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 earnest 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 metal components are chrome plated, besides the gold plated trigger, selector, charging handle and rear sight, and the gun is fitted with high gloss fancy grain presentation grade walnut furniture. The installed 16 1/2 inch barrel is fitted with the included matching numbered suppressor, with Thompson-style ribbing and a straight horizontal forearm, and the receiver bears the address and model markings on the underside. The two extra quick change barrels are fitted with three-prong flash hiders, with the shorter 9 inch barrel being smooth with a forward pistol grip, and the longer 16 1/2 inch barrel being ribbed and fitted with the Laser-LOK sight in lieu of a forearm. The Laser-LOK is chrome plated and numbered to match the set with "LIMITED EDITION/-110-" marked on the front surface, secured to the barrel with a Weaver-style rail and a pair of rings. The entire set fits in the included velvet lined hardwood case. Includes seven chrome plated drum magazines in total, brown canvas pouches for each individual magazine, three extra grasping groove type forends, one extra forward pistol grip, three extra rear pistol grips, three extra buttstocks, and a wall charger for the Laser-LOK.

Chrome plated and numbered to match the SMG set, the silencer uses a ported tube capped with a plastic wipe to vent and trap exhaust gas in the main tube. Overall length is 8 inches.