Range report, Brownells BRN9

[tannardog]

So I took my newly acquired Brownells BRN9 to the range this morning for its first shots. I fired three rounds and noticed the forward charging handle laying at an angle where it should be straight out the side. The charging handle slide broken in half, this is a non reciprocating part. After disassembly, it appears this is a 3D printed part. I could be wrong just judging by the lines in the plastic. Very jagged break so I don't think it's a flaw in the plastic I think it's a strength issue. I will be calling Brownells first thing in the morning hopefully getting a new part, we shall see. There's enough pieces left over that I could feasibly have a part recreated in aluminum, not sure how much that would cost. Cool design, but the use of lightweight weak plastic detracts from any value in it. I'll update you all after I talk to Brownells.

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[MadPick]

Wow, that's disturbing.

Hopefully they take care of you, but I'd hang on to the broken bits for sure.

[tannardog]

Wow, that's disturbing.

Hopefully they take care of you, but I'd hang on to the broken bits for sure.

Definitely hanging on to the broken part. I have a feeling Brownells will send me another plastic piece. Figuring out ideas on how to manufacture a replacement with aluminum or steel.

[scrid2000]

That doesn't look 3D printed to me, but anything is possible.

[tannardog]

That doesn't look 3D printed to me, but anything is possible.

Just an assumption on my part. I've never 3D printed anything but the presence of horizontal lines in the sides ( my pics do not reflect that ) just looks like the 3D printed stuff I've seen from friends projects. Either way it's extremely lightweight and weak. I think it should be made out of Lego plastic, that s*** seems indestructible.

[tannardog]

Replacement part being overnighted to me from the manufacturer. Brownells offered me a full refund but I did not want that. They put me in contact with the manufacturer who was sending me the part. Will do an updated range report once it is back together. Lame situation but great customer service so far.

[MadPick]

Oh hell yes. That's great news.

[mcyclonegt]

If you have way to send me dimensions of the part, or the part, I will make you on in whatever you want.

[tannardog]

Replacement part came in and was finally able to get some worthwhile range time. With a dedicated Glock pattern lower it ran flawlessly. With a 5.5" barrel it held excellent accuracy ( for what it is ) at 25 yards. From the bench ( rested and bagged ) it blew out one big ragged hole, maybe 2" circle with 17 rounds. 2 hand supported with an Eotech I kept them all in a 6" circle. The only issue I had was with a standard AR lower with a mag adapter. It would randomly lock the bolt back. Not an issue with the BRN9 upper, its a fine tuning issue with the placement of the mag adapter I believe. There is a lever in the adapter that presses upwards on an empty mag, it randomly presses upwards while firing. So back to the drawing board.

The new part supplied by Matador Arms ( Brownells manaufacturer ) appears to be the same polymer material but totally solid other than the hole for the charging handle. I have not abused it yet, rapid fire, bump, etc. AN unfortunate event for a new purchase but everyone has stepped up to make it right.

Oh, it it runs great suppressed or not.