PreBan Colt SP1 SP-1 AR-15 5.56/.223 20” Semi-Auto Rifle, MFD 1978-94
SOLD FOR: $1,527.00
LSB#: LSB260412RR033
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial Number: SP189301
Year of Manufacture: 1978 – 1994 / Modern
Caliber: .223 Rem. / 5.56 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement, Magazine Fed
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “COLT / AR-15 / CAL. .223 / MODEL SP1 / SER. SP189301” 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 bolt carrier is marked with an Enterprise Arms logo. The barrel is marked “C MP CHROME BORE”.
Barrel Length: 20”. Pencil Profile, 21” w/ 3-Prong Flash Hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post iron sight and the rear has an adjustable iron dual aperture peep sight set within the carry handle. A1 sights. There is a 3×20 Colt scope mounted to the carry handle. The scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three-piece A1 stock set with a triangle clamshell handguard, A1 plastic pistol-grip, and a fixed A1 stock w/ storage door. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. There are no chips, but there are some splits in the hard rubber buttplate. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good to Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x Colt 30rd aluminum magazines in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Gray Anodized, Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is some light fouling. The feed ramps are smooth. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are light scratches, scuffs, faint thinning, and handling marks throughout. There are some spots of discoloration on the upper receiver. 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 to Excellent 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. This rifle is fitted with M16-pattern fire control components but remains a semi-automatic firearm. The front hinge pin has been replaced with a detent pin. The bolt carrier group is not original to this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 2x Magazines, pamphlet.
Our Assessment: The Colt AR-15 SP1 is one of the most iconic commercial sporting rifles ever produced and represents the direct civilian descendant of the original M16 rifle adopted by the U.S. military. Featuring the lightweight pencil-profile barrel, slab-side lower receiver, triangular handguards, and A1 sighting system, the SP1 preserved many of the defining characteristics of the early military rifles while remaining a semi-automatic sporting arm. Chambered in .223 Remington and compatible with 5.56 NATO ammunition, the SP1 occupies a special place in the history of the AR-15 platform and remains highly sought after among collectors of early Colt rifles. This example retains approximately 97% of its original finish with only light handling wear, scattered scuffs, and minor discoloration visible throughout. The chrome-lined bore remains excellent, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only light fouling present, supporting its 9.5 out of 10 rating. The original A1 furniture remains in very good to excellent condition overall, exhibiting only minor handling wear and expected aging to the buttplate. The rifle is equipped with a desirable Colt 3×20 carry handle scope and includes two Colt aluminum magazines. Of note to collectors, the bolt carrier group has been replaced with an Enterprise Arms assembly and the original SP1 front pivot pin has been replaced with a detent-style pin.
Altogether, this Colt SP1 represents an attractive pre-ban example of one of the most important commercial rifles in American firearms history. Its classic A1 configuration, Colt-marked receiver, pencil barrel, and carry handle scope capture the appearance and character of the early AR-15 platform. While a few components have been replaced from original factory specification, the rifle remains a highly desirable representation of the Colt SP1 and an important piece of AR-15 collecting history. -R.E.