Pivoting to the civilian market led to the creation of the AR-180, weighing slightly over 6 pounds. It boasted an 18-inch barrel with a 1-in-12-inch twist rate, perfectly suited for the 55-grain .223 bullets that were commonplace back then.

It had a true 5.56mm chamber, allowing it to fire both 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington rounds.

Despite being ahead of its time and offering a reasonable price point, the AR-180 faced competition challenges, partly due to its proprietary magazine system which was not compatible with AR-15 magazines—this was later rectified after 2001 improvements.

The AR-180B, introduced by the “new” ArmaLite in 2001, featured a polymer lower receiver and AR-15 magazine compatibility, representing a significant update to the original design.

Like the original AR-180, the new AR-180B lacks an external bolt lock. If you want to secure the bolt open, there are two methods to do so.

The simplest way is to insert an empty magazine and pull the bolt handle back to lock it to the rear. The magazine can then be taken out.

The alternative method is to insert a finger into the magazine well, push the internal bolt lock into place, and pull back on the bolt handle.

“Building a new AR-180 was just a natural progression for us,” stated Mark Westrom, president of ArmaLite.

The weapon’s lightweight build, balance, and improved features, such as an effective non-detachable compensator and the potential for match-trigger upgrades, were highly praised.

In addition to the rifle’s technical merits, its competitive price of $660 for law enforcement made it an attractive option for departments on a tight budget.

Despite its merits, the AR-180B struggled in sales and ceased production in 2007.

It seemed as though the AR-180 was destined to become a footnote in firearm history, appreciated only by a dedicated few within the gun community.

However, in a surprising twist, the AR-180 has seen a renewed interest in the market, potentially due to its rarity and unique design history.

In 2019, the WK180-C, a modern descendant of the AR-180 lineage, sparked new enthusiasm.

Manufactured by Kodiak Defence in Canada and commissioned by Wolverine Supplies, the WK180-C incorporates AR-15 compatibility in barrels, muzzle brakes, triggers, and other parts, while maintaining the AR-180’s distinctive features.

Relevant articles:
– ArmaLite AR-180B Rifle, policemag.com
– For Sale :: Guns.com, guns.com
– A Look Back at the ArmaLite AR-18/180, American Rifleman, Aug 9, 2018
– The AR-180 is poised to make a comeback, Military Times, Jun 24, 2019