This project could not be possible without the new NoDak Spud NDS-18S lower receiver and the fine gun-smithing skills of John Thomas at Retro Arms Works. Links at the end of the article.
The first thing that crossed my mind when the NDS-18S lower receiver was released was the possibility of building a pistol. I immediately ordered one of their lowers and started looking for an AR-180B.
For those who are unfamiliar, the AR-180B was a new version built by the new Armalite Inc. starting around 2001. Again it didn’t meet sales expectations and was dropped. Dropped too soon in my opinion.
I found a likely candidate on gunbroker and like one of my earlier Sterling guns, it was like new, unfired. My daughter and I quickly remedied that problem.
After I made sure it functioned properly I pulled the lower apart and build my new NoDak lower.
http://youtu.be/Mg636loh6zo
I then sent the upper off to John at Retro Arms Works. He jumped right in and after a little hick-up removing the barrel, he sent me pics of the progress so far.
Unfortunately the front sight base on the AR-180B is larger than the barrel so it had to be sleeved.
It still needs the barrel parkerized, barrel installed,gas port drilled, and the operating rod made and fitted.
Updates to follow soon.
http://retroarmsworks.com/
http://www.nodakspud.com/NDS-18S.htm