AR-15/AR-180 mag interchangeability

[Conglomeration Al]

I was wondering if magazines made for AR-15's could also be used for AR-180's. Also, the other way around. They are both chambered in the same cartridge and the mags do look eerily similar in a picture. I've been looking around and I can't find anything on this for certain.

If anyone can offer any guidance it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Milo]

Had an AR-180 quite a few years ago. If memory serves me correctly, the answer is yes. Anyway, this site (http://gunblast.com/ArmaLite-AR180.htm) says yes for AR-180B.

Milo

[308man]

The answer is no. The ar-180 made by Sterling does not accept ar mags. The ar-180b however does. I have owned both and have tried. Sorry if you have the ar-180, great rifle but damn expensive mags. Ar-180b is not quite as riged but will take the ar mags and is still a fine rifle.

[Milo]

Well, yes they will - if you want to tinker a bit.

The mags are basically the same, compare them.

Look at an AR-180 (not "B") mag, it has the square hole (no "bump") on the left & the slit on the right for interchangeability with AR-15/M-16. The AR-180B has been modified to the AR-15/M-16 mag catch/release type.

The magazine catch on an AR-15/M-16 engages the magazine on the left side (sqaure hole with a "bump" below) mag release pushes through receiver to disengage.

On an AR-180, the mag engages on the right side (a slit) mag release is hinged on right side.

To modify AR-15/M-16 mags, you'd have to cut the slit in the right side, a dremel tool w/cutoff wheel would do, it's not difficult. (Measure twice, cut once) You'd also have to reduce the "bump" on the left side to ease mag insertion & removal.

Worked for me way back when.

If you've got an old AR-15 mag you don't mind experimenting with, give it a try. With the price of magazines being what they are....................

Milo

[Conglomeration Al]

Ehh. I have new colt mags for an AR-15 that I probably shouldn't mess with. Thanks for the help though.