5.56x45mm. 18.25" barrel. SN: S3587. Parkerized metal finish with black synthetic AR-18/ARMALITE molded pistol grip and two-piece forend with heat shield. Short stroke piston driven rotating bolt semi-automatic rifle fed by detachable box magazines. Maker marks to left upper receiver include ARMALITE logo, AR-180 model marking, and three line address reading ARMALITE. INC./COSTA MESA, CALIF./U.S.A. in addition to PATENTS PENDING mark. Rifle features a sidefolding stock, dustcover, front and rear sling loops, three prong flash hider, bayonet lug, and standard iron sights with two position adjustable rear aperture and front blade. Rifle comes in OD Green canvas bag by FRANK MASHEK CO., CHICAGO with accessories including: COLT'S-62122 marked quick detach bipod in green canvas pouch, nylon sling, complete nylon maintenance kit for M16 rifle, a total of two ARMALITE branded AR-18 marked 20-round magazines, and an ARMALITE 2.75X20mm scope with quick-detach mount for installation on the rifle. Armalite only manufactured AR-18 pattern rifles between 1968 and 1972 at its Costa Mesa location, with the majority of production conducted by Howa of Japan and Sterling of the United Kingdom.

This rifle belonged to James B. Stewart, a collector who specialized in early autoloading pistols, and worked as a photographer for Guns magazine in the 1960s. Stewart clearly possessed an interest in unique designs, yet the AR-18 with its advanced operating system and disarmingly crude manufacturing process certainly clashes with the superbly built arms that typically garnered his interest. Still, considering the number of modern rifles that have since copied elements of the AR-180's operating system, its importance to firearms development cannot be overstated. This lot with all included accoutrements represents one of the most complete possible collections of the early Armalite built AR-180 and components. {C&R}

Excellent. Bore is Minty with sharp rifling throughout. Metal finish displays some faint internal cycling scratches, some light scratches to right forward receiver, residues on the flash hider, and an abrasion to the scope mount. Stock with typical rough finish of Costa Mesa AR-180 production in addition to some light scratches. Of the accessories, all are in Excellent or better condition except for the bipod, which shows two spots of rust. Bag has some stains and dust to pores. Action functions when cycled by hand.