Brownells is going old school. For 2018, the Iowa-based manufacturer is launching its Brownells Retro rifle lineup of AR rifles, which includes four 5.56mm variants and two .308/7.62 models. The former features the “correct styling for rifles issued to GIs in the 1960s” and is available for purchase now, while the latter sports “the lightweight styling of Eugene Stoner’s original AR-10 design” and is set to ship in the spring, the presser says.
More on the .308/7.62 models, via the press release:
The BRN-10 will have the “trigger-style” charging handle in the top of the receiver, under the carry handle, and the same lines and contours as the first production AR-10®s from the 1950s.
With upper and lower receivers designed in conjunction with FM-Products, the BRN-10 is compatible with standard DPMS/SR25 components including triggers, magazines, barrels, bolt carrier groups, muzzle devices, buttstocks, pistol grips, handguards, and buffer assemblies.
It also features a newly-designed rear sight assembly with a peep sight adjustable for windage and elevation, with elevation setting viewable through the rear of the receiver.
See the specs for each Brownells Retro rifle below. For more information, head over to brownells.com.
Brownells Retro Model BRN-10A Rifle .308: 1955-1960
- Close copy of early rifles, such as issued by Netherlands
- Chrome Retro BCG
- 20” fluted barrel in .308 with 5/8″-24 threads & 1-10″ twist, nitride finish
- Brown furniture including original-style handguard
- Open 3-prong flash hider
- BRN-10 receiver set machined from 7075 billet aluminum
- Custom bolt catch, takedown pins, selector and mag release to match retro style
- Not compatible with 308 PMAGs due to lower receiver design
- $1,699.99 retail
Brownells Retro Model BRN-10B Rifle .308: 1955-1960
- Close copy of late-model rifles, as adopted by Cuba and other nations
- Chrome retro BCG
- 20” lightweight barrel in 308 with 5/8″-24 threads & 1-10″ twist, nitride finish
- Black furniture including original style handguard
- Portuguese-style closed-prong flash hider,
- BRN-10 receiver set machined from 7075 billet aluminum
- Custom bolt catch, takedown pins, selector and mag release to match retro style
- Not compatible with 308 PMAGs due to lower receiver design
- $1,599.99 retail
Brownells Retro Model BRN-601 Rifle 5.56mm: 1959-1964
- Close copy of original USAF contract rifle with green furniture
- Matte gray anodized receivers to mimic originals
- “Slabside” lower receiver, without a magazine release fence
- As a result of no fence, front pivot pin is not captive
- Faux roll pin to retain buffer tube (only cosmetic on Brownells Retro)
- “Duckbill” early 3-Prong Flash Hider w/ split washer
- “Slickside” upper receiver without shell deflector or forward assist
- 20” 5.56 lightweight M16A1 chrome-lined barrel with 1-12″ twist
- M16 “Slickside” Chrome BCG w/o forward assist serrations
- Triangle 601 Charging Handle
- Brownells 20-round Waffle Magazine
- $1,299.99 retail.
Brownells Retro Model XBRN16E1 Rifle 5.56mm: 1964-1967
- Copy of transitional rifle between 601 and M16A1, with features of both
- Matte gray anodized receivers to mimic originals
- Black furniture with period correct contours
- Partial fence lower receiver
- 20” 5.56 lightweight M16A1 chrome-lined barrel with 1-12″ twist
- 3-Prong Flash Hider w/ split washer
- Faux roll pin to retain buffer tube (only cosmetic on Brownells Retro)
- M16 Chrome BCG with Forward Assist Serrations
- Modern charging handle
- Brownells 20-round aluminum magazine
- $1,299.99 retail
Brownells Retro Model BRN-16A1 Rifle 5.56mm: 1967-1982
- Close copy of the iconic M16A1 first fielded in 1960s
- Matte gray anodized receivers to mimic originals
- Black furniture with period-correct contours
- Full fence M16A1 profile lower receiver
- 20” 5.56 lightweight M16A1 chrome-lined barrel with 1-12″ twist
- M16A1 Flash hider
- M16A1 bolt carrier group with phosphate finish and chrome lining
- Standard charging handle
- 20-round Brownells aluminum magazine
- $1,299.99 retail
Brownells Retro Model XBRN177E2 Rifle 5.56mm: 1967-1982
- An authentic copy of an early Special Forces carbine
- Matte gray anodized receivers to mimic originals
- Period-correct flash hider with grenade ring
- Period-correct furniture, including collapsible stock
- Full-fence M16A1 lower receiver
- 12.7″ 5.56 lightweight chrome-lined barrel with 1-12″ twist
- M16 Bolt Carrier Group with phosphate finish and chrome lining
- Standard charging handle
- Brownells 20-round aluminum magazine
- $1,299.99 retail
