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A few days ago, I reviewed the ArmaLite
AR-180B rifle. In the text of that review, I stated that
I had some parts on the way from StormWerkz that would
adapt the fixed buttstock of the 180B to a folding version, very
much like the original AR-18 and AR-180 rifles. The folding
stock was a very good feature of those original rifles, but the
AR-180B does not have that option from the factory. I also
mentioned that StormWerkz had a Picatinny rail that would mount
atop the 180B to allow much more latitude in choosing an optical
sight for the AR-180B rifle. In that review, I promised to do an
update when the parts arrived from StormWerkz. However, after
receiving the parts and looking at the quality, I thought that a
stand-alone review would be best, instead of just tacking it
onto the bottom of the rifle review. By doing so, I can use more
pictures, showing the installation process for the folding
stock.
First, StormWerkz offers two lengths of
Picatinny rail scope bases. Both are of the same high quality
anodized aluminum construction, and allow quick installation and
removal, just like the ArmaLite mount. However, the StormWerkz
mount offers the versatility of the Picatinny design. Any
device, such as scope rings, ACOG
bases, laser mounts, or anything Picatinny compatible can attach
to the top of the StormWerkz base, be instantly removed and
reinstalled without tools, and will return to zero every time.
The tapered design of the base where it attaches to the rifle
does not loosen, but gets tighter under recoil. It is a very
good system, and I do not know why it was never used on more
rifle designs. Anyway, the StormWerkz Picatinny rail is a very
welcome accessory for the AR-180B.
Now to the folding stock adapter. One of the
advantages of the AR-180 over the AR-15 design is that the stock
does not contain a spring and buffer tube. This allows for a
folding stock, and the StormWerkz kit accomplishes this
perfectly. The parts are well-crafted and built to last. The
parts are machined out of aluminum, finished in a hard-coat
black, and comes with all the hardware needed to install.
StormWerkz makes several adaptors for original AR-180 rifles as
well as for the AR-180B. They also make adaptors to affix a
telescopic AR-15 buttstock to the rifles. I wanted the kit to
adapt the standard AR-180B stock to a side-folder, so those are
the parts that I used. A few simple tools are needed. You will
need a ¼ inch hex wrench that can reach into the buttstock, a
hacksaw or other suitable saw to cut the plastic stock plug from
the receiver, and a file or sander to smooth the cut. When I
ordered the folding stock adaptor, I did not know that any
alteration to the receiver would be needed. That is not a
problem, as the cut is very easy to make, and takes just a few
minutes, but the problem was that this AR-180B still belongs to
ArmaLite. Looks like I will be sending a check instead of
returning the rifle. I had intended to buy it anyway, but there
is nothing like cutting on a loaner gun to seal that commitment!
Anyway, the installation was easy, and took about thirty minutes
total, with me stopping to take pictures along the way.
I am very satisfied with both the Picatinny rail
and the folding stock adaptor from StormWerkz, and I highly
recommend these accessories to anyone who owns an ArmaLite
AR-180 or an AR-180B.
Check out these and other products from
StormWerkz online at www.stormwerkz.com.
Jeff
Quinn
 
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Click pictures for a larger version.

StormWerkz AR-180B folding stock adapter.

Assortment of adapters to change factory stock to a
folder, and to attach an AR-15 telescopic buttstock.


Factory stock plug needs to be cut from rear of
receiver.

To install the StormWerkz stock adapter, first fasten
stock adapter to receiver...

...then fasten folder adapter to the stock adapter
with the large threaded hole towards the bottom...

...then fasten stock plug to folder adapter.

It's as simple as that, and the entire operation
takes only minutes.





Weapon can be fired with the stock folded, even
left-handed.

Adapters to fit an AR-15 telescopic buttstock to
the AR-180B.
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