Picked up an AR-180

[legumeofterror]

Mint Howa built with factory scope and sling. SN 610.





No magazine. Made a few on my own and ran a carbine match stage with it. Really cool rifle.

[Dionysusigma]

I'm instantly jealous. How come - even though it inspired several later designs - production on it (and the -B version) ended?

[GNXII]

Didn't " New" Armalite have there version of it?

[MountainRaven]

I'm instantly jealous. How come - even though it inspired several later designs - production on it (and the -B version) ended?

Lack of sales.

And to be honest, having shot my Brownell's retro "XM16E1" back-to-back with my father's Sterling AR-180, the AR-15 is better than the AR-18 in practically every way. Except the folding stock.

Didn't " New" Armalite have there version of it?

That would be the AR-180B which didn't long survive the setting of the AWB.

[Bret]

I have a Sterling that I got years ago for $900 or so. If you don't mind me asking, what did you have to give for your Howa?

[legumeofterror]

I'm instantly jealous. How come - even though it inspired several later designs - production on it (and the -B version) ended?

It was meant to be an AR15 alternative for poorer countries that had limited manufacturing capability. Everything is stamped and simple to produce. In the end no one really wanted it. The only significant use it was was with the IRA.

Didn't " New" Armalite have there version of it?

Yeah. It is a pile of shit.

I have a Sterling that I got years ago for $900 or so. If you don't mind me asking, what did you have to give for your Howa?

$1200 with everything shown.

[ABNAK]

The AR-180B's biggest downfall (to me at least) was that it did not have a chrome lined barrel. I had one briefly and sold it. This was back before you could send a barrel off to at a minimum be nitrided/Melonited. My preference is for chrome but that would have at least satisfied me.

Wonder if someone will come out with a new version, chrome lined and with a Picatinny rail on top of the receiver?

[legumeofterror]

IDK, for all but the most extreme applications chrome lining does not buy you a whole lot. There was a lot more to dislike with that thing than the bore.

[ABNAK]

IDK, for all but the most extreme applications chrome lining does not buy you a whole lot. There was a lot more to dislike with that thing than the bore.

No doubt, but that was my reason for selling it.

[SteyrAUG]

I'm more jealous of the scope and mount than the rifle. Also have a Howa, they are neat for what they are. Of course I like most rifles. Howa were the best made of the three manufacturers and sadly that includes Armalite at Costa Mesa.

Brownells sells modified mags btw.