Armalite Shotgun

[usp_fan]

I was in a local shop several weeks ago and saw an old Armalite shotgun from the 60's or 70's. I was under the impression that not many of these were made and they are now somewhat desireable. Can anyone fill me in? BTW, this one appeared to be in pretty good condition, but I don't know enough about them to know if it had been refinished.

Thanks,

--usp_fan

 

[L-2]

From Armalite's website:

"AR-17 (1956-62)"
"The AR-17 is an innovative semi-automatic shotgun featuring a hard-anodized aluminum receiver and barrel and a brown wood grain plastic stock. The barrel was equipped with replaceable chokes. The AR-17 was called the “Golden Gun” due to the color of the aluminum components.

Two thousand sets of parts for the AR-17 were produced, but only 1,200 guns were sold.

The AR-17 never met commercial success; it was semi-automatic, but held only two shots. It was lightweight, but was marketed to trap and skeet shooters, who normally fire many shots per day."

ref. http://www.armalite.com/library/history/history.htm

 

[pauli]

there was a really good thread here on the ar17 a few months back.

 

[patricksrange]

The thread is correct in all respects. I have a "Golden Armalite" that I acquired in a Private Sale. It has all the documents from 1963, the extra choke tubes, and the hook-spanner choke changer. This shotgun IS indeed a two-shot deal. One round is chambered, one round is placed in the tube. This firearm was meant to be a two shot shotgun, similar to a O/U. It is best to use light recoil shotgun ammo. Low Dram, light loads. This unique shotgun has to be one of the LIGHTEST in the Industry. The forearm & stock is polymer/plastic as was the '66 Nylon Remington stocks. The bolt is heavy lug configuration. These are commanding some dollars on the collection plate. I have seen some go for $800-$1000 dollars, depending on condition. If you want a unique item and a part of Stoner's History...(Armalite) this is it!
DG