Armalite 180B

[graycrait]

I've handled, not shot one of these. I like the utilitarian feel and balance of this rifle, and is less bulky than my long gone MAK 90. Does anyone have good/bad experiences with them? I've read lots of good reports and some not so good (especially when trying to mount scopes).

It appears that Armalite may resurrect the 180B in 2011 with an aluminum lower and some kind of rail.

However, I'm interesed in the current plastic lower 180B - but I don't think I want to pay 700.00 for the experience.

It almost seems Glock-like in a long gun form; simple and roughly sleek.

Craig in Clarksville

[1gewehr]

The original AR180 is an excellent design. So good, that many other 5.56mm rifles have copied it's operating parts. It's weak point was it's folding stock hinge.

When Armalite (the new one in Ill, not the original) decided to resurrect it, the "Assault Weapons Ban" was still in effect. Evil things like folding stock, bayonet lug, and flash suppressor were verboten. So, they decided to lower their tooling and production costs by using a one-piece polymer lower receiver with a built-in stock. CavArms would later copy the concept in a AR15 receiver. This polymer receiver fixed two of the complaints from owners of original AR-180s; non-standard magazines, and expensive out-of-production fire-control parts. In both cases standard AR-15 parts are used.

This new polymer lower has one significant weakness; the front hinge pin lugs. The polymer has a tendency to snap if the upper is allowed to drop free with the front hinge pin still pushed in. If you can remember to always take down the rifle by removing the two pins at the same time, you won't see any problems.

The new aluminum lower is being eagerly awaited by fans of this rifle. Word is that this receiver will be an easy replacement for those with broken polymer receivers, as well as having attachment for a folding stock.

If the price is reasonable, I'm planning on adding one to my safe.

[Mark@Sea]

I had an original AR-180 for years. Fun to shoot, accuracy was better than the mini-14, never could find a scope mount for it, and couldn't replace the barrel.

The original version would make a good trunk monkey, but to be honest, there are other options available these days. I'd pay 4-5 hundred for one, but no more...