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Posted: 3/29/2014 4:12:48 PM EDT
[#1]
I don't think it's been refinished, because if it was, you wouldn't see the heat rings from the spot welds. That thing is as nice as you said it was!
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Posted: 3/29/2014 4:43:50 PM EDT
[#2]
The AR180 scope and mount are tough to find and alone sell for $350+ (assuming the scope is marked "ArmaLite").
John Thomas |
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Posted: 3/29/2014 5:11:49 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The AR180 scope and mount are tough to find and alone sell for $350+ (assuming the scope is marked "ArmaLite"). John Thomas They go for more than that these days John. 
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Posted: 3/29/2014 5:22:25 PM EDT
[#4]
Check the folding stock hinge and bolt catch for cracks or damage before you buy. Those are the weak points in the rifle. The hinges will pop up from time to time for sale but, bolt catches are next to impossible to find.
Most of the catches are broken by dropping the hammer while the lower and upper are separated. Another problem is using AR15 magazines that have been incorrectly modified. The follower needs to have material removed from it or it will strain on the bolt catch. |
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Posted: 3/29/2014 5:58:56 PM EDT
[#5]
They were made by Armalite (Costa Mesa), Howa (Japan), and Sterling (England). I have a Sterling which I have never fired (possibly unfired?) and it is all black. This one is gray which is consistent with the Costa Mesas, I think (someone help me out here!).
Mine has "Sterling, Made in England" stamped on it as well as "Costa Mesa, Ca." So I'm guessing if this one does not have Howa or Sterling markings, just Costa Mesa stamped on it then it's C.M. Clear as mud right? I'll try to get pics of mine tonight. |
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Posted: 3/29/2014 6:13:28 PM EDT
[#6]
Let us know if you pick it up....i'll be very jealous.
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Posted: 3/29/2014 6:45:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Definitely not refinished. Some Sterling made 180s were grey parked. Great weapon system. I actually prefer it to the AR15, but it is a felony to have one in Kalifornistan! I had one, but sold it prior to moving back to Kali..... When I had mine, it had a mount for 1" scope. I tried picking up an original factory scope, but quit bidding at about $600.....
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Posted: 3/29/2014 6:49:13 PM EDT
[#8]
The gun alone should be worth $1400. Not an expert on the scope. I picked up one on Gunbroker a few year back for a Grand. Nobody else bid. I got lucky
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Posted: 3/29/2014 8:39:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Mags are very expensive for them too if they are the correct 180 mags and not modified AR15 mags.
There was recently a Sterling with an Armalite scope and I think 3 or 4 mags that sold on the EE. He was asking $1400 for it and I was thinking about it, not sure what it brought but did sell. If you don't make an offer on it please let me know contact info as I would like to! 
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Posted: 3/29/2014 11:27:00 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The gun alone should be worth $1400. Not an expert on the scope. I picked up one on Gunbroker a few year back for a Grand. Nobody else bid. I got lucky that's a bit on the high side, and IIRC the last scope I saw for sale was ~ $475 ish, finish looks good, |
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Posted: 3/30/2014 12:26:51 PM EDT
[#11]
Looks like a really nice, original Costa Mesa 180, the gray finish is correct, these were an attempt by Armalite, (after they sold the rights to Colt for the AR15) to address some of the problems that cropped up very early in the M16's life, no major US military contract resulted although it's reported that a few saw service in SE Asia on a test basis. They were then put into production as a semi-auto rifle, AR180 was semi version, original FA was AR18, they were mfg in the US in Costa Mesa Ca, England by Stirling & Howa in Japan, the Stirling & Howa guns I believe were license builds so I believe they'll have Armalite Costa Mesa on them in addition to the Howa & Stirling mkgs (I haven't handled a Howa so could be wrong there). Here's a link to a photo album on a Costa Mesa (US mfg) AR180 to compare your pics too if that'll help, also shows the differences in the mags as explained above so you know what you're looking for/at LOL!
AR180 PICS HERE 
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Posted: 3/30/2014 12:59:05 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
that's a bit on the high side, and IIRC the last scope I saw for sale was ~ $475 ish, finish looks good, Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The gun alone should be worth $1400. Not an expert on the scope. I picked up one on Gunbroker a few year back for a Grand. Nobody else bid. I got lucky that's a bit on the high side, and IIRC the last scope I saw for sale was ~ $475 ish, finish looks good, Costa Mesas go for more. You guys should go look at GB and see what they are going for. They've gone up a little. You can still find bargain rifles, but the Costa Mesas are going out of sight, as are the optics. There was a scope with one bid at $649 when I looked the other day.
