SAR-80 Is Alive - AR15.COM

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Posted: 3/27/2017 3:34:20 PM EDT

Got my ugly SAR-80 build done-ish and to the range.

Running well but #2 will be much improved.

For those unfamiliar with the SAR-80 it was basically the first product improved AR-18. First created by Sterling it was built in Singapore and is now known as the Singapore Automatic Rifle 1980 or SAR-80. Approximately 100,000 were produced and recently about 150 kits came into the country. As you can imagine as a fan or the AR-180 I had to have a couple.

SAR80 Home Build First Shots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJPmLbsodVA

Posted: 3/27/2017 5:53:21 PM EDT

[#1]

That's really cool. I'd love to do that, but I need another project like I need a hole in the head.

Posted: 3/27/2017 6:46:02 PM EDT

[#2]

Would love to see some close ups rix. My affinity for everything AR18 stems from the L85A1 so i'm always interested to see derivatives done right. You have a couple of kits you say? Are you looking to part with one?

Posted: 3/27/2017 6:55:10 PM EDT

[#3]

Quick, someone take my wallet before I buy one.

I really love obscure rifles like this. That's why I bought these darn CETME L kits.

Posted: 3/27/2017 8:27:01 PM EDT

[#4]

Kits still available.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/631564182

Most of the info on building these is at Armorers Alliance.

Biggest thread is here

http://armorersalliance.com/forum/index.php/topic,311.0.html

I'm slowly documenting my builds at AR180S.com

Posted: 3/27/2017 9:36:42 PM EDT

[#5]

very nice, what are you doing for refinish?

Posted: 3/28/2017 6:43:25 AM EDT

[#6]

Very cool as usual BigRix. Whats with the Brits and their affinity for that horrid black crinkle finish?

Posted: 3/28/2017 8:21:00 AM EDT

[#7]

Speaking of crinkle paint, your local Autozone might have VHT wrinkle paint. If you follow the instructions, it works quite well at reproducing that look.

It's made for car engines so, it should hold up to some abuse as well.

Posted: 3/28/2017 9:06:11 AM EDT

[#8]

I would kill for one of those. I don't know what it is about them, but I absolutely love the look of them.

Posted: 3/28/2017 12:02:48 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
Kits still available.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/631564182

Most of the info on building these is at Armorers Alliance.

Biggest thread is here

http://armorersalliance.com/forum/index.php/topic,311.0.html

I'm slowly documenting my builds at AR180S.com

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/70057DC6-065F-469F-BD7E-252B2BECBFF2_zps3mznafp5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/FD4BCAE5-7D8B-4ABD-BE01-96133534E53C_zpswk9dzcp9.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/62B1A096-6202-4A11-9FFC-CA198E1C689E_zpscxzvk7iz.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/34C05361-FEDE-4D40-B6DA-C11B0223D68D_zpsvpqgb5a8.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/5B3852DB-30FD-4F1C-833E-DA4DE827E90C_zpsqxgk0aux.jpg

View Quote

thanks Rix now i'm just hoping my bonus check and raise come in this next pay check

Posted: 4/2/2017 4:55:20 PM EDT

[#10]

I want one bad, but after my Cetme L debacle, I'm not buying kits for anything.

Posted: 4/2/2017 6:25:55 PM EDT

[#11]

It would be very cool but I don't have facilities to take on a project like that

You need one of the steel "Made in England" sticker magazines that were sold during the ban era, I believe those were the original magazines for the SAR-80. They were commonly misattributed to the British SA-80.

Posted: 4/2/2017 7:21:33 PM EDT

[#12]

You did it again BR

Posted: 4/2/2017 9:13:41 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
I want one bad, but after my Cetme L debacle, I'm not buying kits for anything.

View Quote

What happened, if you don't mind me asking?

Posted: 4/3/2017 9:53:38 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
What happened, if you don't mind me asking?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I want one bad, but after my Cetme L debacle, I'm not buying kits for anything.

What happened, if you don't mind me asking?

The intial release were the lowest quality parts kits. I was excited about the concept and jumped on it early. Didn't know I was buying the sheisty kit. Barrel run came and went like a fart, without nearly enough barrels in relation to kits.

Can't find a barrel, and I missed the boat on some of the companies doing builds. The ones still offering builds don't have barrels.

Should have just sat on my thumbs and bought a complete gun when they were offered, but... noooo... "I'll get this kit built some day."

Had I known what was happening, I would have focused on barrel first and then bought a "very good" kit later on. With parts in hand, could send it off for a build.

edit: And the reason I'm pissy about it is because I have the mechanical skill of a Somali with Parkinson's and can't do it myself. And I want more 80s black rifle goodness.

Posted: 4/3/2017 10:02:39 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Kits still available.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/631564182

Most of the info on building these is at Armorers Alliance.

