About a year and a half ago, I bought a 16" BRN-180 Gen 1 upper assembly and a BRN-180 lower and built my first build of this nature. Well, a few weeks ago, I decided to buy a Gen 2 BRN-180S upper assembly. I wanted another BRN-180 lower, but there was no speculation as to when they would be available again. I then turned my attention toward the 17DM-180 lower made by 17 Design & Mfg. as it was designed specifically for the BRN-180 uppers. Since this was going to be a pistol build, I wanted to use the new Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1 and some sort of folding support for it. I originally wanted the Midwest Industries new brace support, but they are out of stock until who knows when. I continued looking until I found something to my liking and that was an offering from A3 Tactical. Here are the specs on both builds.






BRN-180 Build

Upper Assembly:
BRN-180 AR-15 16" 223 Wylde Upper Receiver Assembly
Centurion Arms MLOK Handguard Rail Cover (Black)
Centurion Arms MLOK CMR Handguard Hand Stop (Black)

Lower Assembly:
BRN-180 Forged Stripped Lower Receiver
MCX/MPX Minimalist Folding Stock (Black)
CMMG Lower Parts Kit
LaRue Tactical MBT-2S
TangoDown BattleGrip (BG-16)

Optic/Sights:
Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Folding Sight Set






BRN-180S Pistol Build

Upper Assembly:
Brownells BRN-180S 10.5” 223 Wylde Upper Receiver Assembly
Centurion Arms MLOK Handguard Rail Cover (Black)
Centurion Arms MLOK CMR Handguard Hand Stop (Black)

Lower Assembly:
Brownells 17DM-180 Billet Lower Receiver
Aero Precision Lower Parts Kit (No FCG, Trigger Guard, or Pistol Grip)
LaRue Tactical MBT-2S
TangoDown BattleGrip (BG-16)
A3 Tactical Picatinny Modular Side Folding Arm Brace (8.65” offset) w/ Tailhook adapter
Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1 Pistol Brace (black)

Optic/Sights:
Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Folding Sight Set