Glad that Brownells finally came out with a 13.7" CHF chrome lined barrel upper and a 13.7", 14.5", & 16" chrome lined barrel replacements. My BR-4 upper now has a 13.7" barrel.
Great review. I'm issued a 416 14.5 at work. We're getting ready to phase them out soon due to parts availability. I have a MR556 and a couple HK 416 10" uppers but want to definitely want to get my hands on one of these. It's a tad bit heavy but rock solid under rapid fire. And it's way easier to clean. I think the price is fairly reasonable compared to the real deal.
Well Faxon mad the barrels so I believe that’s on them. Plus I was reading and I think only HK had the hammer forge machine to make the barrels for the 416 and 417.
@@shootintheshtpodcast Yeah only a few companies manufacture CHF barrels. It would have been though hilarious if Brownells contracted with FN to make the barrels. HK would probably not be happy. The reason we can't get actual HK chrome lined CHF barrels in the US is because of German export laws.
Nitride barrels are every bit as good as a quality CHF, though. You really don't need CHF. Nitride barrels will also give you an extra edge on accuracy.
@@seijiroukikuoka5975 Yet the top manufacturers like KAC, DD, FN, Geissele still go with CHF chrome lined barrels. Even LMT, Criterion, and Colt use a chrome lined barrels. Nitride is better than an unlined barrel, but nowhere near chrome lining in terms of longevity and durability. The only reason manufacturers go with nitride versus chrome is that's easier to apply consistently. I'll take a DD barrel over Faxon, Rosco, or BA any day.
@@jonathanwick1265 only because chrome lined fared better with fully automatic fire. Otherwise, there's no point going with chrome lining or CHF. If you plan to go full auto, I won't stop you, but if it's just semi-automatic with fast strings, you're overthinking.
I built a 16” brn-4 before they offered the complete uppers. The brownells upper had a recall so I had to send it back (still haven’t gotten it back yet 6 months later) I bought the legit HK upper and one of brownells 14.5” barrels and haven’t had a problem with it, other than having to get a heaver buffer for the suppressor.
I've been wanting to build one of these, but the short version. Still a lot for what it is, but different than the run of the mill stuff. Watched Adam's videos on this upper.
It’s a great little upper and if I built one it’s be a 10.4 version. I’ve heard of people making the 10.4 a 300BLK which would be a good short and heavy piece, but it would be cool.
Almost bought one of these, but I saw a post on Reddit where a guy bought one and there were mill marks all over it. Also, the weight was a big turn off. I ended up getting a BRN-180 instead. It is much lighter, and I like the folding stock aspect.
The BRN-180 is freakin amazing, the tooling marks are not bad on the ones I’ve seen. I think people just love to complain about shit on Reddit. But either way you would’ve made a good purchase
@@shootintheshtpodcast yeah you're right about that. All they do is complain over at Reddit. Really wanted one in RAL8K. Man I love that baby poop yellow 💛!
I got mine in December 2022. I freaking love it. Brownells was selling build it yourself uppers in a whole kit with HK 416 surplus stripped receivers but unfortunately only offered 14.5” and 16” barrels in those kits. They sold 10.4” barrels separately which I had to have so I ended up spending more buying all the pieces separately to build the 10.4” upper. To complete it I got a HK 416 quad rail from HK parts. The whole upper ended up costing me $1792 but I couldn’t be happier with it! Anyone else not a fan of the Midwest industries mlok handguards that have the little scallops all over it? I think it would look better if they didn’t cut those scallops out and it was smooth like the Geissele rails. I know it’s for weight savings and kinda their signature look but no thanks. I love the MI quad rails though.
I like the scalloping because it allowed for better grip. Now I use a VFG so it really doesn’t apply, but still I like all the small things MI does that doesn’t cost a fortune
A lot of money was spent for something that is a subpar rifle. Any $500 AR-15 will outlast it and will outperform it. On one example the teeth on the bolt carrier broke in under 1000 rounds through it so I hope your's can outlast it.
