Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this coveted semi-automatic rifle today for auction, this is the HOWA Armalite AR-180!
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The Armalite AR-180 is a semi-automatic rifle developed as a civilian version of the military-oriented AR-18, designed by Eugene Stoner and Arthur Miller. Production began in 1969 at ArmaLite’s facility in Costa Mesa, California, with approximately 4,018 units made there by 1972. An additional 3,927 rifles were manufactured by Howa in Japan from 1970 to 1974, before Japanese arms export restrictions halted production. From 1979 to 1985, Sterling Armaments in the United Kingdom produced around 12,362 more units. In total, only about 20,307 AR-180 rifles were ever made.
This example was manufactured in Howa Japan, making this a DESIRABLE LIMITED PRODUCTION MODEL!
This example also ships with the Factory-Original Howa Armalite 2.75x20mm Scope!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Howa / Armalite
Model: AR-180
Serial: S11592
Date of Manufacture: 1970-1974
Caliber: 5.56mm
Finish: Parkerized Receiver and Barrel w/ Matte Black Furniture
Barrel Length: 18 1/4" Barrel with a 3-Prong Flash Hider
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Post Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Side Folding Black Synthetic Buttstock with Black Synthetic Pistol Grip and Black Synthetic Forearm
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The ArmaLite AR-180 manufactured by Howa in Japan is a rare and historically significant variant of the AR-180 rifle, a semi-automatic adaptation of the military-focused AR-18. Produced under license from ArmaLite between approximately 1970 and 1974, Howa’s AR-180 rifles were part of an effort to provide a cost-effective, rugged alternative to the AR-15/M16 using a stamped steel receiver and a short-stroke gas piston system. Only around 3,900 units were manufactured by Howa before Japanese government export restrictions on military-style firearms forced production to stop. These rifles were imported into the United States before those regulations took full effect, making them particularly rare on the collector market today. Howa-built AR-180s are mechanically identical to the Costa Mesa, California–produced ArmaLite rifles, but they are clearly marked with “ARMALITE AR-180” and “Mfg by HOWA Japan” on the receiver. Like other AR-180s, they feature a folding metal stock, plastic furniture, and a right-side reciprocating charging handle, along with a SAFE/FIRE selector. Some early Howa examples also show subtle differences in finish and machining, but all were built to ArmaLite’s specifications and retain full parts compatibility with other AR-180 models, including the later Sterling-manufactured rifles from the UK. Due to the short production run and international restrictions that ended their manufacture, Howa-produced AR-180s are considered among the rarest variants of the AR-18/180 family. Their collectibility is bolstered by their Cold War origins, unique engineering compared to direct-impingement AR platforms, and the limited total number in circulation. For collectors of modern military-style rifles or enthusiasts of ArmaLite history, the Howa AR-180 represents a valuable and historically rich acquisition.
Contents:
Model: AR-180
Serial: S11592
Date of Manufacture: 1970-1974
Caliber: 5.56mm
Finish: Parkerized Receiver and Barrel w/ Matte Black Furniture
Barrel Length: 18 1/4" Barrel with a 3-Prong Flash Hider
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Post Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Side Folding Black Synthetic Buttstock with Black Synthetic Pistol Grip and Black Synthetic Forearm
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The ArmaLite AR-180 manufactured by Howa in Japan is a rare and historically significant variant of the AR-180 rifle, a semi-automatic adaptation of the military-focused AR-18. Produced under license from ArmaLite between approximately 1970 and 1974, Howa’s AR-180 rifles were part of an effort to provide a cost-effective, rugged alternative to the AR-15/M16 using a stamped steel receiver and a short-stroke gas piston system. Only around 3,900 units were manufactured by Howa before Japanese government export restrictions on military-style firearms forced production to stop. These rifles were imported into the United States before those regulations took full effect, making them particularly rare on the collector market today. Howa-built AR-180s are mechanically identical to the Costa Mesa, California–produced ArmaLite rifles, but they are clearly marked with “ARMALITE AR-180” and “Mfg by HOWA Japan” on the receiver. Like other AR-180s, they feature a folding metal stock, plastic furniture, and a right-side reciprocating charging handle, along with a SAFE/FIRE selector. Some early Howa examples also show subtle differences in finish and machining, but all were built to ArmaLite’s specifications and retain full parts compatibility with other AR-180 models, including the later Sterling-manufactured rifles from the UK. Due to the short production run and international restrictions that ended their manufacture, Howa-produced AR-180s are considered among the rarest variants of the AR-18/180 family. Their collectibility is bolstered by their Cold War origins, unique engineering compared to direct-impingement AR platforms, and the limited total number in circulation. For collectors of modern military-style rifles or enthusiasts of ArmaLite history, the Howa AR-180 represents a valuable and historically rich acquisition.
Contents:
This example will ship with a extra magazine, a black hard-case, and the Factory-Original Howa Armalite Scope!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
