Scarce Voere SAM 180 Rimfire Rifle .22LR 18″ Drum-Fed Semi-Auto Rifle 1970s
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
WOA#: WY240516MB014
Make: Voere
Model: SAM 180
Serial Number: A005721
Year of Manufacture: 1972-1979
Caliber: .22LR
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Rimfire, Direct Blowback, Drum-Fed
Markings: Under the drum, the right side of the receiver is marked, “CHRISTOPHER/ ASSOCIATES” / “GLENDALE-CA A005721”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “MODEL SAM 180/ VOERE AUSTRIA 22LR”. The barrel above the chamber is marked “StLf1/ Cal. 22l.r.”
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to a screwed base fixed to the barrel protected by ears on either side. The rear sight is a peep sight with a riser dovetailed to a rail on the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece brown fiberglass with a straight comb, serrated checkered traditional pistol grip with finger grooves and a smooth forend, black buttplate, and two sling swivels. This rifle is Drum-Fed. There are no cracks. There is some minor handling wear. The stock rates in overall excellent.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 180 round top fed drum magazine.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore does need a light cleaning. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation wear. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about fine plus to 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: 1 drum magazine and an AMERICAN ARMS 180 Instructrion Manual
Our Assessment: The Voere SAM-180 is a semi-automatic carbine chambered in .22 LR. It was made in Austria during the 1970s. Originally, it was designed as a full-auto .22 caliber carbine that used a top-mounted 180-round drum called the AM-180 (or American 180). However, the SAM-180 is one of the rare semi-automatic versions produced in Austria. This rifle was imported by Christopher & Associates of Glendale California unlike most of its siblings that were imported by American international Corp. SLC. UTAH. USA.
The SAM-180 features a semi-auto blow-back action. It has factory blued steel parts and black enameled alloy parts. The carbine has an 18-inch barrel, factory iron sights, and a receiver-mounted safety lever. Its unique design includes a left-side mounted operating handle. The brown polymer pistol grip stock mimics wood and has a quick-detach buttstock. With the buttstock attached, the overall length is 36.5 inches; without it, it’s 26.5 inches. The SAM-180 comes with a 180-round drum magazine. Additionally, there are 165-round and 275-round E&L manufacturing drums available. While it resembles the (Tommy Gun) Thompson machine gun, the drum magazines mount flat on top of the weapon rather than below and perpendicular. Be prepared for questions and attention at the shooting range while enjoying this unique firearm with .22LR ammo! If you’re interested in firearms history, the Voere SAM-180 is definitely worth bidding on. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. -K.F.
