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Old 12-24-2010, 02:15 PM   #1
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Talking Really Retro! Original piston drive 5.56 Armalite AR180 (Sterling)

I couldn't deny my inner once AR180 owner mourning syndrome any longer.

An Armalite AR-180 was the first black rifle I ever bought in about 1984 or 1985. It was a Sterling, and it was a tack driver (I actually got 2 MOA from a rest with iron sights and LC M193 ball). I carried it as a LEO trunk weapon. Several years later, I foolishly traded it for a Colt SP1 AR15 (which is long gone). After I sold it, I regretted it instantly! Shortly after, I moved back to Kalifornia, and by the time I could afford one, they became Verboten! I did have non-banned AR clones, and a registered Poly Tech AK and SP1 CAR-215.

I moved out of the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia three and a half years ago, and got more into black rifles (building my own ARs up, restoring Saigas, etc) , though never had quite enough to buy a 180 again. However, my house is sold and "She who must be obeyed" told me when it closes to spend the bucks to get another one.

I had already rounded up (8) AR-180 mags, a spare safety, spare extractor, spare firing pin, and spare cam pin. Will pick up extra springs, too. I found some NOS AR180 specific 30 round Thermolds out there for about $13. 7 of my 8 mags are the Thermolds and one an original AR180 steel pakerized 40 rounder.

My house closed and funded, so I finally had the cash. While I was looking around for one, I felt like the kid on "A Christmas Story" waiting for his Red Ryder BB gun! Not dignified for someone almost 60! I finally found one locally in Hamilton, MS. I bought it. It is a Sterling made Armalite AR 180, about 95+%, original Armalite made locking scope mount with integral ring, 3 AR180 mags (1 40 round original and two modified AR15 20 rounders: $900. The original 40 rounder is worth $75-85, and the 1970s Armalite factory scope mount is easily worth $100. The Stormwerks and modern Armalite mounts available today do not lock in place like the vintage Armalite ones like this. The stock is nice and tight, and it doesn't look to have been fired hardly at all.

Yahooooo! I got my "Red Ryder" in time for Christmas!

It will go well with my stable. CAR-15 (Faux XM177E2) built on an S&W M&P15 lower, Saiga 7.62x39 restored to original intended configuration, USGI Inland M1 carbine from CMP, and Remington 870 Express 20" rifled barrel.

Pics to follow:
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Old 12-24-2010, 03:36 PM   #2
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Good grab - these were the rifles that the IRA favored right?
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Old 12-24-2010, 03:55 PM   #3
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Yep, there is an old Provo (Provisional IRA) rebellion song "Me Little Armalite" that extols its virtues. The Irish called it "The Widow Maker." I am catholic and Irish! Oh my gosh, hopefully I won't start singing it or "Jonson's Motor Car."
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Old 12-24-2010, 06:53 PM   #4
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Is the AR-180 chambered in 5.56 Poodle Shooter or in a real cartridge?
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Old 12-24-2010, 07:25 PM   #5
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Poodle Shooter? In my real life before retirement, I saw really dead people, with really big holes in them from M193 5.56x45mm FMJ. I don't plan on shooting anyone past 200-300 yards (past that distance, it is easier to escape and evade, anyway). The way real M193 yaws and fragments at velocities over 2500/2600 FPS, it does the job. H@ll is populated with unhappy souls who will dispute the "Poodle shooter" argument.
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Old 12-24-2010, 07:30 PM   #6
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BTW, I'll take M193 FMJ 5.56 even over 7.62x39 FMJ anytime. Now when you take the Uly loaded 7.62x39 8M3 "Sapsan" 124 grain HP (Wolf Military Classic 124s are this load), that would dominate. INCREDIBLY DESTRUCTIVE ROUND!
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Old 12-25-2010, 11:39 AM   #7
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"My little Armalite" Provo Song

Probably the only weapon with a song of its own. During the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland, the rebels (Provisional Arm of the IRA) were extremely fond of the AR18 and AR180. They called it "The Widow Maker." They also had some AR15s, but a lesser amount.

