AKB-23 (BRN180) "L85"

Post-WW2 there was much flux in worldwide small arms development. In particular, engineers of many nations examined the German STGW-44 and its intermediate 7.92 KURZ cartridge with much fascination. Like many other nations, the Brits sought to integrate the emerging arms technologies into their military small arms. What came from this initial effort was the ill-starred EM-2 rifle in bullpup configuration. For better or worse, at that time and place the US had become the senior partner in the western alliance, and US Ordnance emphatically rejected both the EM-2 rifle and its 280 British intermediate cartridge. By the late 70s, the Brits were ready to try again. There remained much local interest in the bullpup configuration for service rifles, and this time Brit engineers adapted the ARMALITE-180 action to their vision for a shorty bullpup rifle. This time in the now-favored 5.56mm chambering. The AR-180 offered a lot of surface advantages over contemporary designs, not the least of which was its simplicity of manufacture and its lack of a buttstock buffer tube as in the American M16 series. All of this was grist for the engineering mills. By the early 80's the new SA-80 bullpup rifle began to reach the British Armed Forces as a replacement for the venerable FAL battle rifle. That was the good news. Brit powers-that-be touted the new piece as a game changer, and this turned out to be disastrously true. The new rifle was a fiasco from top to bottom. The Brits steadfastly refused to acknowledge any problems or to market the new rifle anywhere else. Ostensibly this was to keep the new weapons from reaching the Irish Republican Army, but the real reason was just plain Brit snootiness. When the Brit Army actually had to go to war in DESERT STORM, the shortcomings of the new piece could no longer be swept under the rug, and replacement rifles began to be seriously sought. Some quality upgrades on the SA-80---now called L85A1----were also commenced. As all of this was swirling in military circles, there remained some level of interest in a civilian variant of the SA80. Late 2010s, BROWNELLS began to market a repro AR-180 upper receiver compatible with most AR15 lowers. Designated the BRN-180, this had its own initial teething troubles, but most of these were ironed out in fairly short order. Enter Aly & Kaufman in Nebraska. This small shop recognized the market opportunity and began to offer an SA-80 bullpup lower receiver kit compatible with the BRN-180 upper. A number of product improvements were also incorporated in the new lower that fixed many of the issues in the Brit Army weapon. All of this came to our attention about 2 years ago. The new lower, designated AKB-23, is available for online order at a surprisingly modest price. After some experience with other bullpup rifles----KELTEC RDB and the Springfield HELLION----it seemed like a good addition to the "library". Overall quality of the lower-kit is excellent. Mating the BRN-upper with the new lower was problem free. LEUPOLD PATROL 1.25-4X LPVO was added. As shown in pic, the new piece weighs-in at a rather hefty 9.2 lb empty. Heft, handling, and ergonomics are generally very good. Trigger is a surprisingly crisp 4.5 lb. With 8" twist barrel, numerous bullet weights were tested, but the new piece seems to like HORNADY VMAX 55 gr BB's best. With good ammo, and a gunner that does his part, the new piece gives near-MOA groups consistently from the bench. Testing on the new USMC Rifle Qual course, recoil is smooth and extremely light. Reticle barely bounces out of the bullseye on recoil. About 500 rounds now fired without malfunctions. More testing and training in work, but prelim impressions of the new piece are most positive.

Really nice kit for the SA80, as close to the original as you can get (from a former British Army infantryman). No issues at all with quality, very high end. Customer service very responsive and friendly. All around great company, a great opportunity to own an L85 and have something different at the range.

Awesome product. Had it at the range twice now and flawless so far.

The AKB23 receiver is very well built and the trigger feels great, significantly crispier than other bullpups such as the AUG. AKB23 also can be very easily converted CA compliant by using a comp mag. The customer service is great too, fast response and always straight to the point.

Its the closest thing to a l85 you'll find in the States. Fit and finish is 9.5 out of 10. Customer service is 10 out of 10.

I've owned multiple bullpups (AUG, FS2000, RDB) and this was the best of them. Performed flawlessly with a good military trigger. Makes a very good rifle for right handeds (definitely NOT ambidextrous, sorry leftys).

Very well made and designed. Very easy to install. Well machined.

Good quality. Good fit and finish. Great customer service. Gives me a great bull pup rifle. Good ergonomics all metal parts. Well worth the price

If you’re on the fence about ordering one, don’t be. I received mine a couple weeks ago and have about 200 rounds through it. Went together easy, and feels durable enough to last as a future investment. My only complaint, is the iron sights and L85 style pistol grip are never in stock, so I can complete the build. Great product though, don’t hesitate if you collect military style rifles.