Fullauto AR-18 vs. Brownells BRN180

Published on January 9, 2020
Duration: 26:10

This review compares the original full-auto Armalite AR-18 with the modern Brownells BRN-180 upper receiver. The AR-18, designed by Eugene Stoner's influence, utilized a stamped metal construction and short-stroke gas piston to bypass patents. The BRN-180 modernizes this design, offering an AR-180 style upper compatible with AR-15 lowers, featuring M-LOK rails and improved robustness over earlier AR-180B variants.

Quick Summary

The Brownells BRN-180 is an AR-180 style upper receiver designed for AR-15 lowers, featuring the AR-18's short-stroke piston system. It modernizes the platform with M-LOK rails and an aluminum construction, offering improved durability over earlier AR-180B models.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Intro: Original Armalite AR-18
  2. 00:55AR-18 Design: Piston System History
  3. 02:27AR-18 Manufacturing & Context
  4. 04:38Shooting the Full-Auto AR-18
  5. 05:16AR-180B Flaws
  6. 08:47Brownells BRN-180 Intro
  7. 11:02Internal Comparison: AR-18 vs BRN-180
  8. 14:08BRN-180 Features & Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Armalite AR-18 and the Brownells BRN-180?

The original Armalite AR-18 is a complete rifle, often full-auto, built with stamped steel. The Brownells BRN-180 is an upper receiver assembly designed to fit standard AR-15 lower receivers, modernizing the AR-180 platform with features like M-LOK rails and an aluminum construction.

Why did Armalite develop the AR-18 with a short-stroke gas piston system?

After selling rights to Colt, Armalite needed a new rifle design that was easier and cheaper to manufacture, especially for export. The short-stroke piston system also helped them avoid patent infringement issues related to Eugene Stoner's direct impingement system used in the AR-15.

What are the advantages of the Brownells BRN-180 upper receiver?

The BRN-180 offers the reliability of the AR-18's short-stroke piston system in a modern package compatible with AR-15 lowers. It features M-LOK rails, an aluminum upper receiver for durability, and improved ergonomics over older AR-180 variants.

Was the Armalite AR-18 ever adopted by a major military?

No, the AR-18 was never officially adopted by a major military force. However, it was manufactured under license in Japan and the UK and famously saw use with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Northern Ireland.

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