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Originally Posted By O3scgt: Ive had good luck with mine so far. https://i.ibb.co/r4gyC7N/IMG-6430.jpg View Quote |
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Originally Posted By O3scgt: Ive had good luck with mine so far. https://i.ibb.co/r4gyC7N/IMG-6430.jpg View Quote I want to set mine up the same, sending PM with questions |
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I really want to pick one of these uppers up so bad, but they are expensive. Love seeing all that people are doing with them, especially those bullpup conversions.
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Originally Posted By BigRix: Got the charging handle design dialed in! https://ar180parts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/9766FC2C-8506-4737-9776-937AF3F711FC.jpeg View Quote Yo, what would you be axing for one??????? |
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Originally Posted By BigRix: https://www.ar15.com/forums/equipment-exchange/Straight-Charging-Handle-for-Brownells-BRN180-BRN-180/22-1996678/ View Quote Hell, I don’t even have a 180 upper yet and I might order one of these! |
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Lots of great info on this thread! I picked up a new BRN-180s upper the other day. So far I've put around 500 rounds through it. I used it for a carbine class the first time out and it performed flawlessly, both suppressed and unsuppressed. I did notice some unusual wear that appears to be brass striking the edge of the ejection port. It has actually peened the aluminum to a tiny sharp edge. The spot is just below the latch dimple for the dust cover. I'll try to attach a photo to show it.
Has anyone else noticed something similar? https://ibb.co/1dZxr6f,https://i.ibb.co/X3XT78Z/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg |
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Originally Posted By Cammer: Lots of great info on this thread! I picked up a new BRN-180s upper the other day. So far I've put around 500 rounds through it. I used it for a carbine class the first time out and it performed flawlessly, both suppressed and unsuppressed. I did notice some unusual wear that appears to be brass striking the edge of the ejection port. It has actually peened the aluminum to a tiny sharp edge. The spot is just below the latch dimple for the dust cover. I'll try to attach a photo to show it. Has anyone else noticed something similar? https://ibb.co/1dZxr6f,https://i.ibb.co/X3XT78Z/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg https://i.ibb.co/BrLRyNV/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg View Quote That looks to be where the detent for the dust cover hits the receiver. Probably has a steel detent that eats up the aluminum receiver. |
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Originally Posted By mercdank: That looks to be where the detent for the dust cover hits the receiver. Probably has a steel detent that eats up the aluminum receiver. View Quote No. The detent for the dust cover latches where it's supposed to: in the dimpled area right above the peened over spot. If you could see it in person it would be clear it's not the dust cover detent causing the problem. In fact, there is a built up edge, kind of a lip, aft of that area which makes it obvious that something is striking the receiver from the direction of the breech. The most obvious thing is spent brass casings. The reason for my post is to see if this wear mark is similar to what anyone else has seen on their own gun. I want to make sure that it's not a symptom of a deeper issue. |
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Originally Posted By Cammer: Lots of great info on this thread! I picked up a new BRN-180s upper the other day. So far I've put around 500 rounds through it. I used it for a carbine class the first time out and it performed flawlessly, both suppressed and unsuppressed. I did notice some unusual wear that appears to be brass striking the edge of the ejection port. It has actually peened the aluminum to a tiny sharp edge. The spot is just below the latch dimple for the dust cover. I'll try to attach a photo to show it. Has anyone else noticed something similar? https://ibb.co/1dZxr6f,https://i.ibb.co/X3XT78Z/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg https://i.ibb.co/BrLRyNV/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg View Quote @Cammer just wondering, are you using the stock charging handle? thought the "hand-crank" charging handle was supposed to double as a brass deflector, seen that in some slo-mo videos of the BRN-180, can't remember where. guess the original AR-180, being made of stamped sheet metal (steel), wouldn't have chipped, just gotten dinged, steel doesn't chip. maybe gotta JB-weld a steel cover on there to absorb the abuse? |
