaced by a cover that's attached to the carrier. When the bolt-carrier assembly is in battery, the ejection port is sealed. As the carrier moves back, the "automatic" port cover opens to allow the spent shell to depart. Then it seals right back up. All of this means the interior of the Gen3's receiver is superbly protected against incursion of external dust, dirt, or other debris.

Up front, we’ve updated the switchable gas system even easier to use. All BRN-180 Gen 3 now come with a gas block and gas valve coated with a Chromium Tungsten Nitride finish that greatly reduces carbon fouling which makes even easier to use. You reach through an opening in the handguard and flip the lever to one of three gas flow settings. Position 1 for suppressed loads, position 2 for normal operation unsuppressed, position 3 for adverse conditions. If you employ a far forward support hand position, your hand or wrist can be taking some of that gas blast. We've blanked off the surrounding area on the handguard with solid metal to deflect that venting gas.

If you own one or more Gen1 or Gen2 models, rest assured that you still have one of the most advanced, innovative, rock-steady dependable AR-15 type upper receivers currently available. If you add a Gen3 to your collection, you'll find that it delivers MORE of what the first two "Gens" offered.