I got one: Original piston drive 5.56mm Armalite AR-180 (Sterling)

[imarangemaster]

I couldn't deny my inner once AR180 owner mourning syndrome any longer.

An Armalite AR-180 was the first black rifle I ever bought in about 1984 or 1985. It was a Sterling, and it was a tack driver (I actually got 2 MOA from a rest with iron sights and LC M193 ball). I carried it as a LEO trunk weapon. Several years later, I foolishly traded it for a Colt SP1 AR15 (which is long gone). After I sold it, I regretted it instantly! Shortly after, I moved back to Kalifornia, and by the time I could afford one, they became Verboten! I did have non-banned AR clones, and a registered Poly Tech AK and SP1 CAR-215.

I moved out of the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia three and a half years ago, and got more into black rifles (building my own ARs up, restoring Saigas, etc) , though never had quite enough to buy a 180 again. However, my house is sold and "She who must be obeyed" told me when it closes to spend the bucks to get another one.

I had already rounded up (8) AR-180 mags, a spare safety, spare extractor, spare firing pin, and spare cam pin. Will pick up extra springs, too. I found some NOS AR180 specific 30 round Thermolds out there for about $13. 7 of my 8 mags are the Thermolds and one an original AR180 steel pakerized 40 rounder.

My house closed and funded, so I finally had the cash. While I was looking around for one, I felt like the kid on "A Christmas Story" waiting for his Red Ryder BB gun! Not dignified for someone almost 60! I finally found one locally in Hamilton, MS. I bought it. It is a Sterling made Armalite AR 180, about 95+%, original Armalite made locking scope mount with integral ring, 3 AR180 mags (1 40 round original and two modified AR15 20 rounders: $900. The original 40 rounder is worth $75-85, and the 1970s Armalite factory scope mount is easily worth $100. The Stormwerks and modern Armalite mounts available today do not lock in place like the vintage Armalite ones like this. The stock is nice and tight, and it doesn't look to have been fired hardly at all.

Yahooooo! I got my "Red Ryder" in time for Christmas!

It will go well with my stable. CAR-15 (Faux XM177E2) built on an S&W M&P15 lower, Saiga 7.62x39 restored to original intended configuration, USGI Inland M1 carbine from CMP, and Remington 870 Express 20" rifled barrel.

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