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  • /Lot 1358

Lot 1358:Costa Mesa Armalite AR-18, Class III/NFA C&R Machine Gun

May 3rd, 2025|Bedford, TX
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  • /Lot 1358

Lot 1358:Costa Mesa Armalite AR-18, Class III/NFA C&R Machine Gun

May 3rd, 2025|Bedford, TX
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Estimated Price$20,000 - $35,000
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Desirable Costa Mesa Armalite AR-18 Selective Fire Rifle, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun

An excellent example of an original and very scarce fully-automatic Armalite AR-18 rifle manufactured by Armalite in Costa Mesa, California c.1969-1973. Designed after Armalite had sold their interest in (and patents for) the AR-15 rifle, the AR-18 went in completely different directions in terms of materials and function. The result is a piston driven select fire assault rifle, with a lightweight stamped steel receiver assembly and a recoil system that permitted a native folding stock as factory standard. Delivering hard-hitting firepower in a compact package, the AR-18 had many things in its favor but wound up overshadowed by the "older brother"; large military contracts or license deals never arrived like they did for the AR-15/M16 family of weapons, resulting in a very limited production. Somewhat infamously, some of the most prominent users of the Armalite were on both sides of "The Troubles" in Ireland, being adopted by both Loyalist militia units and some factions of the Irish Republican Army, the latter embracing the arm to the point of it being the namesake of the "Armalite and Ballot Box Strategy" of the late 1980s. Primarily a design and engineering firm rather than a volume manufacturer, relatively limited numbers of AR-18s were made at Costa Mesa, the bulk of the production happening at outside firms like Howa and Sterling. Post front and adjustable two leaf peep rear sights, with a three-prong flash hider, maker's marks on the upper receiver, and the ambidextrous three position selector on the lower with "SAFE", "SEMI" and "AUTO" markings. The bolt carrier and chrome plated bolt head are unmarked. Ribbed and vented handguard, with an "AR-18/ArmaLite" marked pistol grip, green canvas sling and a side folding buttstock.

ConditionExcellent, with 98% plus original matte gray phosphate finish, showing some light handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Details
ManufacturerArmalite Inc
ModelAR-18
TypeMachine gun
Serial number
ClassClass III
Caliber / Gauge5.56 mm
Barrel18 inch round
Finishmatte gray
Stocksynthetic
Bore conditionMinor streaking and spotting, strong rifling.

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views827
Catalog page327
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