(C) OUTSTANDING EARLY COSTA MESA ARMALITE AR-180 SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE WITH BOX.

Initially developed by Eugene Stoner as the select fire AR-18, ArmaLite's machine shops in Costa Mesa, California began a small production pilot run of semi-automatic AR-180s for civilian sales in July 1969 before full scale production was turned over to Howa of Japan in 1970. This extremely early example is numbered S0029 is among the first production guns built at the Costa Mesa facility. In total 4018 AR-180s were produced at Costa Mesa from 1969 to 1972. This rifle shows characteristic, rather crude welds and hand fitting as is associated with such early production. It features stamped construction, a parkerized pencil barrel and 3-prong duck bill flash hider. Protected post front sight and adjustable 2-position aperture rear sight. An original ArmaLite branded 2.75x 20mm quick detach scope with covers and box is also included. Furniture includes a black polymer handguard, "AR-18" molded pistol grip, and side folding stock with rubber butt. Gun is housed in an original unnumbered box with intact ArmaLite shipping label. Also included with this lot are 2 total magazines, an olive woven sling, assembly instruction sheet, and manual. CONDITION: Excellent. Nearly all of the factory original finishes are retained with a few minor handling marks and evidence of the scope being mounted at some point. Stocks have a few scattered light marks. Crisp, bright bore as possibly unfired. Fine mechanics. Box is good showing some expected signs of long term storage. A fantastic example of a very early AR-180 that would be very difficult to improve on.

Name

Value

Accessories

Box, Scope, Extra Mag

Barrel Length

18 - 1/4"

Caliber/Bore

.223 Remington

FFL Status

Curio & Relic

Manufacturer

Armalite