Is the 180B as sturdy as an AR-15?

Smoothbore

Smoothbore

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I am trying to get a sense of the general "ruggedness" of the Armalite
180B. Assuming you don't let it swing open hard on the hinge, is it as well made as a typical AR-15? All comments from owners or those who have shot it would be appreciated. Not going to beat tent pegs with it, but don't want to have to wrap it in cotton either.

PS: I am not going into combat with it. Just wonder if it is sturdy enough for a truck gun. :)
SB
 
While I'd think it's sturdy enough for what you want it for I can't see it being as strong as an AR-15.

I think you'd be happy with it for your purpose.
 
If you really think you might need a 223 for combat SOMEDAY then get an AR-15 that you can only take to the 'restricted' range and pimp that f**ker out.

otherwise...

If you want a fun non restricted 223 (SHTF) gun well designed with a "polymer" lower get the 180B. I am sure in the next 2 years a new lower will be available in a different material, at that point the only real flaw of the rifle will not exist (besides maybe not having a heavy chrome barrel)

I was at the range shooting 2-3 MOA at 120 yards+ - I can;t shoot, this was scoped with my 180B, a buddy was shooting a VZ-858 with similar performance with IRON sights (not as consistent as the 180B but doing it none the less with no optics).

The VZ is accurate!

Get the VZ if you want a the best bang for your dollar. I would.

Then get a AR-180B or AR-15.

my .02

fed007
 
The only serious weak point with the current polymer lower AR180b's is the butt-stock...
The plastic stock slips over a point on the lower and is held in place via a bolt that is threaded into the lower...
The threads are cut into the polymer... the bolt is steel.... If you ever cross-thread this you're never gonna get it to tighten up properly...
As well, the trap door is very flimsy...
 
667 said:
The only serious weak point with the current polymer lower AR180b's is the butt-stock...
The plastic stock slips over a point on the lower and is held in place via a bolt that is threaded into the lower...
The threads are cut into the polymer... the bolt is steel.... If you ever cross-thread this you're never gonna get it to tighten up properly...
As well, the trap door is very flimsy...
Click to expand...

There is a steel insert on the lower that the bolt screws into for the stock.

after_cut.JPG
 
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No, the AR180B is not a sturdy as the Ar15 for the simple fact that it has a polymer lower. As mentioned however, it is plenty sturdy enough for you.

My 180B is used and abused with no issues as of yet.
 
Armedsask said:
No, the AR180B is not a sturdy as the Ar15 for the simple fact that it has a polymer lower. As mentioned however, it is plenty sturdy enough for you.
My 180B is used and abused with no issues as of yet.
Click to expand...

I agree, I have been beating the piss out of mine for testing my accessories and have had no problems with reliability, feeding or anything for that matter.
 
Well I am going to actually argue in favour of the 180B. And I do this with very much experience with the 15 and a fair bit with the 180B:

a. The 15 is cast aluminum, wich is WEAK. I have seen an entire row of these weapons abliterated by some idiot telling recruits to lay them down lined up in a parking lot and then an even bigger idion running over them with his sunfire. I have seen steel stand up to far worse abuse than that many times; and even straight up polymer (namely in the famed glock torture tests) has passed that torture and more.

b. even though the 180's lower is polymer, the upper is STEEL. i have found that when it comes to rough handling the steel upper will take most of the abuse away from the polymer (and take it well)

c. Though I have not actually disected a 180B to this extent, if you look in the Armalite web page they claim the polymer lower receiver is steel reinforced. I'm trying to figure out how to get the image on this post, but I'm fairly computer illiterate so if anyone cares enought to tell me how please write me and I'll stick it in here.

d. I must decline my argument in terms of the barrel, but remember, that is dependant on what AR15 model you are comparing it against. not all 15 barrels have been peachy either.

e. The 180 uses a piston instead of shooting gases directly into the receiver and bolt assembly, which adds to reliability; and to me reliability is what toughness is all about.

I'm propably going to get railed on for not siding with the all-mighty AR15, but my opinion is my own and untill i see first hand to show me otherwise, this is what I'll stick with
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die standing and go down swingin
 
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I don't think any one here is siding with one or the other. Lord knows I flog the AR180B to every one I can because I think it is a great rifle.

Fact of the matter is, metal is stronger than plastic, full stop. Yes the 180B lower is steel reinforced but it has weak points, mainly the front pivot. The AR15 doesn't have that weak point.

Uppers are a non-issue. I'd think the AR15 upper is stronger, the 180B is sheet metal.
 
the uppers and lowers on AR-15s are forged aluminum. It's pretty solid stuff. I guess the frame on my CRF450 motocross bike, and airplanes just buckle under the slightest stresses too?
 
jollyroger said:
a. The 15 is cast aluminum, wich is WEAK. I have seen an entire row of these weapons abliterated by some idiot telling recruits to lay them down lined up in a parking lot and then an even bigger idion running over them with his sunfire.
Click to expand...

:eek:

Has these two been released from the detention barracks yet?

(Most current AR15s are forged, rather than cast)
 
i stand by my statement

the uppers and lowers on AR-15s are forged aluminum. It's pretty solid stuff. I guess the frame on my CRF450 motocross bike, and airplanes just buckle under the slightest stresses too?
Click to expand...

high grade aluminum is made to be tough on a strength-to-weight ratio. I personally dont need to worry about my AR being able to take flight or allow a weed whiper engine to get it goin 300 miles an hour (not intended to call a CRF450 a weed whiper). even the highest grade aluminum can simply not compare with steel for strength (even the folded sheet steel on the 180 would have stood up to the abuse that abliterated so many 15s.) I may not be the most experienced gun nut, but I come from a family of professional black smiths, and we've seen high grade aluminum wears out and steel keeps taking the beating with no problems; and I've seen a very fair share of 15s fall apart over the silliest crap. Like I said Im just talking from my own personal experience.

besides if your biggest concern is ultimate toughness and reliability, by an SKS.
(oh, Im really going to get railed on for that one.)
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die standing and go down swingin
 
Lol, I'm not gonna bite on the SKS bit :p

But aluminum can be just as strong or stronger than some steels. Obviously a 4340 steel is gonna be tougher and stronger than any aluminum, but the sheet metal in a 180B is most likely just a 1020 "basic" steel, as I can't see them using a high-alloy steel in a stamped sheet metal receiver.

Also aluminum's modulus of elasticity is about one third that of steel's. This means that aluminum will deflect or elongate 3 times more than steel under the same loading conditions. Depending on the applicaiton, this can be a huge advantage (my handlebars on my bike deflect, which removes alot of harshness from the ground), or a huge disadvantage (parts with extremely tight tolerances)

Aluminum:

Better strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance, non-magnetic (good or bad thing)

steel- better fatigue strength, more malleable, stiffer.
 
Well either way you go: ar-15 or ar-180b, you will have a good rifle for varmints and deer depending on where you live and local laws. I have several of each and love 'em all. Regardless of the material, both rifles are well built and both can break if you abuse the hell out of them. For some it may come down to price or what is allowed in their area.
My 2 cents,
Josh,
StormWerkz
 
While we're here.......

For those who use factory ammo in their 180b, what do you find the best bullet weight to be concidering the 1:9 twist?
 
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