[Capt Zorro]

What's a good buying price on a Howa built AR 180 now? There was one for sale at the gunshow this weekend, but I'd about spent all my hard borrowed money before it came through. It was in pretty good shape but you could have bought a couple AR's for what the guy was asking for it.

 

[anarchy]

I once had a conversation with Art Miller who designed the AR-18/AR-180. He told me in no uncertain terms that the best AR-180's were Howa's. Now how many folks know that is anybody's guess. I've had all three, Howa, ArmaLite, and Sterling and I'd say that a Howa is the best and the Sterling the worst. Prices on pre-ban AR-180's from what I've seen appear to vary widely. However in my opinion a nice, not abused, no box, no scope, and with a couple of real ArmaLite mags should go between $1100.00 and $1300.00. I have seen people asking stupidly large amounts of money for non-Sterling AR-180's but that doesn't mean they were sold.

Saying that a person can get two AR-15's for the price of one AR-180 is really non sequitar as you are comparing an original rifle no longer made (the new ArmaLite AR-180B rifle is not in the same collectors realm as an original) to one that is. Hell, "back in the day" I could have bought one SIG AMT for the price of two and one half AR-15's but guess which rifle is worth far more today-not the AR-15's.

 

[Vic]

I agree-around 1100.00 to 1400.00 should get you a Howa with no accessories in great shape. If you do get it I have a scope and mount for it. Original Armalite scope mount and a Asian copy of the AR 18 scope with bullet drop compatibility. I saw a Costa Mesa at Tulsa with a 1400.00 tag on it in great shape and a 40 rd sterling mag. Before I even picked it up the guy says I'll really take 1200.00 for it. Sort of makes you ask why is the price 1400.00 then?? If you want the scope Capt. let me know and I'll shoot you some pictures.

 

[Capt Zorro]

Thanks Vic, It's a dealer that has it. Supposedly selling it on consignment for a buddy of his. We're a couple hundred apart on it, he's using the "book" price for excellent and I'm going with very good. I'll talk to him this weekend at the next show and see if he's ready to sell it. If I buy it I'll probably need a scope for it. My eyes aren't what they used to be.

 

[HoosierDaddy In Memoriam]

180

Here's my Howa with an early Colt scope.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/HoosierDaddy/100_2439.jpg?t=1193162704

 

[capt ron]

Here's my Howa with an early Colt scope.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/HoosierDaddy/100_2439.jpg?t=1193162704

hey, what a great idea i was looking for a scope to put on my ar180's ( i have 3 of them). i have several of those scopes packed away. thank you very much for the idea.

 

[HoosierDaddy In Memoriam]

I remember seeing Armalite scopes somewhere or another.
What I really want is an AR 18. A friend of mine has one for $10k

 

[Vic]

hey, what a great idea i was looking for a scope to put on my ar180's ( i have 3 of them). i have several of those scopes packed away. thank you very much for the idea.

The problem you will have is the mount is a bear to find. The Colt 3x scope was a direct copy of the Armalite scope. Colt stole lots of Armalite ideas.....