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Originally Posted By rpoL98: @Cammer just wondering, are you using the stock charging handle? thought the charging handle was supposed to double as a brass deflector, seen that in some slo-mo videos of the BRN-180, can't remember where. guess the original, being made of stamped sheet metal (steel), wouldn't have chipped, just gotten dinged. maybe gotta JB-weld a steel cover on there to absorb the abuse? View Quote Yep. I just got this two days ago. I just found out yesterday that there are charging handle alternatives available. But to your point, good idea. So I'm wondering if the ejector or extractor is out of spec perhaps? It's hard to say. I spent a lot of time on the phone today with Brownells and Primary Weapons talking to some guys who didn't seem to be very familiar with this problem, so I'm wondering if this is indicative of something that hasn't shown up before. |
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I've got a few hundo through my 180s and I've got the same divot forming on mine as well. I assumed it was from the brass due to the seemingly total lack of an ejection pattern aside "to my right"
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Originally Posted By TimeChuck: I've got a few hundo through my 180s and I've got the same divot forming on mine as well. I assumed it was from the brass due to the seemingly total lack of an ejection pattern aside "to my right" View Quote Thanks. That's good feedback. I'm waiting to hear back from the gurus at Primary Weapons Systems to see if they think it's indication of a problem with something internally out of spec. Keep watching this thread and I'll eventually post my findings. |
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Originally Posted By Cammer: Lots of great info on this thread! I picked up a new BRN-180s upper the other day. So far I've put around 500 rounds through it. I used it for a carbine class the first time out and it performed flawlessly, both suppressed and unsuppressed. I did notice some unusual wear that appears to be brass striking the edge of the ejection port. It has actually peened the aluminum to a tiny sharp edge. The spot is just below the latch dimple for the dust cover. I'll try to attach a photo to show it. Has anyone else noticed something similar? https://ibb.co/1dZxr6f,https://i.ibb.co/X3XT78Z/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg https://i.ibb.co/BrLRyNV/BRN180s-Brass-mark.jpg View Quote Yes, I have. I think it's causing my dust cover to randomly disengage, Brownell's suggested a new dust cover. Will report back once I test it. |
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Originally Posted By ForbiddenTuna: Yes, I have. I think it's causing my dust cover to randomly disengage, Brownell's suggested a new dust cover. Will report back once I test it. View Quote @ForbiddenTuna I haven't had a problem with the dust cover disengaging, but every gun has it's own personality so we'll see. I'm looking forward to your test results. |
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Broke down and ordered a 10.5" today. It has been on sale and used a $40 off coupon, as well as the Active Junky link to get some cash back. That makes it about as cheap as possible.
This sucker is only going to be used w/my Turbo on the end, so I'm hoping it will turn out to be a good host. |
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Originally Posted By czgunner: Broke down and ordered a 10.5" today. It has been on sale and used a $40 off coupon, as well as the Active Junky link to get some cash back. That makes it about as cheap as possible. This sucker is only going to be used w/my Turbo on the end, so I'm hoping it will turn out to be a good host. View Quote I am very curious to hear how it works for you. I have been thinking of doing the same. |
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Originally Posted By rpoL98: finally put it on its' own dedicated folding-stock lower. https://i.imgur.com/FFhXkSB.jpg https://i.imgur.com/36DwH6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DjjiTUE.jpg View Quote Nice job! Where did you find that stock? I've been thinking about building one like that. |
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Originally Posted By Cammer: Nice job! Where did you find that stock? I've been thinking about building one like that. View Quote it's ACE Doublestar. 3 components: - hinge. I went with the steel hinge, with the alignment "boss" to lock everything in place. Steel folding mechanism with boss. - AR adapter. with the corresponding alignment boss, "receiver block". ARRB. I tried the compact version, but the compact lockup I think is hokey. - ACE skeleton buttstock. I have the 9.5" without the QD socket, it was $30 cheaper (clearance?), now discontinued, i think. I substituted a Troy QD sling mount end plate, instead of a flat AR end plate. helps fill in the visual gap between the back of the lower receiver and the hinge/buttstock. you can set up the hinge to fold left, or right. https://doublestarusa.com/ace/buttstocks.html?cat=470 https://doublestarusa.com/parts-accessories/ace/folding-mechanisms.html https://doublestarusa.com/parts-accessories/ace/receiver-blocks.html |
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Unfortunately it looks like all they have now are AK stocks. I think I looked at this a few weeks ago and found the same issue.
