The ArmaLite AR-18 is a select fire rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO which fires from a short stroke gas operated rotating bolt.

The AR-18's story begins in the late 50's with the AR-16 rifle which was developed as an offering by the US military of a cheaper and simpler alternative to ArmaLite's previous guns- the AR-10 and AR-15. The AR-16 was later then scaled down from 7.62×51mm (similarly to the AR-10) to 5.56×45mm after the adoption of the AR-15 which resulted in the AR-18 in the mid 1960's. The AR-18 feeds from 20 or 30 round box magazines which, while appearing similar to the magazines of the AR-15, are slightly different (so don't consider using the 20 round mags provided with this rifle for your vietnam war M16's). The AR-18 is considered a failure and success at the same time as it sold relatively poorly but had been copied by many guns and influenced many more (notable examples include the British SA-80 aka L-85, Japanese howa type 89, FN FNC and many more). The AR-18 has actually not been adopted by pretty much any military (especially in any significant number other thab for trials) however one group has found the rifle perfect for their needs- the Provisional IRA. In fact, the weapon's use in the troubles era was its most significant use in history and the rifle (along side its older AR-15 brother) became such a symbol of the IRA that it was featured in many rebel songs and even had one written about it.

Now that we're done with the little history lesson, lets get on with the gun itself.

Order of assembly:


Stock smart stretch demonstration:


I have to also note that on the left side you have to switch to the fig "AR-18 Stock (Folded) Left" because when it flips towards the folded position because the side of the stock visible is the left one. A somewhat major change( from using just the right side stock) is the fact that the stock will cover the folding hinge this way as it should.

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