Brownells BRN-601 PROTO AR-15 5.56/.223 20” Top Charge Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,931.25
LSB#: LSB250604CM016
Make: Brownells Inc.
Model: BRN-601 PROTO
Serial Number: B601172
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .223 / 5.56mm NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement Gas Blowback, Magazine Fed Rifle with a Trigger Style Charging Handle.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “MOD. BRN-601 / CAL. 5.56MM / SER. B601172 / BROWNELLS INC. MONTEZUMA, IA USA / SAFE FIRE”.
Barrel Length: 20”. Pencil Profile. 21” with Tri-Prong flash hider. 1:12 Twist
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a prototype AR-15 style fixed FSB with a conical sight post. The rear sight is a dual aperture peep sight set into a fixed carry handle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a three piece brown polymer Prototype set. There are minor handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One x Brownells 20rd waffle pattern magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Gray Anodized, Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The action has faint wear. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Top trigger style charging handles.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Brownells BRN-601 PROTO is a meticulously executed reproduction of the earliest AR-15 prototype rifles, capturing the look, feel, and handling characteristics of Eugene Stoner’s original design before it evolved into the Colt Model 601 and later the M16. Brownells engineered this model with period-correct details such as the prototype-style top trigger charging handle, pencil profile barrel with a 1:12 twist, three-prong flash hider, and the early-style conical front sight post. Even the brown polymer furniture and short 12.75″ LOP replicate the distinctive appearance of the pre-production rifles built for U.S. military testing in the late 1950s. This example remains in Excellent overall condition, retaining about 99% of its original finish with only faint handling marks from light use. The chrome-lined bore is pristine, with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a perfect 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The early-style brown polymer stock set is likewise excellent, free of cracks or chips, and the included 20-round Brownells waffle-pattern magazine completes the period-correct aesthetic. Mechanically, the rifle functions properly, and the unique top trigger-style charging handle is a standout feature rarely seen outside of prototype replicas.
For AR-15 historians, retro rifle enthusiasts, or collectors who appreciate the developmental history of America’s longest-serving military rifle, the BRN-601 PROTO is an outstanding addition. It’s not only a faithful visual reproduction but also a fully functional, modern-manufactured rifle built to be shot and enjoyed. Whether displayed alongside other retro builds or taken to the range for an authentic early-AR shooting experience, this rifle embodies the origins of one of the most influential small arms designs in history. -R.E.
