RARE Costa Mesa Armalite AR-180 Semi Auto Rifle In 5.56 W/ Mags, C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,530

WOA#: WY240309GJ036

Make: Armalite, Costa Mesa Calif.

Model: AR-180

Serial Number: S3808

Year of Manufacture: 1969-73

Caliber: 5.56 /.223 / (Multi)

Action Type:  Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Gas Piston.

Markings: The right side of the lower receiver is marked, “SAFE / FIRE” The left side is marked, “SAFE / FIRE / S3808” The top left of the upper is marked, “ARMALITE AR-180 CAL 5.56mm ARMALITE. INC. COSTA MESA. CALIF. U.S.A.” The pistol grip is marked, “AR-18 ARMALITE” The buttstock and sling are marked “113”

Barrel Length: 18” 20” with the flash hider.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post with wings. The rear sight is an adjustable two position peephole sight with protective wings.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a complete polymer set with a curved pistol grip, straight folding stock with a serrated rubber buttplate, and a steel shielded two piece handguard with vent slots and ribbed texturing. There are light scratches and scuffs throughout. The LOP is 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall the stocks are in about Excellent condition as a C&R.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  One, thirty round mag, and two twenty round magazines, all in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized.

Finish Originality: Original

Overall Condition: This rifle lower retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light scratches throughout. There is a spot of rust on the gas piston. The action and magwell has light wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: Original Sling, 3 mags.

Our Assessment: The Armalite AR-180 is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Eugene Stoner, who is also known for his work on the AR-15 platform. Produced by Armalite in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the AR-180 was intended to be a more affordable alternative to the AR-15/M16 platform. One of the notable features of the AR-180 is its use of a stamped steel receiver instead of the forged aluminum receivers typically found on the AR-15. This design choice aimed to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining durability and reliability. The AR-180 also utilized a short-stroke gas piston system instead of the direct gas impingement system of the AR-15. The AR-180 saw limited military adoption, primarily by countries seeking a more cost-effective alternative to the AR-15. However, it gained popularity among civilian shooters, particularly in the United States, where it was marketed as a sporting rifle and offered for civilian sales.

While the AR-180/18 was not as widely adopted, it was used by countries like, Costa Rica, Japan, Malaysia, Nicaragua, The UK, and law enforcement in the U.S. Overall, this is a fantastic example of an AR-180 that would be a good shooter and a collectors piece. Please see the photos for more information, and good luck on your bid. -R.E.