The ArmaLite AR-18 is a gas-operated rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. The AR-18 was designed at ArmaLite in California by Arthur Miller, Eugene Stoner, George Sullivan, and Charles Dorchester in 1963 as an alternative to the Colt AR-15 design, a variant of which had just been selected by the U.S. military as the M16.

Jun 1, 2015 · In extreme temperature testing, 9,000 rounds were fired through 3 rifles. The M16A1 experienced 11 malfunctions and the AR-18 had 112 malfunctions. The conclusion stated the AR-18 has military potential, but prior to any additional testing, …

Aug 9, 2018 · Five years later, a semi-automatic version—the AR-180—debuted for the U.S. civilian market. The AR-18/180 was the latest iteration of the then-new method of rifle construction featuring ...

Oct 14, 2021 · While it was developed to be an alternative to the Colt AR-15, the U.S. military didn’t express interest in the firearm. However, ArmaLite attempted to enter the civilian market with the AR-180 — a semi-automatic version. The Same But Different. There were a number of similarities as well as differences with the AR-15 and the AR-18/AR-180.

Mar 14, 2025 · True Gun Value states that “An AR 180 rifle is currently worth an average price of $2,189.81 used. The 12-month average price is $2,050.17 used.” The total number of AR-180s built far outstrips...

Sep 1, 2021 · Developed off the 7.62 NATO AR-16, the ArmaLite AR-18 was an inventive 5.56 NATO assault rifle much like the firm's famous AR-15, and though over shadowed, its short-stroke gas piston system...

The AR-18 stood out due to its simplified design, modular components, and impressive reliability. Can civilians own the AR-18? Depending on local firearm laws, civilians may be able to own deactivated or semi-automatic versions of the AR-18.

Jun 30, 2014 · The AR-18 had a civilian counterpart called the AR-180. This was designed to be a sporting rifle or a police long arm, and was semi-automatic only. It sold marginally well.

Apr 8, 2022 · The AR-18 was very similar to the AR-16, except it was a 5.56 caliber rifle. Both guns utilized a short-stroke gas system, a folding stock, and a magazine-fed design. They were designed to be produced cheaply.

Original AR-18 assault rifle, made by the Sterling Armaments of UK. The "reincarnated" AR-180B of recent manufacture. Semi-automatic onlyand with plastic lower receiver with integral pistol grip. Schematic view of the AR-18 (from the original Armalite patent, issued in 1968)