Due to the weight of rather run a BRN-180 over both of those options. I love the BRN-4 and the Virtus is also nice, but the BRN-180 is way lighter. But if I have to choose between your two options, I’m take a BRN-4 just due to sig making people its beta testers
Do you have a few hundred rounds through it ? Golden Webb did burn down & piston broke few hundred rds. They did a revision is that one of those ?? Or is that one of them with inferior parts ??
@shootintheshtpodcast hello & ty for replying. I'm considering after watching your video & Focus Tripp also gives honest reviews (he doesn't accept products/sponsorship.) But then I watched Golden Webb (semi-auto) break like 200rds. attempting a burndown. I also asked Jon Tripp (focus tripp) & Caleb (Brownells )intervened in comments explaining what broke and how they upgraded it , then proceeded trying to ban me. So I find myself asking you before I spend big cheddar.
@ his burn down on the 14.5 was full auto. I believe my video is over a year old. The upper shoots. It’s a good upper. Myself nor the guy who has sent me this upper ever had an issue. He’s run it in multiple night vision courses. Check out his video I’ll post it here. It’s his BRN-4 upper. Brownells I think deleted their comment. I don’t see it on golden webbs channel at all
@@ronaldrey8474 ruclips.net/video/Fo3vWPPFBhQ/видео.htmlsi=1XtlB5BpwdgMLwml Here is his video about this upper. It’s the same upper I ran, he sent it to me
@shootintheshtpodcast thx again for answers. Golden Webb just released a video yesterday I think that the video was removed but he won on appeal. Unfortunately Caleb tries to ban you if not positive. Focus Tripp mentioned really accurate to . Did you find it being pretty accurate oh in Chrome lined ?? That's my last question thx again
I hate Heckler and Kuck for how much they hate us, but I still want a 416 upper. Brownells did it right. Once my state returns to freedom, I'm copping the BRN4.
@@shootintheshtpodcast yeah, the piston system doesn't help. That's why the "medium" barrels are gonna be handy. Oh, and, if you're not so clone-oriented, carbon fiber handguards are a great alternative.
H1 with 223 and steel case, H2 for 556 but H1 works with everything, doesn’t even change ejection pattern. Also my H1 and H2 are Geissele Super 42 H1 and H1 so if you’re just running normal spring use sprinco Blue spring and H buffer
Anyone tried the BRN-4 with a BRN-180M lower? Asking because of the folding stock. Otherwise, I have a couple Mil-Spec AR lowers with LAW Folders I could use.
The 416 does not have the problem with handguard moving forward, but it does it, when you do not set correct pressure on the set screw for the handguard. Even after heavy shooting and automatic fire usage. So can just be you are not using correct pressure on the locking screw. Be aware, field cleaning of this gun, does not require you to remove the handguard, as the gas system can handle shit loads before you need to start cleaning it. You leave the handguard in place, and just clean the BCG and oil it a little. And even then, you can shoot thousands of rounds before you start to see real gunk build up. IE caking of carbon on the BCG as you will see on the AR 15 DI systems. But the 416 is not a better "civilian" AR vs AR 15 DI. I have both the 416 and 417, and AR 15/18 and I rather take the AR 15/18(brn 180) than the 416/17. However in military service, the 416/17 every time, always! Due to running cleaner over time. Oh and 1:8 through multiple pipes, IE 1:8 18" the 69gr is really good. The 62 and 77 is just like your group at 100 meters. But maybe I just got terrible fabric loads.
MR556’s are absolutely not going for $6k lol I bought a second one a few months back for $3200…a lot? Yes of course but it’s the real thing..but these brn4’s are literally just as good people shit on them because they don’t say HK on them but literally the same upper get it and don’t think twice.. That’s terrible groups btw mine has better groups than my mk12..maybe I just got lucky..I’ve never used BHA 77 I exclusively use AAC 77gr SMK
Idk mine is comparable to my mk12..nobody believes me when I say this but it’s true it might actually be better precision..this should not be true but…
@@olmangarcia943 yes and I think they had a patrol version that was a piston gun but the 716 i that I have is a di gun not piston. Now the MR 762 a1 is a piston gun.