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Posted: 3/30/2014 2:08:58 PM EDT
[#13]
I left my name and number for the owner and I'm hoping to get a call in the next day or two.
I didn't have sufficient cash to make an offer and I won't until mid week anyways. I'll post more pics if I end up with it. Wish me luck. |
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Posted: 3/31/2014 4:26:14 PM EDT
[#14]
Checked the photo of the Costa Mesa AR180, finish is original/correct, faint markings are original/correct, correct scope for a Costa Mesa AR180 is the inverted post model with serial number on the base which also indicates year of mfg in Japan, all I'v seen were 1967, as pictured excellent leather scope caps add a premium, original scope box/manual could bring it up to $750 in my estimation. Correct 20rd alloy ArmaLite factory mags for the Costa Mesa AR180 figure on $75 if in nice shape, Howa and Sterling mags are different design or finish. ArmaLite also sold 30rd parkerized steel mags with unmarked floorplates, figure $100 a piece. Original ArmaLite bipod, sharpshooters kit, cleaning kit, bayonet, box, manual, paperwork, sling etc can add considerable value. Try to get more photos of everything and I should be able to verify if it's original to the Costa Mesa and a ball park figure on prices. Rifle alone and one mag nothing less than $1500 for starters.
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Posted: 3/31/2014 5:17:22 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Looks like a really nice, original Costa Mesa 180, the gray finish is correct, these were an attempt by Armalite, (after they sold the rights to Colt for the AR15) to address some of the problems that cropped up very early in the M16's life, no major US military contract resulted although it's reported that a few saw service in SE Asia on a test basis. They were then put into production as a semi-auto rifle, AR180 was semi version, original FA was AR18, they were mfg in the US in Costa Mesa Ca, England by Stirling & Howa in Japan, the Stirling & Howa guns I believe were license builds so I believe they'll have Armalite Costa Mesa on them in addition to the Howa & Stirling mkgs (I haven't handled a Howa so could be wrong there). Here's a link to a photo album on a Costa Mesa (US mfg) AR180 to compare your pics too if that'll help, also shows the differences in the mags as explained above so you know what you're looking for/at LOL! AR180 PICS HERE http://photos.imageevent.com/willyp/firearmsalbums/uscoltarmalitem16ar15556/armalitear18180556mm/Ar180%20R%20set%20w-scope.jpg willp, Correct they'll have Armalite Costa Mesa on them in addition to the Howa & Sterling mkgs. The Howa lower receiver has a different safe & fire selector position. 
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Posted: 3/31/2014 5:47:57 PM EDT
[#16]
Mine is a Sterling and its blued - I wished it was parkerized and have considered having it parked or Molyresin in Retro Gray.
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Posted: 3/31/2014 5:56:04 PM EDT
[#17]
I love those ! My local guy had 3 of them last year @ $900.00 each, no scope, 1 mag. IDK where they were made. Wish I bought one, but I had a bad case of the me-funds-a-low.
