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.

Pics to follow:

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[jmoore]

Nice rifles! Done went and sold my Costa Mesa rifle to buy something else, though.

ETA: I did ruin whatever collector's value it had by modifying the mag catch and mag well to accept M16 magazines as is. (Made a form block insert to drive into the magwell to create clearance for the raised area on the magazines just below the catch hole.)

Odd how this design was so overlooked as a whole, but quite copied/adapted in individual or groups of features.

Copycats in whole or part:
FN FNC
Australian Leader Dynamics T2 MK5
H&K G36
Gas piston AR15s
FN SCAR-L (Mk16)
"ACR"

[browningautorifle]

I had a Costa Mesa in 1975 or 76. Cost $550 CDN at that time. Shot it as much as I could and ended up trading it for a WW2 Jap Navy Katana in nice shape after a year or so. All said and done now, I think I found guns I like as much as that one.

[imarangemaster]

Probably the only weapon with a song of its own. During the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland, the rebels (Provisional Arm of the IRA) were extremely fond of the AR18 and AR180. They called it "The Widow Maker." They also had some AR15s, but a lesser amount.

Listen and Download Irish Brigade - Little Armalite Mp3

[RCS]

There seems to be a lineage starting with the AR-18 - SAR-87 and SA 80

Imagine the AR-18 in 7.62x39 using AK magazines

[imarangemaster]

The Australian Leader rifles, the current German HK 36, The enfield L85A2, SIngapore Arms SAR80 and SR88: All are variations of the Original Armalite AR-18 design. It seems to me there are a few others, but the soul of the AR18 is alive and well in those weapons.

[Roscoe Snyder]

I had a Sterling I bought new. I don't think they quite properly heat-treated the bolt carrier; the first few times I fired it, it would develop a burr at the edge of the firing pin well where the hammer struck. I would have to tap the firing pin out from the front with a punch through the hole in the bolt face, then dremel the burr off. It finally stopped coming back.

If I had one now, I'd want a spare bolt. I've seen a couple with broken lugs.

In the 70s these were fairly popular with law enforcement. LAPD SWAT used AR-180s alongside their AR-15s, some of them with the 2.75x scopes, and Arlington TX PD had AR-18s.
Where have all the trade-ins gone?

[imarangemaster]

A lot of the Kalifornia Law Enforcement guns got cut up instead of traded in. In the 90s, a lot of departments were paranoid and put the guns to the torch.

[Roscoe Snyder]

Aiee! Those bastards. By the same token, I often wonder what became of all the AR-15s and AR-180s used in motion pictures and television in those days.

[imarangemaster]

My first Armalite 180 was a Sterling, but was an 80s Police trade in according to dealer I got it from in the Seattle area. I think he said Costa Mesa or Anaheim. Too many years for this old brain to remember. I know the LA cops in the SLA shootout in Los Angeles had some AR-180s. I saw some documentary footage that showed them. I have always noticed AR-180s. Kinda like you first car....