Never mind the M96 and the Mini, if and when the AR180B is done "right", it will give the AR15 a helluva run for its money.
Since that would compete/conflict with Armalite's high-end AR15s (read: more profitable), it's a question whether or not Armalite will develop the AR180B into a full-fleged competitor for the AR15.

Armalite may well leave well enough alone, and keep the AR180B simple.

The AFTERMARKET folks just might have a goldmine if AR180B sales do well.

Either way, accessories are likely.

[url]http://www.armalite.com/[/url].  Click "advertisements button, then click "Not Your Father's AR" button.  Await d/l of PDF file.  Wierd link, I know.

Well, If Armalite's going to offer uppers in varying configurations, then here's what I suggest:
(1) AR15A2 or VERY close facsimile rear sights, capable of using currently available night sights/target apertures/other apertures.
(2)AR15A2-style front sight post, same reasons as above.
(3) Make the upper user-changeable between right and left hand shooting positions, while retaining the ability to shoot in either mode without changeover.  Absent that change, at least move the charging handle to the shooter's 10 o'clock position, where it will be MUCH better for the 85% of shooters (right handers), and still decently useable by the remaining 15% lefties.  The charging handle should still be useable as a forward assist, if needed.
(4) Suitable and sufficient room to mount a number of Picatinny rails.

While I'm at it, the lower could benefit from some changes, the current existence of which on the 180B is not evident from the photos:
(1) Ambi controls.  This follows from (1) above, and is a good idea in its own right.
At least configure the lower so that it will accept currently available AR ambi controls.
(2) Butt-stock stowage of a mil-style cleaning kit, at a minimum.
(3) Pistol-grip stowage of other items.

Yeah, it's a wish list.  But I think it augments the 180B's good qualities, while sacrificing nothing.  As has been noted, there is enough price differential between the 180B and the AR15 to implement some of these changes while raising prices only fractionally, if at all.

Regardless, I sincerely hope the 180B is a roaring success.

LarryG, glad to hear that at least some of my concerns were addressed prior to my voicing them.
With the caveat that I have neither handled nor fired the AR180B, I would say that mounting an original-style charging handle, at a minimum,  would be a necessity in order for me to even consider a purchase.  As pictured above, the charging handle all but requires the right-handed shooter to remove their right hand from the trigger/grip to charge the weapon.  Very bad design, and hopefully to be corrected in production models.

What is the bolt hold-open/release mechanism like?  What are said controls like?  Please don't tell me they are tied in to the charging handle!

Yes, that's what I was getting at.  Not so bad a procedure on your original, as a proper manual of arms would have the trigger finger drop the old mag, the left hand insert a new one, and then the left hand would slap the charging handle, sending the bolt forward.  Correct?  Not ideal, but do-able.
Now imagine the new (as pictured) configuration.
Right index finger drops mag, left hand inserts new mag, and either goes over top of rcvr and fumbles for much smaller new-style charging handle/bolt release, OR, right hand must leave grip and actuate same.  Not good ergonomics at all, and inexcuseable, given the existence of the old, satisfactory charging handle/release.

If Armalite produces the 180B as pictured above, I predict one of the first aftermarket accessories will be a reproduction of the old-style charging handle/bolt release.

Yes, I supose it does sound that way.  But think of it this way: You want the machine to work [i]with[/i] you in a high-stress environment not against you.

Consider the safeties of the AR and the AK. The AR is silent, quick and easy to manipulate, while the AK is just the opposite.  Do they both work?  of course.  One simply works with less effort, fuss, and fumbling.

With firearms, surely we can all agree that the less fumbling the better.

That, my friend, is exactly the optional, add-on systen that ought to be used.  It has the benefit of the engineering already being done, and drawings made.  Good Idea!

I think the 180B will be a good rifle, too.  I'd just like it to be a GREAT rifle.  All it needs IMHO, are a few small changes.  But that's just me. YMMV.

Personally, having shot many different configurations of long guns, my strong preference is for good ergonomics, the AR being a near-perfect example of same.  Problem is with the AR is its op-system, and a few other things.  But in user-friendly ergonomics, it leads the pack.

I'm gonna cut-and-paste the url to this topic at the Armalite industry forum.  With any luck, some of the stuff we've all talked about might just make the cut as original equipment.  Worth a try, at least.