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Posted: 3/31/2014 6:47:10 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
willp, Correct they'll have Armalite Costa Mesa on them in addition to the Howa & Sterling mkgs. The Howa lower receiver has a different safe & fire selector position. Notice that under 1000 serial numbered Howa's have the upper receiver as the serialized part. All others AFAIK have the lower receiver as the serialized part. <a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/user/lusciousclay/media/DCP_4458.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/lusciousclay/DCP_4458.jpg</a> <a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/user/lusciousclay/media/DCP_4457.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/lusciousclay/DCP_4457.jpg</a> Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Looks like a really nice, original Costa Mesa 180, the gray finish is correct, these were an attempt by Armalite, (after they sold the rights to Colt for the AR15) to address some of the problems that cropped up very early in the M16's life, no major US military contract resulted although it's reported that a few saw service in SE Asia on a test basis. They were then put into production as a semi-auto rifle, AR180 was semi version, original FA was AR18, they were mfg in the US in Costa Mesa Ca, England by Stirling & Howa in Japan, the Stirling & Howa guns I believe were license builds so I believe they'll have Armalite Costa Mesa on them in addition to the Howa & Stirling mkgs (I haven't handled a Howa so could be wrong there). Here's a link to a photo album on a Costa Mesa (US mfg) AR180 to compare your pics too if that'll help, also shows the differences in the mags as explained above so you know what you're looking for/at LOL! AR180 PICS HERE http://photos.imageevent.com/willyp/firearmsalbums/uscoltarmalitem16ar15556/armalitear18180556mm/Ar180%20R%20set%20w-scope.jpg willp, Correct they'll have Armalite Costa Mesa on them in addition to the Howa & Sterling mkgs. The Howa lower receiver has a different safe & fire selector position. Notice that under 1000 serial numbered Howa's have the upper receiver as the serialized part. All others AFAIK have the lower receiver as the serialized part. <a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/user/lusciousclay/media/DCP_4458.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/lusciousclay/DCP_4458.jpg</a> <a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/user/lusciousclay/media/DCP_4457.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/lusciousclay/DCP_4457.jpg</a> |
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Posted: 3/31/2014 6:47:51 PM EDT
[#19]
In the above photo of the AR180 mags the top two mags came with the Howa AR180, gray 20rd alloy body, design on the floorplate same as the sideplate of the Howa AR180, milspec quality and fairly rare. Bottom mag is the Costa Mesa 20rd gray alloy milspec quality with its own distinctive floorplate markings. The standard Sterling mags were 20rd glossy black alloy, floorplate marking same as the Costa Mesa mag, not up to milspec standards for the select fire AR18. ArmaLite Sterling milspec mags were parkerized steel in 20/30/40 capacity marked Sterling England on the floorplates. Early Costa Mesa AR180 inverted post scopes were marked in meters not yards. ArmaLite offered the Single Point sight in their optional scope base for the AR18/180. Good chance other accessories that were never advertised to the public found their way to SE Asia and way beyond starting in the late 60s and well into the 70s. All three ArmaLite mfgs had AR18 select fire versions of the AR180.
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Posted: 3/31/2014 11:51:25 PM EDT
[#20]
Man , I can't count how many of these I almost bough ,,,, one day.
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Posted: 4/7/2014 10:02:31 PM EDT
[#22]
Bipod is for Stoner 63. Many folks bought them when they appeared on the surplus market in the 1970's for $25 or so, but they are hard to find now in decent shape. Never saw one for more than $150, but everyone with a Stoner already has one & they show up on EBay now and then and never sell for much.
Your AR180 is nice. The mags are nice to have and to have one with optics is even better. They shoot nice but parts are hard to find. Folding stock is the main problem with the ones I have had. I never folded the stock after they butt stock parts disappeared from the market. It is a very sturdy design. Take care of the plastic furniture as the front/top handguard does chip if you do not use factory approved disassembly procedures. I'd keep it if I were you. They shoot nice, relatively compact and you have a nice assortment of mags. Done good |
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Posted: 4/7/2014 10:22:09 PM EDT
[#23]
Great design. As stated, the hinge is a weak spot. Spares can be tough to impossible to find. All that said, it's a fun rifle.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 12:47:37 AM EDT
[#24]
I so hate you right now!
That is a great looking rifle and nice pickup with all those mags and the scope. If you want to part with the bipod or anybody else knows where to get one I wouldn't mind having one for my Robinson M96 |
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Posted: 4/8/2014 1:46:29 AM EDT
[#25]
I would rate your package at $2,000 or so. Armalite in Costa Mesa made very few guns there. After that they were made by HOWA in Japan and Sterling in England. That is a VERY desirable weapon. Original scope, Stoner bipod, original mags and paper work... It is the most complete set I have every seen.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 10:18:05 AM EDT
[#26]
Copied many years ago. Would give credit if I knew who to give it to!