Thanks for the help! 👍🏼 Originally Posted By rpoL98: it's ACE Doublestar. 3 components: - hinge. I went with the steel hinge, with the alignment "boss" to lock everything in place. Steel folding mechanism with boss. - AR adapter. with the corresponding alignment boss, "receiver block". ARRB. I tried the compact version, but the compact lockup I think is hokey. - ACE skeleton buttstock. I have the 9.5" without the QD socket, it was $30 cheaper (clearance?), now discontinued, i think. I substituted a Troy QD sling mount end plate, instead of a flat AR end plate. helps fill in the visual gap between the back of the lower receiver and the hinge/buttstock. you can set it up to fold left, or right. https://doublestarusa.com/ace/buttstocks.html?cat=470 https://doublestarusa.com/parts-accessories/ace/folding-mechanisms.html https://doublestarusa.com/parts-accessories/ace/receiver-blocks.html View Quote |
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@Cammer
the ala-carte stock that I used is indeed called a "redesigned AK skeleton stock", AKFX(L). the revised version now has the QD socket in the stock. the version that was discontinued and $30 cheaper didn't have the QD socket. But that's the buttstock. the receiver block adapts the whole kit-n-kaboodle to the AR-15 buffer-tube threaded upright of the lower. https://doublestarusa.com/akfx-l-redesigned-ak-skeleton-stock-9-5-qd-swivel-not-included-a319-ns |
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Okay. Gotcha. I think the name was throwing me off. 😅
Originally Posted By rpoL98: @Cammer the ala-carte stock that I used is indeed called a "redesigned AK skeleton stock", AKFX(L). the revised version now has the QD socket in the stock. the version that was discontinued and $30 cheaper didn't have the QD socket. But that's the buttstock. the receiver block adapts the whole kit-n-kaboodle to the AR-15 buffer-tube threaded upright of the lower. https://doublestarusa.com/akfx-l-redesigned-ak-skeleton-stock-9-5-qd-swivel-not-included-a319-ns View Quote |
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Originally Posted By rpoL98: @Cammer the ala-carte stock that I used is indeed called a "redesigned AK skeleton stock", AKFX(L). the revised version now has the QD socket in the stock. the version that was discontinued and $30 cheaper didn't have the QD socket. But that's the buttstock. the receiver block adapts the whole kit-n-kaboodle to the AR-15 buffer-tube threaded upright of the lower. https://doublestarusa.com/akfx-l-redesigned-ak-skeleton-stock-9-5-qd-swivel-not-included-a319-ns View Quote @Cammer i'm going to try the 8.5" version AKFX(S) A318, see how that fits the shoulder, shooting position. $95 free shipping, no tax. not sure why there's a listing for it at $81.99 but out-of-stock. https://doublestarusa.com/akfx-s-redesigned-ak-skeleton-stock-8-5-a318 |
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Originally Posted By rpoL98: finally put it on its' own dedicated folding-stock lower. https://i.imgur.com/FFhXkSB.jpg https://i.imgur.com/36DwH6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DjjiTUE.jpg View Quote It looks good! But appears the stock covers the ejection port. I admit there's little utility in the carbine being able to fire while folded, but still nice to have if possible. Why did you choose to fold the stock to the right instead of the left? |
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Originally Posted By BPR: It looks good! But appears the stock covers the ejection port. I admit there's little utility in the carbine being able to fire while folded, but still nice to have if possible. Why did you choose to fold the stock to the right instead of the left? View Quote @BPR the charging handle is already sticking out like a sore thumb on the right side, I'm thinking of overall width, including the CH, when folded. If I set it up to fold to the left, when folded, the overall width is wider, including the folded stock on the left and the charging handle on the right, it's fatter when cased, uses up more space. When folded to the right, the stock tucks in nicely under the CH, the CH can still be operated, and the port door flips down unimpeded. I do think that ejected brass will hit the tube of the stock, dunno yet. When the ranges re-open from 'rona, i'll try it out to see what happens. it's easy enough to flip it to fold left instead: undo the 2 screws for the stock, undo the 2 screws for the hinge, flip it over, reassemble. When I finally decide what it's going to be final, left-folder, right-folder, 8.5" stock, 9.5" stock, i'll reassemble and put blue locktite on the screws. was concerned about overall compactness when stowed. Just thought I'd post this option since folks seem to be squawking about BRN-180 folded stock options, altho they're probably the BRN-180 lower receiver owners going for the vintage look, not with regular ol' AR-15 lowers. Seems to be more options with the AR-15 lower. also posted in the Brownells Industry forum, same info. |
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Shot it today and got no unpleasant surprises. Accuracy seems good but it had been months since I went to the range and I was not 'in the zone'. I did start to get that 'chip' where the brass hits it. Fired about 50 rounds and its not bad yet. The only other happening of note was the last round in the mag sometimes had its brass get knocked back into the receiver and it would fall out of the mag well when I pulled the empty mag. I like the upper and my 'Mini-Rifle' definitely feels lighter.
