Developed in the 1970s based on work from the noted designer Richard Casull, the American 180 may be the ultimate NFA "fun gun", coupling a large magazine with the low recoil of the 22 Long Rifle to create a weapon with a reputation for high controllability and ease of use. Of course, the design is not all fun and games; when tested by the Infantry Board at Fort Benning in 1977, it was found to be a very agile close-in weapon and particularly effective in low light conditions when coupled with the then-advanced Laser-LOK sight, a very early helium-neon gas laser. The board also found that automatic bursts from the 180 could achieve deep penetration of hard targets, with short bursts being capable of compromising a flak jacket and longer bursts capable of punching through helmets and cinder block walls. The weapon was also found to be very reliable, with only 25 stoppages (15 operator error, 10 bad ammo) and no broken/damaged components in a 28,000 round test sequence. Like so many who have handled the 180, the Infantry Board testers grew quite fond of the weapon; while they found that it was not a substitute for a full power rifle in general use, they cited a number of potential applications (including extreme CQB situations, specifically citing GSG-9s raid on Lufthansa Flight 181 as an example, and "selective ambushes" when combined with the Laser-LOK and a silencer), and called it "the deadliest weapon within its range capability". American Arms is known to have made three types of Limited Edition 180 M2 SMGs in high gloss blue, chrome, and gold plate, with extra barrels, the Laser-LOK sight system and a matched silencer as available options; this grouping is the full package with all of the options. The major metal components are chrome plated, with gold wash on the trigger and safety, and the gun is fitted with high gloss fancy grain presentation grade walnut furniture. All three barrels are fitted with threaded muzzles and winged blade front sights, with the matching number on the underside of the chamber. Two are 16 1/2 inches with Thompson-style fluting, one with a grooved horizontal forearm and the other fitted with the Laser-LOK sight, while the third is 9 inches, with a "bull barrel" profile and a Thompson-style pistol grip forearm. Measuring 13 1/4 inches long, 4 1/2 inches tall, and 1 3/4 inches thick, the Laser-LOK is housed in an aluminum frame, secured to the barrel with a pair of chromed rings on a mounting rail, bearing a serial number "410" with a power socket and on switch on the rear; this example is not finished or numbered to match the set, but is the proper model. The receiver is currently sans rear sight, with the manufacturer markings on the underside and a smooth fancy walnut pistol grip. A quick detach buttstock, finished to match the rest of the wood and fitted with a Pachmayr recoil pad is included, along with one chrome plated drum magazine. Included with the lot is a hardwood case with gold paint filled lettering on the lid and green felt lining, cut to fit the weapon, all aforementioned accessories and the included silencer (see Item B for more details), along with a manual and related paperwork.

Finished and numbered to match the SMG set, the silencer uses a ported tube capped with rubber wipes at each end to vent and trap exhaust gas in the main tube. Overall length is 8 inches.