It’s kinda a 416/ MR556 and I think it’s got great quality. They even have chrome lined barrels for it. It’s a great option for people who don’t want to pay HK prices and all the fun of a 416
An HK 416 costs 800$ to buy in France. (yes, French civilians can own full auto HK 416's. I didn't believe it until I made my RAF friend in France show me.) I'm buying an HK, but they are sub 1000$ rifles. Sorry to burst your bubble. Unless you're paying for finish. If you care about scratches, and tool marks, the HK family is not for you in the first place, despite their perfect finish, because the HK is a battle rifle, not a safe queen. If your HK doesn't have scratches on it, you don't need an HK. I think this BRN-4 isn't bad. Still buying the HK one, but this could easily be identical. I'll likely buy both and test.
Jsyk brn-4 barrels are black nitrided not phosphated
Did I not put it on the screen?
@@shootintheshtpodcastnot that I seen, you only annotated that the military version of the 416 was chrome lined
@@jake45790 ohhh ok, my bad I thought I put it there. I’ll pin your comment
@@shootintheshtpodcast now brownells offers chrome lined 4150 CMV manganese phosphated BRN-4 Barrels 😂 seems like providence to me
They have chrome lined barrels in the medium profile at 13.7 and 10.4 inches.
Glad that Brownells finally came out with a 13.7" CHF chrome lined barrel upper and a 13.7", 14.5", & 16" chrome lined barrel replacements. My BR-4 upper now has a 13.7" barrel.
Heck yeah!
Brownells page says they are button cut by Faxon from 4150 chrome moly steel, not CHF.
@@rybaneightsix5085 my bad, but they are CL
Great review. I'm issued a 416 14.5 at work. We're getting ready to phase them out soon due to parts availability. I have a MR556 and a couple HK 416 10" uppers but want to definitely want to get my hands on one of these. It's a tad bit heavy but rock solid under rapid fire. And it's way easier to clean. I think the price is fairly reasonable compared to the real deal.
I just wish Brownells would have a done a chrome lined cold hammer forged barrel. Otherwise the HK416 we have at home is 👌
Well Faxon mad the barrels so I believe that’s on them. Plus I was reading and I think only HK had the hammer forge machine to make the barrels for the 416 and 417.
@@shootintheshtpodcast Yeah only a few companies manufacture CHF barrels. It would have been though hilarious if Brownells contracted with FN to make the barrels. HK would probably not be happy. The reason we can't get actual HK chrome lined CHF barrels in the US is because of German export laws.
Nitride barrels are every bit as good as a quality CHF, though. You really don't need CHF. Nitride barrels will also give you an extra edge on accuracy.
@@seijiroukikuoka5975 Yet the top manufacturers like KAC, DD, FN, Geissele still go with CHF chrome lined barrels. Even LMT, Criterion, and Colt use a chrome lined barrels. Nitride is better than an unlined barrel, but nowhere near chrome lining in terms of longevity and durability. The only reason manufacturers go with nitride versus chrome is that's easier to apply consistently. I'll take a DD barrel over Faxon, Rosco, or BA any day.
@@jonathanwick1265 only because chrome lined fared better with fully automatic fire. Otherwise, there's no point going with chrome lining or CHF. If you plan to go full auto, I won't stop you, but if it's just semi-automatic with fast strings, you're overthinking.
They offer a chrome lined now
Yes they do! Pretty sweet
I built a 16” brn-4 before they offered the complete uppers. The brownells upper had a recall so I had to send it back (still haven’t gotten it back yet 6 months later)
I bought the legit HK upper and one of brownells 14.5” barrels and haven’t had a problem with it, other than having to get a heaver buffer for the suppressor.