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I did something without realizing it that actually turned out well. When I took the buffer and spring out, I didn't remove the buffer retaining pin. When I went to close the new upper, I had to push down on it a little to pin it. The fit was the best I've ever had, and even after shooting there was no play between the receivers. I finally realized that the buffer retaining pin was acting as spring-loaded tensioner and probably contributes to that fit. So if you are leaving your buffer in your lower, perhaps to make swapping uppers quicker or because you are using a fixed or carbine stock, there's no need to remove the retaining pin. There's a feature on the back of the upper that engages it as you close.
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You guys who have changed the FH - how hard was it to get the old one to break free? Did you have to use heat?
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Originally Posted By 1saxman: You guys who have changed the FH - how hard was it to get the old one to break free? Did you have to use heat? View Quote No. Use two appropriately sized wrenches. I think one is 9/16 and one is 3/4. The flash hider is backed up by a jam nut. It all looks one piece but is not. I really like the look of the FH, but I wanted to suppress it so it had to come off. |
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If you're going to fight, fight like you're the third monkey on the ramp to Noah's ark and brother, IT'S STARTING TO RAIN!
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Originally Posted By 1saxman: Well, mine just has one set of flats - I'm pretty sure its all one piece. https://i.imgur.com/ZuJqUJR.jpg View Quote @1saxman use a big-ass screwdriver, or pry bar on the 3-prong. the hex part is the jam nut. it's 2-piece. no, you didn't get a one-off, you're not that special. |
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Thanks - its actually a good mounting system because it keeps torque off the barrel. Now that I know for sure how it works, I should be able to do it without screwing anything up.
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That went well. Got my 'Warhog' mini-comp on and decided to use the same jam nut. Plenty of thread on the barrel for it and you never have to clamp or restrain the barrel to work on the muzzle attachment. Plus its super easy/quick to index the attachments that have to be clocked a certain way.
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Looks great. Is that an ETS mag?
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Yep, I have a few of them. In fact, the one in the picture of my rifle above is a rare Lancer, the first generation 'warfighter' in FDE, kind of semi-translucent. They were expensive but I got two, then they stopped that line until they could bring out the Gen 2 that they now sell.
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Originally Posted By 1saxman: Yep, I have a few of them. In fact, the one in the picture of my rifle above is a rare Lancer, the first generation 'warfighter' in FDE, kind of semi-translucent. They were expensive but I got two, then they stopped that line until they could bring out the Gen 2 that they now sell. View Quote I was going to say, it looks different than mine - I like that more transparent style. |
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Yeah, I was wondering about the color which is why I wasn't sure what they were.
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Originally Posted By rpoL98: @1saxman use a big-ass screwdriver, or pry bar on the 3-prong. the hex part is the jam nut. it's 2-piece. no, you didn't get a one-off, you're not that special. https://i.imgur.com/hGOpWx0.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6LS5jgX.jpg View Quote Maybe not, but I might have been 'special' enough to have received a newly revised FH which was my thinking after seeing that there was no way to use a second wrench on it. |
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I found my ammo today - PRVI 69 gr '.223 Match' (OTM). I shot 77 gr IMI the first time along with some 62 gr handloads. Today I tried PRVI 75 gr OTM, which was also good, but when I started using PRVI 69 gr OTM, the groups really tightened up. I'm shooting at 50 yds for this phase and will be going only to the 100 yd range in the future with this one. All the different types of ammo shoot to different points, plus I knew it was going to be off after installing the comp. I had no more of the 'last round brass not ejecting' which happened a few times last session, so I guess that was break-in related.
The only problem now is PRVI 69 gr is hard to get and I only have a few hundred. I have plenty of ammo I can shoot but it won't be centered - I'll just have to wait. |
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