Picked up an AR-180B

[Dave Markowitz]

I got an AR-180B at the Valley Forge gun show today. I managed to find one that was (barely) used, so I was able to get it for $549 + tax + background check. The dealer, who've I bought a couple other guns from, didn't have the original case, mag, or sling with him, but is supposed to ship them to me when he gets back to his shop.

Since I don't yet have the factory case, I had to get something to carry it in. At another table I found an "assault style" case with a shoulder strap, four mag pockets, and an accessories pocket on the side. The AR-180B fit well so I got it, too. I can always use another rifle case.

After some more wandering around I also picked up some magazines. First, I got a steel 30 rounder mag by Charter Industries of Singapore. Then, I found a dealer with some nearly new looking Colt 20 rounders for $18 each, so I got three.

To feed my new toy I got three Winchester 50 round value packs of .223 55 grain FMJs.

After getting home I tried each of the mags, plus two GI Okay and three Orlites in the rifle (the Okays and Orlites are leftover from when I had a Bushmaster Dissipator). The Colts and the Okays lock in solidly and actuate the bolt stop. The Orlites and the Singapore mag lock in but don't work the bolt stop. To be fair, Armalite advertises the rifle as being suitable for use with GI M-16 mags but no others, so I can't complain. I'll do some tinkering and see if I can get the other mags to work the bolt stop, though.

I downloaded a PDF version of the AR-180B manual from Armalite's web site and field stripped the rifle. Doing so is quite easy and I really like the design.

A range report will have to wait a little while but I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[Cortland]

I picked up an AR-180B about 6 months ago. I haven't shot it much since then, but it's accurate enough for what it is. I've got two Singapore mags; both work operate fine and work the bolt stop. The trigger on my 180 is pretty bad, so I probably won't know what its real accuracy potential is until I get new trigger in it (unlike the original 180s, the 180B uses AR-15 fire control components).

Here's my AR-180B with scope (and Singapore mag!):

 

[Marcus]

Cool new purchase Dave! I was at the show today too,sorry I didn`t see ya. No big toys for me,just ammo and 2 holsters. Let us know how that 180B works for you. Marcus

 

[modifiedbrowning]

My Ar-180B doesn't like my Orlite mag either. It works fine with my Gi mags and my Sa80 steel mag. BTW, the factory case for the 180B is a cardboard box, at least that's what mine came in and there was no sling included in the deal.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

modifiedbrowning,

Hmm. Maybe whoever sold the shop that I got my rifle from included an aftermarket case and sling, since the tag on the rifle said they were included.

Marcus,

Sorry I missed you. Maybe we'll meet up at the next VF show.