PreBan Colt SP1 Carbine SP-1 AR-15 5.56/.223 16” Semi-Auto Rifle, MFD 1984
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: WY250405MG001
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1 Carbine
Serial Number: SP204526
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Caliber: .223 / 5.56
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement, Magazine Fed
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “COLT / AR-15 / CAL. .223 / MODEL SP1 / SER. SP204526” with the Rampant Colt logo. Marked on left side receiver behind bolt catch “COLT FIREARMS DIVISION COLT INDUSTRIES. / HARTFORD, CONN. / U.S.A.” with “SAFE” and “FIRE” for the selection options. The side of the carrier is marked “C”. The barrel is marked “C MP CHROME BORE”.
Barrel Length: 16”. Pencil Profile
Sights / Optics: The front sight is post iron sight and the rear has an iron dual aperture peep sight. A1 sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three-piece stock set with a slim round clamshell carbine handguard, A1 plastic pistol-grip, and a 2-position aluminum carbine stock. There are light handling marks throughout. The LOP measures 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x Colt 20rd magazines in Very Good condition. One magazine has a metal follower.
Type of Finish: Gray Anodized, Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The feed ramps are smooth. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light scratches, scuffs, faint thinning, and handling marks throughout. The action has very light wear and the magwell has draglines from use. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Two 20rd Colt Aluminum straight mags, cotton sling.
Our Assessment: This Pre-Ban Colt AR-15 SP1 Carbine, manufactured in 1984, is a classic example of the early civilian-legal version of the M16 platform. Built during the height of Colt’s commercial production prior to the 1989 import ban and the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, the SP1 Carbine features the lightweight pencil-profile barrel, slick-side upper receiver without a forward assist, and vintage A1 sights. Chambered in .223 Remington/5.56 NATO and utilizing the original direct impingement gas system, this rifle represents the earliest evolution of the AR platform made available to the public in a carbine-length configuration. This example retains about 95% of its original finish and displays light but honest handling wear throughout. The rifle sports the correct vintage furniture set, including the round clamshell handguard, A1-style grip, and original two-position aluminum collapsible stock. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, and the feed ramps are smooth and clean, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. All factory markings are crisp, including the Colt logo, model, and Hartford address. The bolt carrier is correctly marked “C,” and the barrel bears the correct “C MP CHROME BORE” stamp. Included are two 20-round Colt magazines and a cotton sling to round out the period-correct configuration.
Pre-Ban SP1 Carbines like this are increasingly desirable among collectors, shooters, and Colt enthusiasts due to their historical significance and limited production status. This rifle offers not only Cold War-era appeal but also practical performance in a lightweight, soft-shooting package. Whether you’re looking to preserve a classic, enjoy a smooth-handling range carbine, or invest in a highly collectible piece of AR-15 history, this 1984 SP1 Carbine is an excellent opportunity. -R.E.
