The AR-180b - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Weapontech

Weapontech

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The AR-180b seems to be gaining in popularity as a non-restricted semi-auto style sporting rifle. But what makes it so popular? Is it because it's not restricted, or is it something else? I have recently been approached by a member of my unit inquiring on it's functionality, and if I thought it was worth the money.

I must confess, aside from the name I know nothing of this little rifle. So, I thought I'd canvass the people who would know most of all; CGN members.

If you're a current or previous AR-180b owner/user or have just fired your friends at the club, feel free to drop a comment on the thread.

Give me the good, the bad, and even the ugly little details of the rifle. Specific points or details on accuracy, reliability, functionality, etc, etc, would be very much appreciated.
 
It seems accurate enough but it does have a 'cheap' feel to it. The stamped metal and plastic reciever doesn't appeal to me.

Having said that I'd take one over a Mini-14 any day of the week and people who own them seem to really like them.
 
the handguards got to go, a rail like the ones Wolverine is getting in would be an improvement. A regular A2 flash hider or something of that nature would be better than the current muzzle brake. The ability to use AR 15 aftermarket grip would be a better option. Other than that is went bang when I shot it and whenever Greenman shot it.
 
I ordered one...still waiting on its delivery...cheap feel...maybe...mods avalible now...good stuff...can take it out in the bush...priceless
 
I just talked to a fellow tonight who has one and the main beef he has with it is he says the stock is too light and "rides up" when shooting. TC
 
It's .223 cal.
It's non restrcted
It uses ever plentiful and cheap AR mags
It's a proven ie. "old" design
It's as accurate if not more so than an AR with the same barrel length and twist.
It sells for about $1100.

As for the polymere lower.... I find nothing wrong with it for what the rifle's intended for. It's durable enough. Remember it's an $1100 rifle.

For the gear queers who wanna pimp their rifle there's plenty o' crap on the market to spend their money on to make their rifle look kewl.... Won't make it shoot better, but hey.... at least it'l look like you have more money than brains.

I bought one because of it's non restricted status and the price.
 
New the AR180B costs just over $1000. As for the appeal, beside non-restricted it is gas PISTON operated, in my opinion the only way to go. It is also very light, awesome for humping around the bush all day.

As for the "cheap" feel, I guess it all depends. Mine feels solid enough and lord knows it gets abused. I've got all sort of metal hanging off the polymer reciever.

After market parts are being made available more and more for this little rifle. When I first got mine 3 years ago simply mounting optics was a challenge. That has since been dealt with as well as the option to add a folding stock, RIS handguard and so on. Basically everything I spent all sorts of time and money on can be done with after market parts.
 
I bought mine for one reason - Nonrestricted black rifle.

I only had mine one summer;

Pros - accurate enough for me
- reliable
- beautiful rifle to look at
- ergonomically fit me good LOP a tad short.
- Integral muzzle brake
- EASY to field strip

Cons - plastic lower questionable SHTF factor :D
- painful for lefty's
- hand guards poorly molded
- crappy sights compared to an AR-15

There isn't much choice in the non restricted 223 black rifle market for $1000. If you can get over the plastic toy feel this one is for you. I liked the fact that it was light.

fed
 
exactly,

In hindsight I'd get the VZ-858 ... (7.62 usable on deer) as accurate, cheaper, cheaper ammo, and nonrestricted.

If I had to do it a again it would be VZ all the way.

fed
 
I think the AR-180B is a great rifle. Many pro's already meantioned. The only con I had with it was the front hinge pin. I always worried that I would break it.

If there was a metal insert in the plastic to support the front pin it would have been perfect. Like how it's inset for the trigger pins.

I like the rest of it just how it is.
 
I think you are right. A metal lower will make it more appealing to those who may want an AR, but also want something non-restricted. (people like me who have been waiting a year for the XCR.)

I think if Armalite made the improvements that would make it comparable to the XCR, I would give up trying to get an XCR and get the 180B.
Ar 180 + TOp rail or quad rail, metal lower, and folding stock, and ability to change the muzzle brake. = a good ALTERNATIVE to the XCR.
Of course one could do this themselve as the parts are there, but I think people would pay a bit more to save the time and hassle of changing things around.
They could call it the AR-180B-Tactical!!!
 
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Do you guys think there would be a market for a sheet metal lower kit? Would be like an 80% AR15 lower, you do the finishing (weld, rivet, or screw together, drill holes, paint/blue/etc.).
 
Geeesh... don't any of you guys remember "The Graduate" with Dustin Hoffman?

"Plastic... The future is in palstic...":D
 
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