Armalite / Sterling Armaments

The Armalite AR-180 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle designed by Arthur Miller and produced by Armalite and later by Sterling Armaments. It was introduced in 1969 as a cheaper, stamped-steel version of the AR-18, which was Armalite's attempt to create a more affordable alternative to the AR-15/M16. The AR-180 uses a short-stroke gas piston system, a rotating bolt, and a stamped steel receiver. It is chambered in .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO. The rifle was manufactured with a synthetic stock and handguard. The AR-180 is known for its reliability, light weight, and historical significance as a precursor to modern piston-driven rifles.