Listen and Download Irish Brigade - Little Armalite Mp3
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Old 12-26-2010, 12:50 AM   #8
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Nice tune.
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Old 12-27-2010, 12:25 PM   #9
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Pics finally

Here is a little eye candy. I will post more pics later with scope, bayonet, bipod, mags,
etc.
Attached Thumbnails
Really Retro! Original piston drive 5.56  Armalite AR180 (Sterling)-ar180-1.jpg   Really Retro! Original piston drive 5.56  Armalite AR180 (Sterling)-ar180-2.jpg   Really Retro! Original piston drive 5.56  Armalite AR180 (Sterling)-ar180-3.jpg  

Last edited by imarangemaster; 12-27-2010 at 12:43 PM.
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Old 12-27-2010, 01:05 PM   #10
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Pretty cool - how sturdy is that stock? Must be where the russians got the idea for the solid side folder on their new AKs
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Old 12-27-2010, 02:06 PM   #11
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mmmmmm....vintage AR porn! haha
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Old 12-28-2010, 01:44 PM   #12
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I had never seen one of these before.. It reminds me of an FAL
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Old 12-28-2010, 09:40 PM   #13
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Quote:       Originally Posted by k-80 View Post
I had never seen one of these before.. It reminds me of an FAL
I own both an Armalite and an FAL. The resemblance goes beyond appearance. The feel and fit are quite similar. The AR is of course much lighter, but they both have a great instinctive point and natural balance. In both cases, the first time I picked them up they came naturally to the shoulder, and the sights were right in line with the target I'd picked. By contrast, with an AR-15 I always have to reposition the butt-stock on my shoulder and search for the sights when I bring it up. (And that's after putting thousands of rounds through AR-15 family weapons.)

Robert
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Old 01-06-2011, 09:38 AM   #14
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okay black bart, now you get yours......hahahaha
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Old 04-04-2011, 01:14 PM   #15
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Talking

Quote:       Originally Posted by imarangemaster View Post
I couldn't deny my inner once AR180 owner mourning syndrome any longer.

An Armalite AR-180 was the first black rifle I ever bought in about 1984 or 1985. It was a Sterling, and it was a tack driver (I actually got 2 MOA from a rest with iron sights and LC M193 ball). I carried it as a LEO trunk weapon. Several years later, I foolishly traded it for a Colt SP1 AR15 (which is long gone). After I sold it, I regretted it instantly! Shortly after, I moved back to Kalifornia, and by the time I could afford one, they became Verboten! I did have non-banned AR clones, and a registered Poly Tech AK and SP1 CAR-215.

I moved out of the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia three and a half years ago, and got more into black rifles (building my own ARs up, restoring Saigas, etc) , though never had quite enough to buy a 180 again. However, my house is sold and "She who must be obeyed" told me when it closes to spend the bucks to get another one.

I had already rounded up (8) AR-180 mags, a spare safety, spare extractor, spare firing pin, and spare cam pin. Will pick up extra springs, too. I found some NOS AR180 specific 30 round Thermolds out there for about $13. 7 of my 8 mags are the Thermolds and one an original AR180 steel pakerized 40 rounder.

My house closed and funded, so I finally had the cash. While I was looking around for one, I felt like the kid on "A Christmas Story" waiting for his Red Ryder BB gun! Not dignified for someone almost 60! I finally found one locally in Hamilton, MS. I bought it. It is a Sterling made Armalite AR 180, about 95+%, original Armalite made locking scope mount with integral ring, 3 AR180 mags (1 40 round original and two modified AR15 20 rounders: $900. The original 40 rounder is worth $75-85, and the 1970s Armalite factory scope mount is easily worth $100. The Stormwerks and modern Armalite mounts available today do not lock in place like the vintage Armalite ones like this. The stock is nice and tight, and it doesn't look to have been fired hardly at all.

Yahooooo! I got my "Red Ryder" in time for Christmas!

It will go well with my stable. CAR-15 (Faux XM177E2) built on an S&W M&P15 lower, Saiga 7.62x39 restored to original intended configuration, USGI Inland M1 carbine from CMP, and Remington 870 Express 20" rifled barrel.

Pics to follow:
i gottie73 have that all the numbers match plus the scope.give me a call.260-624-7209.dave (execelent condition)
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Old 04-04-2011, 01:22 PM   #16
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i have a An Armalite AR-180 black rifle with all matching numbers and the orenginal armlite scope execelent condition mfg.for armlite inc.costa mesa .calif.u.s.a. by sterling all oringal with ar-18 armilite on hand grip.give me a call ,260-624-7209,dave (gottie73)
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Old 04-04-2011, 01:40 PM   #17
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Cool

Quote:       Originally Posted by imarangemaster View Post
here is a little eye candy. I will post more pics later with scope, bayonet, bipod, mags,
etc.

sweet!!!!!
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