Home»Commentary»First Look: Brownells BRN-601 Upper Receiver

First Look: Brownells BRN-601 Upper Receiver

0
Shares
Pinterest WhatsApp

Brownells is re-introducing the historical and retro styled BRN-601 upper receiver for AR-15 pattern rifles.

The BRN-601 is a detailed and accurate replica of the vintage upper receiver found on the first AR-15 pattern rifle adopted during the early 1960s. It has a period-correct, gray-anodized “slickside” fixed carry handle upper receiver with a 20-inch-long pencil barrel that has the original, slower 1:12-inch twist rate. The muzzle is topped with the vintage “duckbill” three-prong flash hider. Brownells has also included a vintage styled “slickside” chrome M-16 profile bolt carrier group (BCG) that is machined from 9310 alloy steel. This upper receiver also sports a set of olive drab polymer traditional “triangular” AR-15 handguards found on M-16s during the 1960s and ’70s prior to the M16-A2 upgrades. The green color mimics the original vintage upper receivers that had their handguards painted by hand.

The 1:12-inch-twist-rate barrel was originally intended to stabilize 55-grain projectiles, and ammunition with this bullet weight is ideal for the BRN-601. Unlike the original bolt carrier group, the BRN-601’s carrier group comes with modern firing pin, modern gas key screws and a properly staked gas key for added safety and reliability.

Brownells BRN 601 Specifications:

  • Upper Receiver: Slickside fixed carry handle
  • Barrel Length: 20 inches
  • Barrel Twist: 1:12-inches
  • Chamber: 5.56 NATO
  • Sights: 5 position front sight, original rear sight adjustable for windage only
  • Finish: Matte gray anodizing (original style)
  • Flash Hider: Three-prong duckbill

Vintage Colt 601 upper receivers are extremely collectable and no longer easily found, so the BRN-601 is ideal for AR-15 fans who want an affordable and accurate replica of the original for their “retro” AR build. This modern produced complete upper receiver has a starting retail price of $899. To learn more, visit Brownells.com.

Article by SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED STAFF

 

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

 

Previous post

IWI Issues Recall on Carmel Rifle

Next post

Review: Extar EP9