Biggest thread is here

http://armorersalliance.com/forum/index.php/topic,311.0.html

I'm slowly documenting my builds at AR180S.com

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/70057DC6-065F-469F-BD7E-252B2BECBFF2_zps3mznafp5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/FD4BCAE5-7D8B-4ABD-BE01-96133534E53C_zpswk9dzcp9.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/62B1A096-6202-4A11-9FFC-CA198E1C689E_zpscxzvk7iz.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/34C05361-FEDE-4D40-B6DA-C11B0223D68D_zpsvpqgb5a8.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/SAR-80/5B3852DB-30FD-4F1C-833E-DA4DE827E90C_zpsqxgk0aux.jpg

View Quote

That looks gorgeous, by the way.

Make me one. I'll give ya money and a Cetme L kit.

Posted: 4/5/2017 7:37:14 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
Should have just sat on my thumbs and bought a complete gun when they were offered, but... noooo... "I'll get this kit built some day."

View Quote

Now, this I can relate to.

I had wanted a "very good" kit but, they were sold out by the time I decided to commit. Settled on a deal for 2 "good" kits and got my hands on the shell and jig from HMG. Figured I'd use it as an excuse to pick up a welder and some other shop tools. Ended up waiting a month or so to receive the stuff from HMG and lucked into another barrel run from Apex. That was in October.

Still haven't picked up any of the tools I need to put it together.

In the end I'll probably have spent enough that I could have just bought a complete one. They were available at the time. Could be shooting it right now.

The SAR-80 looks like a much easier build though. I'm still tempted. BigRix's looks great, if I could get mine to look half as good, that'd be killer.

Posted: 4/5/2017 10:00:14 AM EDT

[#17]

Anybody try one of the bolt groups in a 180? looks very close to the same thing??

Posted: 4/5/2017 10:11:44 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

The intial release were the lowest quality parts kits. I was excited about the concept and jumped on it early. Didn't know I was buying the sheisty kit. Barrel run came and went like a fart, without nearly enough barrels in relation to kits.

Can't find a barrel, and I missed the boat on some of the companies doing builds. The ones still offering builds don't have barrels.

Should have just sat on my thumbs and bought a complete gun when they were offered, but... noooo... "I'll get this kit built some day."

Had I known what was happening, I would have focused on barrel first and then bought a "very good" kit later on. With parts in hand, could send it off for a build.

edit: And the reason I'm pissy about it is because I have the mechanical skill of a Somali with Parkinson's and can't do it myself. And I want more 80s black rifle goodness.

http://imageshack.us/a/img921/7848/8HEtTx.jpg

View Quote

That's a nice collection. I almost picked up a T2 last year but the SO was with me so I had to tread carefully.

Posted: 4/10/2017 9:53:50 PM EDT

[#19]

After reading this thread and the one on AR180S, I decided to delve off into my own SAR-80 project.

I received my parts and I ordered a barrel blank from Green Mountain Barrel Company.

Now the fun begins.

BigRix I sent you an email with some questions.

Posted: 5/20/2017 4:46:47 PM EDT

[#20]

SAR80 Home Build First Shots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJPmLbsodVA

Ran well on the lowest gas setting after I ran about 150 rounds through it.

Posted: 5/20/2017 4:52:49 PM EDT

[#21]

Trip to Battlefield Vegas to shoot the SAR-80

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTyGcvC0Rl0

Had to stop by Battlefield Vegas and shoot their postie SAR-80 when I had to go there for work.

Posted: 5/20/2017 4:57:05 PM EDT

[#22]

Took the belt sander to her and cleaned up the welds then shot it with some VHT wrinkle paint.

Not perfect but way better then it was.

Posted: 5/20/2017 5:33:39 PM EDT

[#23]

That still looks pretty damn good to me man. Need more video now.

Posted: 5/21/2017 10:36:14 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
Anybody try one of the bolt groups in a 180? looks very close to the same thing??

View Quote

Yes I tried it doesn't fit the 180 it is just a tad taller...

The bolt may swap out into a AR-180 the tail is a bit different but it might work...

I need to get off my lazy butt and work on my SAR-80...

John Thomas turned a barrel blank head spaced it and fit the FSB for me...

Just need to bend the receiver tube I have the steel just need to be in the mood to get it done...

Posted: 5/21/2017 2:17:21 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTyGcvC0Rl0

Had to stop by Battledfield Vegas and shoot their postie SAR-80 when I had to go there for work.

View Quote

Lol, DEAD MAN "click"! ^

Posted: 5/21/2017 3:52:26 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:

The intial release were the lowest quality parts kits. I was excited about the concept and jumped on it early. Didn't know I was buying the sheisty kit. Barrel run came and went like a fart, without nearly enough barrels in relation to kits.

Can't find a barrel, and I missed the boat on some of the companies doing builds. The ones still offering builds don't have barrels.

Had I known what was happening, I would have focused on barrel first and then bought a "very good" kit later on. With parts in hand, could send it off for a build.

View Quote

Same here. I picked up a "good" condition kit the week they came out and was pretty disappointed in the "good" condition. I haven't even bothered with it. I still have to finished my xm177, and some other projects. Love the SAR80, but Iv got too many projects right now.