American 180, 18.5″ Barrel 22LR | American 180 For Sale | American 180 .22 Auto

 

American 180, 18.5″ Barrel 22LR | American 180 For Sale | American 180 .22 Auto

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What an intriguing compact rifle produced by the American Arms International Company! Originating in the late 1970s, these rifles were initially conceptualized as semi-automatic variants, with fully automatic models introduced in the early 1980s. Stamped on the underside of the receiver is the distinctive marking: “AMERICAN ARMS INTL. S.L. C. UT./AMERICAN 180 M-2”.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Thompson SMG, these rifles feature a design reminiscent of classic firearms. They utilize a drum magazine positioned horizontally atop the action, akin to the configuration seen in Lewis or Russian DP-38 machine guns. With 177 rounds, the drum magazine accommodates the widely available and popular .22 LR ammunition.

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These versatile rifles offer semi-automatic and Full-automatic firing capabilities initiated from an open bolt. Sporting a finned barrel akin to the 1921/28 Thompson SMGs, heat dissipation is enhanced for prolonged shooting sessions. Operating at a cyclic rate of 1200 rounds per minute, these rifles wield substantial firepower even with the diminutive 22LR caliber.

Notable features include a side-mounted cocking handle, a fixed blade front sight, and an adjustable rear sight reminiscent of the M1 Carbines. Their distinctiveness was pronounced at their inception and remains evident today. Constructed with a high-impact brown plastic buttstock and forend complemented by a blue/black metal finish, these rifles exude durability and visual appeal.

The North American Arms American 180 is a fully automatic .22 caliber machine gun designed to fire from an open bolt. It is renowned for its remarkable firing rate, clocking in at approximately 1500 rounds per minute. Its distinctive sound has been likened to “a swarm of angry bees.” Operating on a direct-blowback action, this firearm has an 18.5-inch ribbed barrel, ensuring precision and reliability with each shot.

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Chambered in the widely available and cost-effective .22LR caliber, the American 180 distinguishes itself with its innovative rotating pan-style magazines. These magazines feature a unique spiraling internal track, facilitating the loading of multiple layers of ammunition. The smaller drum holds 175 rounds in two sizes, while the larger variant accommodates 275 rounds, ensuring sustained firepower during extended shooting sessions.



With a length of 35.5 inches, an unloaded weight of 5.7 pounds (and a fully loaded weight under 7 pounds), the American 180 stands out as one of the lightest shoulder-fired machine guns. Its compact dimensions and lightweight construction have favored it among prison guards and police officers navigating dense urban environments.

American 180, 18.5″ Barrel 22LR Ergonomics

Resembling the iconic M1927 Tommy Gun in appearance and feel, the American 180 distinguishes itself with a distinct control layout. Featuring a top-loaded magazine, the drum release lever is positioned atop the receiver, while the charging handle is conveniently located on the left side. Unlike the Tommy Gun, the American 180 stock maintains a comfortable level without excessive drop. Additionally, the rifle offers versatility with various interchangeable forends, allowing for swift customization to suit individual preferences.

American 180 Machine Gun  Fit & Finish

The American 180 was produced in fewer than 10,000 units, with each rifle manufactured to varying standards. Interestingly, this discrepancy is not solely attributed to differences between early and late production runs; instead, some units needed the meticulous craftsmanship required for optimal performance. As a result, the quality and performance of individual American 180 rifles can vary significantly, underscoring the importance of careful evaluation when acquiring one.

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How Much is The American 180, 18.5″ Barrel 22LR Worth?

In 2024, the value of a new or used North American Arms American 180 fluctuates depending on supply and demand dynamics. Over the past 12 months, there has been significant demand for the North American Arms American 180 and most rifles. Despite the heightened demand, the price for a North American Arms American 180 has remained steady, with no increase in cost compared to 2023.

Estimated values for both new and used North American Arms American 180 rifles are based on a basic model without any additional options or color variations, whose prices range from $11,000 to $13,000

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