Preban Sterling Armalite AR-180 5.56mm 18.5” Semi-Auto Rifle, 1970s-80s
SOLD FOR: $2,502.00
LSB#: LSB250726MH049
Make: Sterling, England
Model: AR-180
Serial Number: S 21066
Year of Manufacture: Jan, 1973
Caliber: 5.56mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Gas Piston.
Markings: Both sides of the lower are marked, “SEMI / SAFE” with the serial number. The left side of the upper is marked, “ARMALITE AR-180 CAL. 5.56mm / ARMALITE PATENTS / MANUFACTURED FOR ARMALITE INC. COSTA MESA CALIF, U.S.A. / STEERLING ENGLAND”. The barrel is marked with the date, caliber, and proofs.
Barrel Length: 18.5” 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 is an “ArmaLite” marked 2.75x20mm Scope with a duplex reticle. The sight picture is clear with no visible obstructions. The Scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock, pistol grip, and handguard are black synthetic reinforced polymer. The stock is side folding. The rifle has a sling swivel mounted to the bottom of the pistol grip and one through the bayonet lug. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the unfolded buttstock. The Handguard has moderate signs of wear. The pistol grip has light surface scratches throughout with no chips, cracks and some minor dings around the grip well. There are no cracks. The stock has moderate wear. Overall the stock set is in Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One x 20rd AR-18 magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates about 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are small nicks and wear marks throughout along with freckles of surface rust. The bolt has light wear from use, the bolt head is chromed. The action has moderate wear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions 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: Magazine, ArmaLite scope, scope caps.
Our Assessment: The Armalite AR-180 is one of the most interesting and historically significant offshoots of the AR-15 lineage. Originally developed as a more cost-effective and export-friendly alternative to the AR-15, the AR-180 uses a stamped steel upper and lower with a short-stroke gas piston system, making it both robust and easier to produce with less precision machining. Produced under license in the U.K. by Sterling for Armalite, the AR-180 found favor with various military forces around the world and has earned a strong cult following among collectors for its innovative design, historical relevance, and preban rarity. The rifle remains in good condition, retaining about 95% of its original finish with wear consistent with its age and use. It shows scattered nicks, surface rust freckles, and handling marks on the blued metal surfaces. The folding stock and polymer furniture are intact and functional, though the handguard and grip show moderate wear. The bore is bright with strong rifling and no erosion, rating about 9.5/10, and the action functions properly. It is also equipped with the correct ArmaLite scope base on the top of the receiver.
This is a desirable pre-ban Sterling-made AR-180, with all the right features: three-prong flash hider, side-folding stock, and clean ArmaLite/Sterling markings. While it does not come with a magazine, AR-180 mags (and modified AR-15 mags) can still be sourced. For collectors of Cold War small arms, preban rifles, or those looking to add a historic but practical shooter to their stable, this AR-180 is a fine opportunity. Rugged, reliable, and now highly sought after, rifles like this don’t come up often – especially C&R eligible and in original condition. -R.E.