Damn that’s crazy
When I got mine they had HK 416 stripped uppers which is what I got. Perfect all the way around.
@@MyFlexinIsAProblem yeah the HK upper is what i have on my 14.5. Still waiting on the brownells one to ship
Thank you for your perspective. I'm tempted to do an American Faux16 build and I appreciate the video on it.
I've been wanting to build one of these, but the short version. Still a lot for what it is, but different than the run of the mill stuff. Watched Adam's videos on this upper.
It’s a great little upper and if I built one it’s be a 10.4 version. I’ve heard of people making the 10.4 a 300BLK which would be a good short and heavy piece, but it would be cool.
10.4” is the way to go 👌
Almost bought one of these, but I saw a post on Reddit where a guy bought one and there were mill marks all over it. Also, the weight was a big turn off. I ended up getting a BRN-180 instead. It is much lighter, and I like the folding stock aspect.
The BRN-180 is freakin amazing, the tooling marks are not bad on the ones I’ve seen. I think people just love to complain about shit on Reddit. But either way you would’ve made a good purchase
@@shootintheshtpodcast yeah you're right about that. All they do is complain over at Reddit.
Really wanted one in RAL8K. Man I love that baby poop yellow 💛!
My BCM loves the 55grain AAC Black Tip.
I got mine in December 2022. I freaking love it.
Brownells was selling build it yourself uppers in a whole kit with HK 416 surplus stripped receivers but unfortunately only offered 14.5” and 16” barrels in those kits. They sold 10.4” barrels separately which I had to have so I ended up spending more buying all the pieces separately to build the 10.4” upper. To complete it I got a HK 416 quad rail from HK parts. The whole upper ended up costing me $1792 but I couldn’t be happier with it!
Anyone else not a fan of the Midwest industries mlok handguards that have the little scallops all over it? I think it would look better if they didn’t cut those scallops out and it was smooth like the Geissele rails. I know it’s for weight savings and kinda their signature look but no thanks. I love the MI quad rails though.
I like the scalloping because it allowed for better grip. Now I use a VFG so it really doesn’t apply, but still I like all the small things MI does that doesn’t cost a fortune
@@shootintheshtpodcast yeah for the money MI can’t be beat!! They’re doing awesome things.
A lot of money was spent for something that is a subpar rifle. Any $500 AR-15 will outlast it and will outperform it. On one example the teeth on the bolt carrier broke in under 1000 rounds through it so I hope your's can outlast it.
@@Egnatius I’ll let you know 👍
Good thing I have a dozen AR’s already in case it breaks. Also good thing brownells has an excellent return policy.
@@Egnatius have you run one?
I haven't found a rifle that DOESNT like the AAC 77grain!
Thanks!
Great run down.
No problem!
Is that the Lead & Steel LP1? If so what are your thoughts on it so far.
Thoughts so far is I like it, but it is heavy. I’m gonna compare it to my EOTech and let you guys know my thoughts on a video soon
Would you run one of these or a MCX Virtus? And I’m comparing it to the virtus and not the spear Lt because that’s what I have.
Due to the weight of rather run a BRN-180 over both of those options. I love the BRN-4 and the Virtus is also nice, but the BRN-180 is way lighter. But if I have to choose between your two options, I’m take a BRN-4 just due to sig making people its beta testers
Do you have a few hundred rounds through it ? Golden Webb did burn down & piston broke few hundred rds. They did a revision is that one of those ?? Or is that one of them with inferior parts ??
@@ronaldrey8474 I ran almost 1k through it in a range day. Question, do you have a machine gun lower? Do you run it often?
@shootintheshtpodcast hello & ty for replying. I'm considering after watching your video & Focus Tripp also gives honest reviews (he doesn't accept products/sponsorship.) But then I watched Golden Webb (semi-auto) break like 200rds. attempting a burndown. I also asked Jon Tripp (focus tripp) & Caleb (Brownells )intervened in comments explaining what broke and how they upgraded it , then proceeded trying to ban me. So I find myself asking you before I spend big cheddar.
