Brownells BRN-180 Upper Receiver Assembly .22 LR Piston System

The Brownells BRN-180 Upper Receiver Assembly in .22 LR delivers reliable piston-driven operation without the gas system complications of traditional direct impingement designs. This complete upper assembly transforms any AR-15 lower into a smooth-cycling rimfire platform ideal for training and plinking applications.

What Makes This Different

Unlike standard blowback .22 LR conversions, the BRN-180 utilizes a short-stroke piston system that runs cleaner and requires less maintenance. The self-contained operating system eliminates gas tube fouling issues common with direct impingement firearms. This design reduces felt recoil and provides consistent cycling across various ammunition weights and velocities.

Key Features

• Short-stroke piston operating system for reliable .22 LR cycling
• Complete upper receiver assembly ready for installation
• Compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers
• Integrated charging handle eliminates separate bolt carrier group
• Mil-spec aluminum construction with hard coat anodizing
• Standard Picatinny rail for optics and accessories
• No gas system maintenance or cleaning required

The piston-driven mechanism excels in high-volume shooting scenarios where traditional gas systems would accumulate excessive fouling. Training facilities and competitive shooters benefit from extended shooting sessions without performance degradation. The .22 LR chambering provides economical practice while maintaining familiar AR-15 manual of arms and ergonomics.

Technical Specs

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Operating System: Short-stroke piston
• Barrel Length: Varies by configuration
• Upper Receiver: Forged aluminum, Type III hard coat anodized
• Rail System: MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny top rail
• Compatibility: AR-15 pattern lower receivers
• Manufacturer: Brownells
• Country of Origin: United States

The BRN-180 upper assembly represents a practical solution for shooters seeking reliable .22 LR performance in the AR platform. The piston system's inherent cleanliness and consistent operation make this upper particularly valuable for training applications and extended shooting sessions.