Brownell’s BRN-180

I went PSA Jakl instead. Too many little things I didn’t love about the BRN.
 
They’ve got a solid rep as does Brownells, but there are some high round count (5000+) reports of wear/gouging in the upper receiver from the carrier. I didn’t want a reciprocating charging handle and went with a Foxtrot Mike upper instead.
 
I have shot 30 rounds from one suppressed. I just purchased one but haven’t gotten the lower put together yet. Waiting on some parts 😕
 
If you’re just looking at an upper vs complete rifle I’m no help.

I picked up a CZ Bren 2ms recently and absolutely love it. Non-reciprocating, light weight, completely ambi.

They’re getting real-world use in Ukraine with solid reports. Flip side of that is limited parts availability for now.
 
Another FM15 upper here. Just seems like a better design to me. I'm only about 400 rounds in, but it's running great with 62 grain and 55 grain.
I'll point out the forward charging complicates magazine changes unless you use a BAD lever.
 
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Tim said:
If you’re just looking at an upper vs complete rifle I’m no help.

I picked up a CZ Bren 2ms recently and absolutely love it. Non-reciprocating, light weight, completely ambi.

They’re getting real-world use in Ukraine with solid reports. Flip side of that is limited parts availability for now.
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I’ve admired CZ for a long time, but never purchased or even shot one.

The upper is for my sbr lower. I need something easier to get across state lines.
 
CoryMcNeill said:
Don't forget the sig mcx.....this is very much like it. This is the route I went.
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This is next on my list. I have the Jakl, I like it but it’s nowhere near as refined as the Spear-LT I handled. The downside of course is the price tag.
 
Oh yeah for sure. I have an mcx and an mpx and love them both. The price was less than awesome but caught a few good deals on tacswap. My non piston go to now is my bcm. The mcx and mpx just run different and just feel right on the hands.
 
Tim said:
If you’re just looking at an upper vs complete rifle I’m no help.

I picked up a CZ Bren 2ms recently and absolutely love it. Non-reciprocating, light weight, completely ambi.

They’re getting real-world use in Ukraine with solid reports. Flip side of that is limited parts availability for now.
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Let's say I know a guy who will sell me a 16 inch Bren 2 MS for $1500.
In your opinion, worth the money over a fancy AR in the same price range?
 
Exspiravit said:
Let's say I know a guy who will sell me a 16 inch Bren 2 MS for $1500.
In your opinion, worth the money over a fancy AR in the same price range?
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YUP! especially the 16" as it has a bit heavier barrel.
 
@WillE

I have the shorty BRN-180 upper in 223w and it’s wonderful. Very smooth, adjustable gas block, and runs great suppressed. I recently snatched up a BRN lower as well to make it a complete set.

All that being said, I’d choose my AK over it any day, hands down.

I have a thing for crude, unrefined things that can chop through cinderblock walls… and red heads ;)
 
WillE said:
You obviously liked it enough to buy one. Do you see it becoming a primary arm or more of a fun experiment?
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If it makes it through 500 rounds with no issues, my plan is to put it in the rotation.
 
WillE said:
Thanks for the info @Supermatch and @Jerzsubbie. I’m in the market for another 16” upper to shoot in matches. So I’m just doing some research.
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If you are just looking for something easy for matches, maybe a more standard upper would be a better choice. If nothing else if something goes down there’s a near 100% chance of someone (another shooter, range, local gun shop, etc) having compatible parts on hand for an AR, probably closer to 0% for a BRN-180. But I get it that sometimes you just want to do something different or a particular gun kind of grabs you…
 
So I decided to get a regular 16” upper from BCM. They are running a sale on uppers and include a BCG for free with a purchase. No pics as of yet since I haven’t finished my honey-do list. I’ll report back after taking it to the range.
 
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