Sterling / Armalite AR-180

This is a picture of the Sterling/Armalite AR-180. Formerly made by Armalite 
of the USA, it was later made under licence by Sterling Arms of the UK in the 
early 1970's mainly for export. It was originally quoted as being a rugged and 
reliable design, but interestingly enough it has never been adopted for 
service by any official Armed Forces in the world. Insted it has been seen in 
service with Terrorist organisatons such as the IRA, though it has not been 
publically acclaimed.

The internals of this Rifle have said to have been copied and used in 
the design of many assault rifles, mainly in weapons such as the U.K's SA-80 
and many others. In fact the SA-80 shares quite a few of the external parts 
aswell including the magazine catch and the the pistol grip with the AR-180 
(basically all the SA-80 really was, was an AR-180 made into Bullpup config). It 
was even manufacturered in the same way, using pressed steel. This Rifle is no 
longer in production and due to the link with Terrorism it never will be.

The AR-180 fires a NATO standard 5.56mm round and this rifle is said to be 
accurate, Rugged and deadly.

Photo and information from: Liam J

Website by: E-Image Agency