AR 180b pivot hinge "bad batch" breakage facts?

[Texascoyotedog]

I love the AR 180b concept, but does anyone out there have the hard facts on the "bad batch" issue resulting in pivot hinge breakage? Maybe even serial number range? I have one I'm interested in and I hate to condemn the whole species, but is it truly an isolated issue? Thanks

 

[Orlando]

I believe that that was the weak point in all of the Armalite 180B rifles. Probably why they stopped manufacturing them

 

[W L Johnson]

Everything I've heard is that it was an early batch that did this. Trouble is finding hard info on just when they fixed it is hard to find. You may want to e-mail Armalite.
The last batch to come out, before they stopped production, is not suppose to have an issue with the lower. You can tell them from the fact that have a real screwed on flash hider, as opposed to the fixed brake that most had, and the return of the bayonet lug. This is the version I have.

Darn good shooter, one of my favorites. Managed to get a hold of the AR-18/180 scope mount from them before they stop producing that too.

Armalite is talking about bringing it back.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

It is ironic nobody makes an AR-180 when you look around at how many modern rifles use the AR-180 action.

 

[Texascoyotedog]

Hinge problems

Anyone got general serial number range or something similar? I have heard it was a 2004 year model batch. I'm curious as to whether it was all early or just a certain batch. I emailed two tech support and customer service at Armalite yesterday and have not heard back yet. I believe the one I'm looking at is very early production.

you can't fix stupid...but you can vote him out...
-Billboard north of Houston on HWY 45-

 

[Texascoyotedog]

i wish

I wish I had learned the art of gun design before life caught up with me...So many ideas...so little math...Yes sir, it is ironic don't you think?

 

[Texascoyotedog]

Email to Armalite customer relations agent

Sir,
I have a concern in regards to the AR-180b. I have been told and read repeatedly that there is an issue with a week pivot hinge. Is there any further info on this? Is this a specific range of serial numbers or a general design flaw? I am very fond of the rifle design. If I encounter pivot hinge damage does Armalite stand behind the product and repair or replace it with a non affected lower? Thank you for your attention in this matter. I am a member of several firearms blogs and plan on posting our correspondence for the benefit of all the Armalite AR-1800b fans with the same questions.
Sincerely,

 

[HorseSoldier]

It's an inherent weakness of a polymer frame with the hinge able to torque on the pivot point if it's allowed to fall open in an uncontrolled way.

 

[wayne in boca]

That is certainly true,but on the bad batch lowers,there were reports of the pivot area breaking while people were firing the weapon.Armalite was replacing them at no charge while they were still in production.I don't know if they still will,or even can.The AR180B only had a one year warranty,I believe.Most Armalite rifles have a lifetime warranty to original purchaser.

 

[Texascoyotedog]

All I can say is my email was returned with a legal warning not to post it or it's contents. I will say I will not be dealing with this company anytime soon. If you have to attach a legal warning and point it out in the conversation so that you don't have to practice good customer service, then I can spend my money elsewhere. Am I the only one who has experienced this?

 

[Orlando]

Sounds to me like they have a flawed lower like I already suggested

 

[Texascoyotedog]

Sux to, I really like the design

 

[carbine85]

If the price is right, and I mean low end $, I would buy it and save it for later. They are no longer made and not made in huge quanities. In 20 years or so it might be worth something.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Or just save up for a real 180, which are priced as collectibles these days, but can still be found for a reasonable (AR-15 ish) price.

 

[Texascoyotedog]

It would be for a pistol grip converted collapsible stock Saiga 308 16" barrel, and the 180b has collapsible stock, spare bolt, scope mount, fake EOtech, and quad rail. The thing is I don't want a collectible I want a shooter. What you think?:banghead::

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I have owned a AR-180B since 2002 and have not had any problems with my rifle.