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American Arms produced three types of Limited Edition M2 SMGS, including a gold plated finish. Available options for these editions included extra barrels, the Laser-LOK sight system and a matched silencer. This exemplary example includes every available option.
LOT 412
Attractive, Rare and Unique Exhibition/Presentation Cased Gold Plated Limited Edition American Arms International American 180 M2 Class III/NFA Submachine Gun with Extra Barrels, Matching Laser Sight Unit, and Silencer
-A) American Arms American 180 M2 Submachine Gun, Class III/ NFA Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 000, 22 LR cal., 16 1/2 inch fluted bbl., gold plated finish, walnut stock. 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 (copy of report included), 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. Minus a few internal parts the metal components are gold finished with high gloss fancy grain walnut for the furniture. The installed barrel features a 3 prong flash hider, Thompson-style ribbing and a straight horizontal forearm, and the receiver bears the address and model markings on the underside. The two extra barrels have similar flash hiders and sights, with the shorter (9 inches) being smooth with a forward pistol grip, and the longer being ribbed and fitted with the Laser-LOK sight in lieu of a forearm. The Laser-LOK is gold finished and numbered to match the set, secured to the barrel with a Weaver-style rail and a pair of rings, and configured to be powered by an automobile cigarette lighter. The entire set fits in a velvet lined hardwood case, which is numbered to match on the lid and decorated with a swooping eagle over the model markings. Included with the set are a number of papers, including multiple American Arms ad flyers (which mention both the Limited Edition and the Laser-LOK), the aforementioned copy of the Fort Benning report,
and operating instructions.