I Have This Old Gun: ArmaLite AR-18

Published on March 11, 2020
Duration: 8:06

The ArmaLite AR-18, designed by Arthur Miller after Eugene Stoner's departure from Armalite, represented a significant design shift. It prioritized cost-effectiveness and robustness over the lightweight focus of Stoner's earlier AR-10 and AR-15. Key features include a direct impingement system with the bolt running on two rails, a straight-line stock to reduce muzzle rise, and a simple dovetail plate for optics. While not adopted by the US military, its design influenced subsequent firearms like the Steyr AUG.

Quick Summary

The ArmaLite AR-18, designed by Arthur Miller, differed from the AR-15/M16 with a robust bolt system running on two rails and a straight-line stock for reduced muzzle rise. Its stamped steel and plastic construction was cost-effective, and its piston system influenced later designs like the Steyr AUG. Despite its innovative features, it was not adopted by the US military.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Eugene Stoner's Patents and the AR-10
  2. 00:16AR-18 Design Differences from AR-15
  3. 00:34Direct Line of Sight and Control
  4. 00:45Full Automatic Firing Performance
  5. 01:02Bolt Operation on Two Rails
  6. 01:20Robustness in Harsh Conditions
  7. 01:33AR-18 Design Philosophy Shift
  8. 01:45Arthur Miller Designed the AR-18
  9. 02:17Stoner's AR-16 vs. AR-18 Design Goals
  10. 03:00AR-18's Global Reputation (IRA)
  11. 03:15Limited Military Use
  12. 03:37WWII German Development Influence
  13. 03:54Steel and Plastic Construction
  14. 04:20Army Testing and Cyclic Rate Issues
  15. 04:34Magazine Feeding Problems
  16. 04:50Influence on Other Firearms (AUG)
  17. 05:02Unique Features: No Carrying Handle
  18. 05:16Dovetail Plate for Optics
  19. 05:22Straight Line Stock and Muzzle Rise
  20. 05:30Compact Optical Sight System
  21. 06:05Army Testing for Military Potential (1967)
  22. 06:44Ordnance Corps Development Philosophy
  23. 07:12M16 System Development vs. AR-18
  24. 07:24Armalite's Size and Development Costs
  25. 07:30Army's Decision and End of Development
  26. 07:46AR-18 as an NFA Item
  27. 07:51AR-180 Civilian Variants

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the ArmaLite AR-18?

The ArmaLite AR-18 was designed by Arthur Miller, who was the chief engineer at Armalite after Eugene Stoner had left the company. Stoner was responsible for its predecessors, the AR-10 and AR-16.

What were the key design differences of the AR-18 compared to the AR-15/M16?

The AR-18 featured a different operating system where the bolt ran on two rails for increased robustness. It also had a straight-line stock to reduce muzzle rise and a simple dovetail plate for optics, unlike the AR-15's carrying handle.

Why was the ArmaLite AR-18 not adopted by the US military?

The US Army tested the AR-18 for its military potential but did not adopt it. Key reasons included the Army's prior investment in the M16 system and Armalite's limited resources to further develop the rifle to meet military specifications.

What design elements of the AR-18 influenced later firearms?

The AR-18's short piston system is noted as an influence on firearms like the Steyr AUG. Its construction methods, utilizing stamped steel and plastic, also echoed earlier German military rifle development.

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