@ his burn down on the 14.5 was full auto. I believe my video is over a year old. The upper shoots. It’s a good upper. Myself nor the guy who has sent me this upper ever had an issue. He’s run it in multiple night vision courses. Check out his video I’ll post it here. It’s his BRN-4 upper. Brownells I think deleted their comment. I don’t see it on golden webbs channel at all
@@ronaldrey8474 ruclips.net/video/Fo3vWPPFBhQ/видео.htmlsi=1XtlB5BpwdgMLwml
Here is his video about this upper. It’s the same upper I ran, he sent it to me
@shootintheshtpodcast thx again for answers. Golden Webb just released a video yesterday I think that the video was removed but he won on appeal. Unfortunately Caleb tries to ban you if not positive. Focus Tripp mentioned really accurate to . Did you find it being pretty accurate oh in Chrome lined ?? That's my last question thx again
Do we need adjustable gas block for this or not?
No
I hate Heckler and Kuck for how much they hate us, but I still want a 416 upper. Brownells did it right. Once my state returns to freedom, I'm copping the BRN4.
It’s definitely a great upper, but Jesus it’s heavy
@@shootintheshtpodcast yeah, the piston system doesn't help. That's why the "medium" barrels are gonna be handy. Oh, and, if you're not so clone-oriented, carbon fiber handguards are a great alternative.
What buffer are you running?
H1 with 223 and steel case, H2 for 556 but H1 works with everything, doesn’t even change ejection pattern. Also my H1 and H2 are Geissele Super 42 H1 and H1 so if you’re just running normal spring use sprinco Blue spring and H buffer
medium contour or heavy...what do you all think? im interested in the 10.4"
Medium I say
Anyone tried the BRN-4 with a BRN-180M lower? Asking because of the folding stock. Otherwise, I have a couple Mil-Spec AR lowers with LAW Folders I could use.
You can’t run a BRN-180 lower. Has a full size BCG and requires the buffer system. So LAW is the only way you’ll get a folder
@shootintheshtpodcast Appreciate the dvice. As a short-stroke piston system, I wasn't sure if it had a buffer system or not.
Thanks for the reply.
@@XrayMike17plus1 no problem, the BRN-180 is internally buffered, so that doesn’t need buffer tube. I love both of my 180’s
The 416 does not have the problem with handguard moving forward, but it does it, when you do not set correct pressure on the set screw for the handguard. Even after heavy shooting and automatic fire usage. So can just be you are not using correct pressure on the locking screw.
Be aware, field cleaning of this gun, does not require you to remove the handguard, as the gas system can handle shit loads before you need to start cleaning it. You leave the handguard in place, and just clean the BCG and oil it a little. And even then, you can shoot thousands of rounds before you start to see real gunk build up. IE caking of carbon on the BCG as you will see on the AR 15 DI systems.
But the 416 is not a better "civilian" AR vs AR 15 DI. I have both the 416 and 417, and AR 15/18 and I rather take the AR 15/18(brn 180) than the 416/17. However in military service, the 416/17 every time, always! Due to running cleaner over time.
Oh and 1:8 through multiple pipes, IE 1:8 18" the 69gr is really good. The 62 and 77 is just like your group at 100 meters. But maybe I just got terrible fabric loads.
Maybe a old school bcm upper is the way to go? Heavy rifle is really bad.
MR556’s are absolutely not going for $6k lol I bought a second one a few months back for $3200…a lot? Yes of course but it’s the real thing..but these brn4’s are literally just as good people shit on them because they don’t say HK on them but literally the same upper get it and don’t think twice..
That’s terrible groups btw mine has better groups than my mk12..maybe I just got lucky..I’ve never used BHA 77 I exclusively use AAC 77gr SMK
👍
He didn’t say MR556 uppers are $4k-6k
Legit 416 uppers are.
