Armalite AR-180B?

[Dollar An Hour]

Any opinions / experience with this rifle?

It was mentioned in a thread in which I was comparing the Mini-14 to the SLR-106, and I'd like to learn more about it in the role of a SHTF / fun gun.

A little internet research indicates the AR-180B is easier to maintain than an AR-15, and tends to be less finicky about ammo.

The 20" barrel should allow the 5.56 to perform as intended compared to a 16" barreled rifle.

Thanks for any input.

 

[ftierson]

The weak point of the AR-180B is the polymer lower receiver pivot area...

Forrest

 

[W.E.G.]

Had one. Got rid of it.

Plastic receiver looked suspect, and indeed if you do a few searches, you will find that a number of them HAVE broken. Armalite will fix them for free, but I didn't need that sort of headache.

Crummy A-1 sights, and weirdo scope-mount arrangement.

Gas nipple on the gas system liked to unscrew itself too. I don't know what kind of thread-locking compound you use on something that gets as hot as that piece. Maybe just peen it fast.

One rifle I definitely do NOT miss.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Hmm...

Is the AR180B a better choice than a Mini-14 for an all-arounder?

Is it true that it is easier to maintain (and the internals stay cleaner) than an AR15?

Seems like I'm looking at rifles that are overwhelmingly shunned by the online community!

 

[nalioth]

Is it true that it is easier to maintain (and the internals stay cleaner) than an AR15?

The AR-18 is what we should have been using instead of the AR-15, imho.

Porkbelly politics reared it's head and history is what it is.

The AR-180 is a piston operated design, and will run much cleaner than an AR15. It will also run much cooler ( no hot gases being ported into the receiver ).

 

[GearHead_1]

I don't own an AR 180B so I can't comment on the synthetic lower. I can however tell you that my AR 180 Sterling has been a zero incident gun and a real pleasure to shoot for over 20 years (as long as I've owned it). It is of course a much cleaner rifle to shoot than any of my AR's. It is durable and as accurate as I would expect any battle rifle to be. I've never replaced a part. I have no idea how many rounds have been through it, several thousand I'm sure. It looks and operates as good as new. I've always wanted to try an AR 180B, it's still on my to get list. It's priced right and Armalite stands behind their product as well as any manufacturer. I think you should buy two and send one to me, that way we can evaluate them together. The same should be true even if you choose either of the other rifles you listed.

 

[Deer Hunter]

The AR-180 never had the chance the AR-15 had. I think it would have been a very nice rifle if Armalite had given it the chance.

 

[corncob]

I have one that's for sale. Most people don't like them, some REALLY like them. You can search for threads in which I've posted for my experience.

Overall, it's an ok rifle, I'd say. The weight and balance with 20-rounders really is sweet. The accuracy is not what you get with an AR-15, but cleaning is pretty much optional, except the steel-cased stuff will get a little sticky in a dirty chamber. The rifle still ejects it though (at least with the chamber as dirty as I've let mine get), but into your face if your a lefty (which I am). The receiver pin is a weak point of the design, no doubt, but I haven't broken mine yet.

I've got the RRA 2-stage match trigger in mine, which is pretty much a requirement. I've also got a picatinny rail from that Stormwerks guy on Arfcom, which is optional. I think I have mentioned in other threads that it throws off the otherwise sweet balance. At least it's on and off easy, with no loss of zero.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I've looked at them many times, and would really like one, but I'm not willing to pay $800 for a rifle that, IMHO, should sell for about $300 given the ease of manufacturing. It's a good design, but AR prices are both somewhat inflated and forced up by the need to precisely machine numerous areas on aluminum forgings. The AR180B has a molded polymer lower (guesstimated cost to make: $10) and a sheet metal upper ($25?). The operating system and bolt carrier are also greatly simplified ($50?) compared to AR15 designs. If you look at them closely, they look, design-wise, like Kel-Tec made them, maybe with some help from the Ingram (MAC-10) folks. The actual quality seems fine, but IMHO it is way overpriced for what it is.

Oh, and I own an Armalite M15A4, which is made wonderfully. I like Armalite as a company. I just think the AR180B is absurdly overpriced.

 

[Mongrel]

Pardon me if this seems out of order but...

Do you own an SKS yet?

I swear the more I use mine and read threads like this and then go and compare 'issues' and designs AND accuracy of other rifles to the SKS the more thankful I am to have one. And the more quick I am to recommend them.

I looked at this AR180B stripped down and counted numerous springs, do-dads, and parts. Saw how it was put together and then saw a page showing 50yd groups...

And walked away (again...) glad that I have my SKS.

If the SKS doesn't qualify as one of the ultimate "shtf\fun guns" around I don't know what rifle would.

Obviously, if you are committed to the .223\5.56 caliber then this should be ignored...