"Costa Mesa rifles: S0001-S00012 July 1969 12 rifles S0014-S0050 no date 37 rifles S0030 no date 1 rifle S0077 no date 1 rifle S0101-S4067 no date 3967 rifle TOTAL 4018 rifles Howa rifles X000001-X000012 Oct 1970 12 rifles S000001-S001000 no date 1000 rifles S10001-S12915 Feb 1974 2915 rifles TOTAL 3927 rifles Sterling rifles S15001-S27363 1979-1985 12,362 rifles The production dates for the Howa, and going back to the "old" Sterlingwebpages days, I was of the opinion that some of the actual manufacture dates for the Howa AR180 were prior to the Costa Mesa AR180 due to the halt in exporting until the Howa could be "sporterized" (minus bayo lug). ArmaLite originally had no intention of manufacturing the AR18/180 and wanted to license it out to Howa, but when the Japanese government stopped the export, ArmaLite was forced to manufacture the AR18/180 at Costa Mesa CA. The first 1,000 Howa probably were manufactured prior to the Costa Mesas and held in storage in Japan until they could be exported around '73/'74. No doubt this could be debatable and I stand to be corrected, but being aware of some of the features of the early (1,000) Howa AR180’s, I feel that this is very likely." |
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Posted: 4/8/2014 12:06:21 PM EDT
[#27]
Other than a rare NIB AR180 your Costa Mesa for condition and accessories rates highly in my estimation. The sling isn't correct, should be the USGI green cotton canvas M1 with parkerized hardware. At that time ArmaLite Costa Mesa accessories were just about all USGI off the shelf items. Could you take a close up flash suppressor, questionable. Re the folding stock if there is any slack in the hinge a simple cure is a cut to size pieces of OD green USGI tape and placed inside the hinge. Unless your going to be breaking down doors with the rifle the stock lockup will be fine. Like I mentioned earlier if you have the numbered inverted post scope that will be the correct model for the Costa Mesa, from the scope photo it's marked in MM which should be the more desirable inverted post model. Manual and warranty card are correct, AR18 manual is a copy/reproduction. Checked the 20rd mags , one of them is a Howa and all look excellent. The other mags without seeing a photo of the floorplates look to be two 40rd Sterling England mags, the remaining 30rd mags should be Sterling England or Costa Mesa that will have no markings on the floorplates. IMO 2k for everything is on the very low conservative side, if they were sold individually the mags and scope could amount to 2K by themselves never mind the excellent plus rifle. More photos of the 30/40rd mags showing both sides and floorplates along with detailed photos of the scope, flash suppresor will tell more.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 12:37:17 PM EDT
[#28]
Isplice that's my feeling also that the first 1,000 Howa Japan AR18/180 were mfg prior to the bulk of the Costa Mesa rifles. Japan agreed to release the first 1,000 Howas after some modifications for export in 73/74. Mfg selling AR180 Howas for export to US wasn't to my thinking the real issue for Japan who was trying to play neutral, they didn't want the Howa AR18 being supplied to gvt agencies/bordering countries involved in the Vietnam conflict.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 1:30:21 PM EDT
[#29]
I will get more detailed photos of the mags and scope.
The flash hider looks like an M16A1 to me. Pictures I have seen of other Costa Mesa guns have a 4 prong I think. Serial is S0645. I have seen a post that seems to indicate that all Costa Mesa guns were made in 1969 and others that say 69-72. What would the correct bipod for this gun look like? This thread on the S&W forum has a lot of good info. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifles/269239-range-photos-armalite-180-a.html |
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Posted: 4/8/2014 1:55:03 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Copied many years ago. Would give credit if I knew who to give it to! "Costa Mesa rifles: S0001-S00012 July 1969 12 rifles S0014-S0050 no date 37 rifles S0030 no date 1 rifle S0077 no date 1 rifle S0101-S4067 no date 3967 rifle TOTAL 4018 rifles Howa rifles X000001-X000012 Oct 1970 12 rifles S000001-S001000 no date 1000 rifles S10001-S12915 Feb 1974 2915 rifles TOTAL 3927 rifles Sterling rifles S15001-S27363 1979-1985 12,362 rifles The production dates for the Howa, and going back to the "old" Sterlingwebpages days, I was of the opinion that some of the actual manufacture dates for the Howa AR180 were prior to the Costa Mesa AR180 due to the halt in exporting until the Howa could be "sporterized" (minus bayo lug). ArmaLite originally had no intention of manufacturing the AR18/180 and wanted to license it out to Howa, but when the Japanese government stopped the export, ArmaLite was forced to manufacture the AR18/180 at Costa Mesa CA. The first 1,000 Howa probably were manufactured prior to the Costa Mesas and held in storage in Japan until they could be exported around '73/'74. No doubt this could be debatable and I stand to be corrected, but being aware of some of the features of the early (1,000) Howa AR180’s, I feel that this is very likely." Are all the Howa rifles lacking bayonet lugs, or just some of them? I'd like one with both the parkerized finish & bayonet lug and I'm wondering if it just limits me to looking at a Costa Mesa or if there are some Howa's that I could be considering also. |
