Preban Armalite Howa AR-180 AR180 5.56 20” Barrel Semi-Auto Rifle W/Scope
SOLD FOR: $3,650.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS098
Make: Howa, Japan (ArmaLite Contract).
Model: AR-180
Serial Number: S12132
Year of Manufacture: Pre-ban, 1970 -1974 / C&R
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Gas Piston Rifle Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with “ARMALITE” and its logo with the Lion. The left side is also marked “AR-180 CAL 5.56mm MFG FOR ARMALITE INC BY HOWA JAPAN COSTA MESA, CALIF. PATENTS PENDING” The lower part of the left side of the receiver is marked with “S12132” and “SAFE” and “Fire” around the safety selector. The left and right side of the pistol grip is marked “AR-18 Armalite”. The right side of the receiver is marked “FIRE” and “SAFE”.
Barrel Length: 18” barrel, 20” with Three prong Flash Hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post with protective wings and the rear sight is an adjustable “L” style flip aperture with markings for 200 and 400. Mounted to the top of the receiver with a QD base is a Simmons 6-24×50 AO scope. The scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three-piece polymer stock set with a sling loop, vented, ribbed handguard, smooth pistol grip w/ sling loop, and side folding stock with a hard rubber buttpad. There are moderate scratches and nicks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the unfolded buttstock. Overall this stock set rates about Good to Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 20rd Armalite magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Grey Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore along with moderate stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and light spots of patina throughout. There are a few light rust spots throughout. The action has light wear from use. The pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action function correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x Magazine, scope, cotton sling.
Our Assessment: The ArmaLite AR-180 was the semi-automatic sporting counterpart to the AR-18, a rifle developed around a short-stroke gas-piston system, stamped-steel receiver, dual guide rods, and folding stock rather than the AR-15’s direct-gas system and receiver extension. ArmaLite lacked the manufacturing capacity for large-scale production and licensed the design to Howa Machinery in Japan, which manufactured only about 3,927 AR-180 rifles from 1970 through 1974. This late Howa example falls within the scarce S10001-S12915 serial range and retains the characteristic folding stock, three-prong flash hider, vented polymer handguards, 200/400-meter aperture sights, and stamped receiver construction of the original design. Its Japanese manufacture and comparatively limited production give it substantially more collector significance than a generic pre-ban 5.56 sporting rifle. This rifle remains in Good condition, retaining approximately 85% of its original satin gray phosphate finish. The metal exhibits scratches, nicks, scattered spots of patina, several light areas of rust, and light operational wear consistent with use and storage. The pins remain undamaged and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, showing faint erosion and moderate stubborn fouling, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. The three-piece polymer furniture shows moderate scratches and nicks but remains free of chips or cracks and rates in Good to Very Good condition. The rifle is currently fitted with a Simmons 6-24×50 AO scope in Very Good condition on a quick-detachable receiver mount. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.
For collectors of early 5.56mm military-pattern sporting rifles, the Howa AR-180 is particularly desirable because of its limited Japanese production and its place in the development of modern piston-operated rifles. Elements of the AR-18 operating system would influence numerous later military designs, giving the AR-180 considerable historical importance beyond its relatively modest commercial success. Serial S12132 represents a late-production Howa rifle and is now C&R eligible by age. With its original-style folding furniture, three-prong flash hider, ArmaLite 20-round magazine, cotton sling, and useful period-style receiver scope arrangement, this is an appealing and increasingly collectible example of the Japanese-made AR-180. -R.E.