I don’t see the point unless you’re shooting the 10.5 suppressed to mitigate the gas. A 14.5/16” di gun is gonna be much lighter and accurate
Piston holds up to heat better than di
We can get it "At home"??? WTF? They're for sale at Brownells
Yes you can!
Where at on Brownells? I have NEVER seen them in stock.
@@longrangevoodoo4480 all the uppers are in stock right now on brownells
For the price there are lighter more accurate and just as durable piston upper options.
They are good, but the BRN-180 is cheaper and lighter. I would recommend that if you want a lighter weight alternative
Idk mine is comparable to my mk12..nobody believes me when I say this but it’s true it might actually be better precision..this should not be true but…
But they aren’t 416’s 😅
Peak aesthetics
Sig516>>Hk416...Sog should have kept the 516/716 piston AR and the Sig556/751 AK style rifles over the MCX
I’ve never run one, and I wasn’t SOG. So the BRN-4 is sweet
@@olmangarcia943 sig 716i is a di gun not piston or short stroke piston.
@@thomaskingsbury6560 The 1st and 2nd Gen Sig 716 where short stroke piston
@@olmangarcia943 yes and I think they had a patrol version that was a piston gun but the 716 i that I have is a di gun not piston. Now the MR 762 a1 is a piston gun.
I wanna see a long stroke AR. Until then a 416 is sexy to me.
PWS makes the long stroke piston ARs
Gross no
I know PWS makes the BRN 180. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a collaboration on this also.
@@shootintheshtpodcast They are good too. I own a couple. 👍🏻
Jakl is long stroke.
Just buy a 516 lol
Sold my 516 and got the 416 cuz aesthetics 😍
Man I wish they still made the 516. It was the working mans less proprietary hk416. On sale pre Rona for 400usd
@@olmangarcia943 right!? It was a diamond in the rough
I paid like $900 for mine
It was sweet but couldn’t afford to have both so sold it for the 416
Not the same quality and not a 416.
It’s kinda a 416/ MR556 and I think it’s got great quality. They even have chrome lined barrels for it. It’s a great option for people who don’t want to pay HK prices and all the fun of a 416
An HK 416 costs 800$ to buy in France. (yes, French civilians can own full auto HK 416's. I didn't believe it until I made my RAF friend in France show me.)
I'm buying an HK, but they are sub 1000$ rifles. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Unless you're paying for finish. If you care about scratches, and tool marks, the HK family is not for you in the first place, despite their perfect finish, because the HK is a battle rifle, not a safe queen. If your HK doesn't have scratches on it, you don't need an HK. I think this BRN-4 isn't bad. Still buying the HK one, but this could easily be identical. I'll likely buy both and test.
@@Ranstone yeah, especially if they are French, they’re probably dropped often
Dont arm the crazies.
What?
Well, the 416 is trash, so.......
But the BRN4 is fun
@@shootintheshtpodcast I agree. The 416 is a colossal rip off of taxpayer money, however.
@@randymagnum143 sure man, you do know HK doesn’t charge the government what they charge us. They’d never pay it.
@@shootintheshtpodcast 🤣 better check into former HK employees working in government procurement positions.
Hahaha you’re a joke
416 is trash not worth it. This guy is a fanboy so not a valid review
I am a fan of piston systems, I wouldn’t say fanboy of the 416, I like it, but good lord it’s heavy asf
Hahahaha you’re a joke
Recalled/ knockoff garbage.
🤣🤣🤣 the whole thing wasn’t recalled, it was one part, and it’s because the threads weren’t cut, right
Found the guy that spent 10k on an upper lmoa
@@rybaneightsix5085 $3,500 for a MMR556 Paco.
@@d.b.1176 Poor detected. Buy a real HK.
@@Ranstone I own a MR556 and a M249S…
26:07 what on earth was that.
Literally everything going wrong
BROKE AFTER 500 RDS. IN A BURNDOWN = 💩💩💩💩💩
No it didnt. It went over a 1000 rounds. With the 10" barrel