Just like the title says. People say that the 416 uses the same gas system as the 180 so are the 180’s a good rifle? Compared to the AR-15.
The AR-180B is not strongly constructed. I would not take it over a good AR-15.
They do use essentially the same gas system, which seems to work very well.
That said, the AR-180B is a nice range rifle/plinker. It is not built to a serious-use spec.
I don’t have any experience with the “B” models, but I used to own the original Costa Mesa AR-180. It was very reliable (AK like reliability) and it was a snap to take apart and clean. It was pretty accurate too. They are not anywhere as pretty as the AR-15 but if your looking for a fun very reliable and affordable .223 semi auto the AR-180B might be for you. If you do get one checkout the link below for a folding stock and Picatinny scope mount. I had one of their scope mounts on my AR-180 and In my opinion is the best one available for the rifle.
A buddy of mine got one that he let me shoot back in the fall. First I’d ever handled one outside of the store. Was nailing steel at 100 yards, and using just irons! :eek: Was quite a hoot. 
Interesting design. Some AK-like qualities. Or more precisely, AKM-like: the next generation “AR for the masses”, but that never made it (apparently an interesting story behind that).
Obvious drawbacks: less ergo, few/no mod options, etc. Good schitzngiggles shooter though.
A howa, it was a sweet rifle only thing that would keep me from buying another one is the 1 in 12 twist barrel.I’ve never shot the newer models
I can’t understand why they went with the plastic lower?
Is it safe to say the AR180B is a better choice than a Mini-14 for a general purpose .223?
IMHO the AR 180B would be a better choice than the Mini 14 mainly because it uses AR magazines. I have one and like some of the others have stated it is a good range gun, but it was not designed as a hard use rifle. If they would have used an alloy lower, railed upper and a spec chrome lined barrel it would start to be an option. When you shoot one for sveral hundred rounds it is amazing how clean the inside of the action stays.
I’m going to go against the grain, and some may consider this communist, but I love the Mini-14. I find it the easiest packing rifle made. Not a damn thing tactical about it, just a fun little rifle. I have had a 181 series (mfg 1979-1980) since 1992. With factory 20 rounders it is 100% reliable. Clean it every 2-3000 rounds and your GTG:cool: .
I love the original Stoner rifle. It has legendary status in the IRA where it was used in actual combat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGgD8TmI96o
However, the current AR-180b is a far cry from the Sterling rifles.
If Armalite took this project seriously they could make a mint by putting the ‘Armalite’ back in the hands of just about anyone who owns a rifle. Here are a few suggested fixes"
Folding stock. Hell, just contract with Ace for his stock - it’s great.
Better handguards.
M1913 rail factory mounted.
Fix the weak lower. Stamped steel like the original? Steel reinforced plastic? Alloy? How hard can this be?
Milspec hardened parts.
Threaded bbl.
A 16" carbine option.
A $500 or so price point. The true AR shooter is going for a $1000 AR anyway. The AR-180b is competing in the AK price range.
i think it’s safe to say that anything is a better choice than a mini 14 :o
From what I understand, the AR-180B is not as reliable as teh original Ar-180 because it’s polymer receiver has been known to crack atthe forward pivot pin. However, this is not something that I have witnessed firsthand.
I have both an AR-15 and an AR-180B.
The AR-180B has been just as reliable as my AR-15, shoots well and uses the same unmodified magazines as the AR, which was a positive change from the 180 to the 180B. Another positive is the handling. It actually reminds me of a FN/FAL when I hold it. Slightly muzzle heavy and square on the front end. The flash suppressor is permanently attached. This is no suprise since it was made during the AWB.
If there was a real AR18 made through the years, refined and improved , I think it would have the potential to be a better carbine over the AR15.
As it stands, all we have is a watered down version that is a pale shadow of the real thing, which trails the AR15 by a fair margin