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Posted: 4/8/2014 2:57:05 PM EDT
[#31]
The early Howa's have "tabs" in the bayonet lug area that I believe can be broken out so a bayo can fit. Here are a couple of pictures of mine S/N 9XX
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Posted: 4/8/2014 3:14:50 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are all the Howa rifles lacking bayonet lugs, or just some of them? I'd like one with both the parkerized finish & bayonet lug and I'm wondering if it just limits me to looking at a Costa Mesa or if there are some Howa's that I could be considering also. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Copied many years ago. Would give credit if I knew who to give it to! "Costa Mesa rifles: S0001-S00012 July 1969 12 rifles S0014-S0050 no date 37 rifles S0030 no date 1 rifle S0077 no date 1 rifle S0101-S4067 no date 3967 rifle TOTAL 4018 rifles Howa rifles X000001-X000012 Oct 1970 12 rifles S000001-S001000 no date 1000 rifles S10001-S12915 Feb 1974 2915 rifles TOTAL 3927 rifles Sterling rifles S15001-S27363 1979-1985 12,362 rifles The production dates for the Howa, and going back to the "old" Sterlingwebpages days, I was of the opinion that some of the actual manufacture dates for the Howa AR180 were prior to the Costa Mesa AR180 due to the halt in exporting until the Howa could be "sporterized" (minus bayo lug). ArmaLite originally had no intention of manufacturing the AR18/180 and wanted to license it out to Howa, but when the Japanese government stopped the export, ArmaLite was forced to manufacture the AR18/180 at Costa Mesa CA. The first 1,000 Howa probably were manufactured prior to the Costa Mesas and held in storage in Japan until they could be exported around '73/'74. No doubt this could be debatable and I stand to be corrected, but being aware of some of the features of the early (1,000) Howa AR180’s, I feel that this is very likely." Are all the Howa rifles lacking bayonet lugs, or just some of them? I'd like one with both the parkerized finish & bayonet lug and I'm wondering if it just limits me to looking at a Costa Mesa or if there are some Howa's that I could be considering also. My early Howa has the bayonet lug, I think on some there were little tabs in the slots that you could pull out. 
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Posted: 4/8/2014 3:20:37 PM EDT
[#33]
That was my suspicion re the flash hider, original ArmaLite FH pop up occasionally, Colt four prong might work. Costa Mesa 180 from the records earliest were mfg in 1969, the first 100 were probably shop/demo sales rifles. Yours being a low number is probably 1970, production continued till 73 or so when the Howa 180 started to be imported. I might be able to find photos but from memory the Costa Mesa bipod was same as the USGI AR15 with slightly different bipod case, same with the bayonet and cleaning kit, USGI spec. Another item was the 1" scope mount for the Single Point sight, the 1" mount could also be used for scopes like Weavers. ArmaLite had already planned on these items for the AR18 military sales going back to at least 1967 and really further back with the development of the AR15 that they sold the rights to Colt. The early Costa Mesa AR180 were scooped up by serious civilian shooters and police agencies, they were used by many Texas lawmen including the Rangers, the first SWAT teams, sheriffs depts., police depts on the west coast, midwest and southern states mainly. Info from the S&W thread has a lot of good info re the AR180 barring a couple of questionable comments that could use clarifying. The AR180 shouldn't be judged on a small number of late production Sterling AR180 when the factory was experiencing a labor dispute, quality might of suffered in some way. There is strong evidence of hand finishing to the Costa Mesa rifles and the Howa exhibit the high degree of mfg excellence the Japanese are known for, both were built to world class standards and for the most part the same can be said for the Sterling.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 3:28:33 PM EDT
[#34]
Thanks for the info & pictures isplice & Lusciousclay. That method of "neutering" the bayo lug is interesting. It kinda' reminds me of the California compliant "bullet button" which is replaceable without too much effort. It looks like I can consider the Howa's now too.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 3:34:40 PM EDT
[#35]
Re the Howas, a couple owners have reported their bayonet lug was intact, but I'd consider this is a very rare exception, as shown it could be modified to function again but you might want to give it careful thought before altering due to originality/collectability on nice examples. As for the finish all Howas and Costa Mesa were parkerized, only 180s that weren't parkerized were the Sterling, I believe it was a tough paint/coating over parkerizing that the Brits used on most of their military rifles. Some Sterlings look fine and others leave something to be desired, stripped and parkerized the Sterling might look better unless for some reason it's of special interest.
