Manufactured by Armalite in Costa Mesa, California, this AR-18 rifle shows a number of features that set it apart from the majority of AR-18 production. The receiver lacks provisions for a dust cover or scope block, the guide rod assembly terminates in a single hook instead of the spring-loaded retention mechanism seen on later production, and the bolt carrier is grooved down the right side and lacks the "keyed" charging handle slot to fit the later "bent" charging handle. The frame uses different mechanisms for securing the stock, with a spring catch on the underside of the stock to release from the "open" position, and a round stud (with no spring retention) to secure the stock in the "closed" position. Adjustable post front and two-leaf rear sights, with a 3-pronged flash hider, left-handed selector switch, ribbed forearm and smooth "AR-18" marked pistol grip. This AR-18 is featured in an article titled "The Lost Armalites" in the July 1998 (Volume 1 Number 10) issue of Small Arms Review, where it receives a full page photo spread on page 47 detailing the early features such as the aforementioned stock and bolt carrier configuration; a copy of the issue is included with the lot.