Mixing it with the big guns, the AR-180 is a semi-automatic rifle that outperforms all expectations, especially considering the time it took to find its footing within the civilian market. The weight of the AR-180 was a little over 6 pounds, and it had an 18-inch barrel with a twist rate of 1 turn in 12 inches. It was designed to handle the 55-grain .223 bullets that were standard during those times. Its true 5.56mm chamber made it capable of firing the 5.56mm NATO and the .223 Remington rounds, versatile enough to fit almost any type of shooting.
Although the AR-180 was somewhat ahead of its time in design and very cheap, it nevertheless faced a lot of competition, partly due to its unique magazine system, which was not compatible with the AR-15s. This issue was resolved in 2001 when the newly reformed ArmaLite manufactured the new and improved AR-180B. Included among its changes were a polymer lower receiver and the use of standard AR-15 magazines. ArmaLite president Mark Westrom said, “Building a new AR-180 was just a natural progression for us.” By and large, the AR-180B had very positive reviews due to its lightweight, excellent balance, and improved features, not forgetting an extremely effective non-detachable compensator and the option for a match-trigger upgrade. Indeed, with a price tag of $660, this rifle turned out very appealing for shallow-pocketed law enforcement departments.
However, the AR-180B did not sell well, and its production ran until 2007 when it seemed this gun would find a place in firearms history as merely a footnote. Surprisingly enough, though, an interest in the AR-180 has been rekindled by its relative rarity and particularly interesting design history. Interest in a modern descendant of the AR-180 lineage, the WK180-C, did re-engage again in 2019. Made by Kodiak Defence of Canada, and ordered by Wolverine Supplies, the WK180-C shares barrels, muzzle brakes, triggers, and other parts with the AR-15 but still has that special look and feel of the AR-180.
The latest generation, the WK180C Gen 2, came out in 2022 with a lot of new features and ergonomic improvements. This iteration features the slim, lightened lower receiver, non-reciprocating cocking handle, external bolt catch, and an extended handguard. The rifle is designed for recreational shooting, and hunting, and features an 18.7-inch chrome moly medium-heavy barrel and a STANAG 4694 rail for mounting optics or iron sights. It has a free-float railed handguard with over fifty M-Lok slots to mount accessories.
The WK180-C adjustable gas valve regulates more of the required gas to run the system, allowing the rifle to improve its performance using other ammunition types. It’s because of this that users can see a path to follow in tuning their rifles toward full potential when operating either 5.56 mm or 7.62x39mm.
That the AR-180 was able to find its way from a troubled design to a very marketable civilian rifle testifies to the resilience of this rifle and the continued appeal it holds in its innovations. As the WK180-C further progresses, the legacy of the AR-180 shall live on in it, fusing today’s advances with the same characteristic features that gave this rifle its huge following among firearm enthusiasts.