Not too sure how long this version on a retro AR has been out. Price wise it seems to be a few bucks less than the Brownells version of the BRN-16A1. It seems to be built more like a Canadian C7 version AR than a retro rifle pre se, but it’s what they made.

According to the description, it has a brass deflector, so it's a C7 upper.

Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56 NATO
Barrel Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium 11595E Steel with M4 Feed Ramps
Action: Semi-Automatic Gas Impingement System
Rifling: 1 in 7" - Right Hand Twist
Capacity: 30 + 1 - Ships with one 30 Round Magazine (Accepts All Standard Sizes)
Stock: A2 Solid Stock with Trapdoor Storage Compartment
Safety: Manual Lever with Indicator Markings on Both Sides of Receiver
Forend: Rifle-Length Triangular Handguard with A1 Delta Ring
Receiver: A1 Upper With Brass Deflector and Teardrop Forward Assist
Pistol Grip: A1 Black Pistol Grip
Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6 Aircraft Aluminum with Aluminum Trigger Guard
Rear Sight: A1 Dual Aperture Rear Sight
Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Black Anodize Finish
Front Sight: Adjustable Height Square Post in A2 Standard Base
Trigger: Standard Mil-Spec Trigger
Weight: 7.45 lbs. without magazine
Bolt Material: Carpenter 158 Steel
Length: 39.5"
Barrel: 20" A2 Profile - Chrome-Lined with A1 Flash Suppressor

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/216843

With generally slow AR sales and resulting low prices, its not suprising several companies offer retro configurations to boost sales.

I would just say . . . if you really want retro . . . buy as retro as possible,or assemble yourself,which could take years and many hours of research.
My gun was not cheap. I could have bought a "real" one for $40,000. Then there is the paperwork and money for the auto,SBR, and moderator.
My gun had a couple small parts that can be changed to make it "more retro". I was thinking of doing it but deceided to keep it origional to the manufacturers specs. Of course you cannot change the bbl length or fire control group. In that . . . my gun will always remain "non-retro".
I believe that the retro guns have more interest if you actually used one in your past life. I take mine out into the woods every now and then,shoot 50-100rds or so,and ponder the good/bad times. --- SAWMAN

I think its good to feed your nostalgic firearm desires, could be one of your first guns long since gone or a Service firearm. Had a Federal M14SA for about 10 years, always had a 1911A1 and two early Colt AR15s (one left). Sometimes nostalgia displaces efficiency. Lol