What to do about this AR180B scope mount?

S

stickhunter

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I was looking at a used AR180B which, unfortunately, has a non-standard Weaver mount that looks to be riveted to the receiver. From some of the side photos I've seen, the original scope mount bracket appears to still be present.

First off, shame to the apparent Edmonton-based gunsmith who installed this base :( :( :( What the heck was this person thinking when Armalite and B-square both make proper scope bases for the AR180?

Second, given the scarcity of AR180B's, how do you think such a modification affects the price? Most of the used AR180Bs that I've seen are in the $1300 range, and get snapped up quickly, so I'm tempted by this rifle even though I can't stand the scope mount.

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When I first got my 180B I thought the proprietary mounting system sucked! I drilled out the spot welds and knocked off the mounting tab (it came off way to easily and was bare metal underneath but thats another story!). I then had a piece of Picatinny rail mounted in its place by having it drilled and tapped through the underside of the receiver. It makes a much better mounting system than anything that uses the OEM tab. I'd say if you want a 180B then grab it and replace the mount. The cost of a piece of rail, a few screws and a bit of time will quickly be forgotten if you get the rifle you've always wanted and are having fun with it.
 
Wow! Looks like he went apes**t with the rivets.:eek:

However, having said that, until Armalite starts producing 180B's again, the price and demand for them are only gonna go up, so if it's mostly fixable, it probably won't hurt the value quite as much as you think.
 
Snow Dog said:
When I first got my 180B I thought the proprietary mounting system sucked! I drilled out the spot welds and knocked off the mounting tab (it came off way to easily and was bare metal underneath but thats another story!). I then had a piece of Picatinny rail mounted in its place by having it drilled and tapped through the underside of the receiver. It makes a much better mounting system than anything that uses the OEM tab. I'd say if you want a 180B then grab it and replace the mount. The cost of a piece of rail, a few screws and a bit of time will quickly be forgotten if you get the rifle you've always wanted and are having fun with it.
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The original owner of mine did the same, but he had the sights removed as well and the barrel free floated. Not complaining though, because she's pretty darn accurate with a scope.;)
 
Armedsask said:
Is your claim of rivets from those pictures only? They look like socket head cap screws.
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Good eye Armedsask, you're now making me rethink the rivets --- at first glance they look liked pop rivets, but could very well be socket head screws. I will ask the seller. It would sure be nice if they were just screws because I could then at least put some filler screws in place.
 
If it's on straight and tight and will work for what you want to put on it, who cares what it looks like? Use it as a point to negotiate the price down, if it bothers you.
 
It looks crocked! Dump the scope mount. Have a proper pictanny mount screwed to the the receiver by a qualified gunsmith! Or you can buy my mint one in the EE!

Regards,
Henry;)
 
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