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Posted: 4/8/2014 3:42:56 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are all the Howa rifles lacking bayonet lugs, or just some of them? I'd like one with both the parkerized finish & bayonet lug and I'm wondering if it just limits me to looking at a Costa Mesa or if there are some Howa's that I could be considering also. The bayonet lugs on the HOWA rifles were disabled in a several ways. Some had the ears ground off so that the bayonet could not be locked in place. A few had a small piece of metal pressed into the grooves on the lug. Knocking the piece out of the groove will make the lug useable on some of the rifles. Production numbers listed above are not all inclusive. There were a number of variations made by Sterling which are not included. These include: AR-180 SCS (Phil Hart Sporter) these rifles have a serial prefix of PH and were fitted with thumb hole stocks. Serial PH00001 -PH00385 AR-180S (Police Carbine) these are short barreled rifles and have a serial prefix of SS and are numbered up to about SS00275 if I remember correctly. AR-180 (Sniper) this model had a a thumbhole type stock similar to the Sporter but with a serial prefix of SW. Unknown number produced. AR-180SP (pistol) serial prefix SP- unknown number produced. Sterling rifles were equipped with at least four different finishes. Most that I have seen are finished in what the Brits call Stoving which appears to be a black enamel finish. Smaller numbers have Blued or Parkerized finishes. Some, like the Phil Hart Sporter have a high gloss Blued finish. I have also seen documentation that the first 25 rifles produced at Costa Mesa were set aside for Presentation to Executives and individuals who assisted ArmaLite getting started with production. |
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Posted: 4/8/2014 4:00:52 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Mine is a Sterling and its blued - I wished it was parkerized and have considered having it parked or Molyresin in Retro Gray. I would not alter the original finish on the rifle. Remember these are rifles which were produced in very limited quantities. While Sterlings were produced in greater numbers than the Costa Mesa or Howa rifles they are still rather rare with less than 13,000 total produced. Anything you do to alter the original factory configuration will only detract from the collector value in years to come. I would add that the blued finish on the Sterling is not very common. |
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Posted: 4/9/2014 1:17:54 PM EDT
[#39]
BigRix check the base of the scope for a serial number/Japan ending in 67, looks like you have the highly desirable metric inverted post scope and it's about mint. Also photos of the 30/40rd mags showing tops/bottoms/both sides. I'v seen a few AR180 FH swapped out so they still have to be out there floating around and one will show up. Long shot, contact Pete Fleis St Louis MO to see if he has one he would part with.
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Posted: 4/9/2014 1:50:42 PM EDT
[#40]
Thanks for the heads up.
I called Pete Fleis and he has one he will sell me. Sending him some funds today for it. |
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Posted: 4/9/2014 2:21:04 PM EDT
[#41]
Within 24 hours you located a FH. I had my doubts Pete would let go of much of anything since he was saving the remaining parts for builds but you lucked out. Pete is one of the top AR18/180 experts so fire away with questions if you have any, he has been very helpful to me in the past. I'd ask him if he has a Costa Mesa sling, if not he should be able to point you to the correct model and your rifle will then be complete.
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Posted: 4/9/2014 2:31:34 PM EDT
[#42]
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Posted: 4/9/2014 2:35:57 PM EDT
[#43]
Here it is on my SP1
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Posted: 4/9/2014 2:56:27 PM EDT
[#44]
Your sling looks good, I have a NOS sling still in the tan paper polywrap, marked Mil-B 1210 Grade A Type 1 Class 1 dated March 1969 which is possibly what ArmaLite procured for the Costa Mesa AR180 rifles. Like I said everything appears to be off the shelf milspec from USGI suppliers. Also checked Ebay for quick reference and there were a couple of in the wrap NOS Vietnam era slings from 65 and 69.
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Posted: 4/9/2014 8:18:28 PM EDT
[#47]
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Posted: 4/9/2014 10:45:09 PM EDT
[#48]
Converting standard AR/M16 mags for use in an AR-180 isn't too difficult is it? It looks like maybe a file and a Dremel are all that is needed. Two weeks ago I would have just skipped over this thread, now I think that an AR-180 is on the short list of the next firearm I'll purchase.
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Posted: 4/9/2014 11:34:32 PM EDT
[#49]
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Posted: 4/10/2014 12:04:53 AM EDT
[#50]
AR-180s suck and none of you need one. You won't be happy with it, trust me. Really. Would I steer you guys wrong? Buy a SIG 556 or something. Trust me you do NOT want an AR-180. They are too...ummm, retro. I mean, NOT retro...oh shit. Just be sure to post pics.
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