^Lot 1263 HIGHLY DESIRABLE & HIGH CONDITION EARLY PRODUCTION

HOWA AR-180 SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE. Cal. 5.56mm. S# S000543. Bbl. 18". 1 of the first 1,000 (total production approx. 3,900) AR-180 semi-automatic rifles mfg. in Japan by Howa and imported by Armalite. The left side of the receiver is marked with the Armalite logo, followed by "AR-180", "CAL. 5.56 m m", and the S# "-S000543", above "FOR ARMALITE INC.", "COSTA", "MESA", "CALIF.", "mfg by HOWA JAPAN", and "PATENTS PENDING". Metal components exhibit a phosphate finish overall, save for on the bolt and 3-prong flash hider, which exhibit a blue finish. 2-piece black synthetic ventilated handguard, with black synthetic pistol grip and side-folding buttstock. Standard AR-180 post front sight (with integral bayonet lug) and 2-position dual aperture rear sight graduated "200" and "400". 3-prong flash hider is numbered "553" (10 S#s off from the receiver, possibly indicating a factory error), as was done on the first 1,000 Howa AR-180 rifles produced. MAGS: 1 black enamel finished aluminum Armalite 20-rd. CONDITION: metal components retain the vast majority of their original factory finishes, exhibiting some light superficial scratches and handling marks overall. Mirror bore, exhibiting some scattered spots of light pitting towards the muzzle, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Black synthetic furniture shows some superficial handling marks, but otherwise remains very good overall. A very attractive, high condition example of a desirable early production Howa AR-180 rifle. PROVENANCE: Lifelong Collection of Terrence McCarty. (24-436/MLW). CURIO. $1,000-1,500.