For those who love how an AR-15 can shoot, but cannot love or live with it, the AR-180 has been the holy grail. Its scarcity has helped it develop a mystique and has created a pent-up demand that Armalite has decided to meet with the new AR-180B. Given that the AR- 180 is seen as an alternative to AR- 15-style rifles, it seems wise to review their similarities and differences. Both are gas-- operated, semi-automatic rifles chambered for the .223 Rem. cartridge. The designs feature synthetic stocks and a short-stroke, multi-lug rotary bolt that locks to an extension threaded onto the breech end of the barrel. In contrast to the high-tensile strength aluminum alloy receivers of the AR-15/M 16 rifles, those of the original AR- 180 are heavy-gauge steel stampings.
The gas system of the AR-180 is also different in that instead of the bolt being unlocked by direct gas pressure as in the AR-15/M16, gas tapped from the barrel is directed through a short gas tube to impinge on a tappet rod/piston arrangement that unlocks the bolt. In the AR- 15/M 16 rifles, the bolt carrier slides in a tubular guideway in the upper receiver, compressing the single buffer spring in the buttstock. In the AR- 180, the carrier slides on two parallel action rods carrying both recoil springs. Although the new AR- 180B from Armalite retains the bolt and gas system of the original AR- 180, there are changes in its construction and materials that take advantage of modern manufacturing methods, as well as some different features that reflect a changing market and political landscape.
The magazines for the original gun were similar to those used in the more common AR-15, but they were not interchangeable. AR-180 magazines were scarce and expensive long before the cessation of the original rifles' production many years ago. Thankfully, the new AR- 180B accepts readily available AR- 15-- style magazines.
One of the advantages of the AR- 180 design was that the recoil springs, being contained in the upper receiver itself rather than in a buffer extension as with the AR-15, allowed the use of a folding stock. The new AR-180B, however, must comply with laws restricting that feature. Though now fixed, the stock of the AR- 180B retains the same slim profile and short length of pull of the original gun. The buttplate is retained by two steel machine screws and features an AR-15-style trapdoor that covers a storage compartment for a G.I. cleaning kit or other shooting accessories.
For similar reasons, the threaded muzzle of the original was dropped in favor of a muzzle brake integral to the 19.8"-long barrel. The 1:12" rifling twist of the first-generation AR-180 has been increased to 1:9" in the new AR- 180B to stabilize heavier bullets now available for its .223 Rem. chambering.
Sights on the AR- 180B include a post front unit screw-adjustable for elevation in the same manner as an AR- 15. The two-leg rear sight with short-range (less than 200 yds.) and long-range (beyond 250 yds.) apertures is adjustable for windage by hand-turning the drum on the right-hand side rear sight ear. The diameter of the apertures and the windage drum are consistent with M16A2-style components, but the range adjustment wheel has been eliminated, and the front sight base and rear sight ears match the shape and dimensions of those used in the original AR- 180. Additionally, the AR- 180B is equipped with a scope mount base, atop the receiver, identical to the original gun. In the near future, Armalite plans to offer a scope mount as an accessory that will work with both the old and new upper receivers.
The new upper receiver is stamped sheet steel as was the first-generation gun, but the lower receiver of the AR- 180B is now a polymer extrusion rein-- forced with steel inserts. The exterior shape and dimensions are similar to the original gun, and an old upper will fit a new lower and vice versa, but the internal specifications have been changed so the gun can accept certain AR- 15 parts such as the magazine, magazine catch and release button. Also, the AR- 180B's single-stage trigger group uses the same hammer, sear and trigger blade as Armalite's standard M 15-- type rifles.
The trigger of our test gun broke cleanly at 6 lbs. pull with minimal take-up and little discernable overtravel. No scope mount was available at the time of our testing, so we resorted to the rifle's standard iron sights. Results from our tests are shown in the accompanying table. No magazines were provided with our test gun, but a selection of AR- 15/M16 magazines that had proven reliable with other guns seated positively and dropped free of their own empty weight. Moreover, there were no failures to feed, fire, extract or eject.
The AR- 180B shares the good ergonomic features of the original gun, which are comparable to an A1 -style AR- 15. It is lightweight, and the short length-of-pull of its in-line stock helps the firer bring the gun quickly to the shoulder. Two things that make it different from an AR-15-style rifle that drew universal praise were the absence of a carrying handle that allows for lower scope mounting, and the fixed bolt handle that provides the user with peace of mind that the bolt is fully in battery when chambering a round. The new gun also inherits some of the notso-good features of its parent, such as the slim shape and smooth surfaces of the pistol grip and a fore-end that can work against a solid hold for some shooters.
The combination of its legendary origin as the work of Eugene Stoner, its sound performance and popular price will likely provide fertile ground for the return of the AR- 180.
Copyright National Rifle Association of America May 2002
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