Brownell's BRN-10 Shooting Impressions

Published on April 12, 2020
Duration: 11:46

This review of the Brownells BRN-10, a faithful reproduction of an early AR-10 design, highlights its historical accuracy and functional performance. The video details extensive magazine compatibility testing, identifying that only classic military-style steel or aluminum magazines, such as Brownells aluminum and C Products Defense/DuraMag steel, reliably function. Ammunition testing revealed a preference for heavier loads and noted issues with certain modern ammunition types failing to cycle properly. The reviewer emphasizes the rifle's potential for accuracy, especially with appropriate ammunition and magazines.

Quick Summary

The Brownells BRN-10, a historical AR-10 reproduction, requires specific magazines for reliable function. Classic military-style steel or aluminum magazines, such as Brownells aluminum and C Products Defense/DuraMag steel, are recommended due to the rifle's non-standardized magazine well dimensions. Modern polymer magazines often fail to fit or lock properly.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to Direct Impingement & BRN-10
  2. 00:48BRN-10 Design & Historical Context
  3. 01:07First Shots & Initial Impressions
  4. 01:37Shooting Impressions & Heat
  5. 01:53Modern Ammunition Testing Setup
  6. 02:09Magazine Compatibility Challenges
  7. 02:45Why AR-10 Mags Are Tricky
  8. 03:00Magazine Testing: ProMag Fail
  9. 03:27Magazine Testing: IMI Defense Fail
  10. 03:49Magazine Testing: Magpul PMAG Fail
  11. 04:03Magazine Testing: Short ProMag Fail
  12. 04:13Magazine Testing: C Products Steel Success
  13. 04:36Magazine Testing: Hexmag Fail
  14. 04:46Recommended Magazines for BRN-10
  15. 05:01Accuracy Testing Setup (50 Yards, Irons)
  16. 05:07Ammunition Loads for Testing
  17. 06:04Accuracy Test Results
  18. 06:16Nosler 125gr Performance
  19. 06:25PMC 147gr Performance
  20. 06:33PPU M80 Ball Performance
  21. 06:43Federal Power-Shok Fail
  22. 07:03Federal Premium 165gr TSX Performance
  23. 07:21Interpreting Accuracy Results
  24. 07:56Overall Accuracy Assessment
  25. 08:02Ammunition Pickiness & AR-10 History
  26. 08:11Concluding Thoughts on BRN-10
  27. 08:23Historical Accuracy Details
  28. 08:49Magazine Recommendations Recap
  29. 08:55Reliability with Surplus Ammo
  30. 09:14Recoil and Shooting Dynamics
  31. 09:35Honored to Shoot This Reproduction
  32. 10:07Extra: Modern AR-10 Mag Compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended magazines for the Brownells BRN-10?

For the Brownells BRN-10, it's crucial to use classic military-style steel or aluminum magazines. Specifically, Brownells' own aluminum magazines and C Products Defense/DuraMag steel magazines have been tested and proven to function reliably with the rifle's unique magazine well dimensions.

Why do many modern AR-10 magazines not work with the Brownells BRN-10?

The BRN-10, being a faithful reproduction of an early AR-10 design, lacks a standardized 'mil-spec' for magazine catch depth and placement. This, combined with specific design elements on modern polymer magazines like 'stylized lines,' prevents them from properly seating or locking into the BRN-10's magwell.

How accurate is the Brownells BRN-10?

When tested at 50 yards with iron sights, the Brownells BRN-10 demonstrated good accuracy, achieving groups of approximately one inch, particularly with Federal Premium 165-grain Barnes TSX ammunition. The rifle is considered capable of better accuracy with optimal ammunition and shooter skill.

What types of ammunition performed best in the Brownells BRN-10?

The BRN-10 performed well with standard military-spec loads like PMC 7.62 NATO 147-grain and PPU M80 Ball 147-grain. Heavier loads, such as the Federal Premium 165-grain Barnes TSX, also yielded excellent accuracy. Lighter loads and some specific modern hunting rounds experienced cycling issues.

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