Pre-Ban Colt SP1 .223 Rem. 20″ Slab-Side AR-15 Semi-Auto Rifle, MFD 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,800.99
LSB: LSB260618MR003
Make: Colt
Model: SP1
Serial Number: SP154193
Year of Manufacture: 1982 / ATF Classification: Modern
Caliber/Gauge: .223 Remington
Action Type: Semi-automatic, direct impingement, rifle-length gas system
Barrel Length: 20″, pencil profile, chrome-lined, twist rate not marked
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an adjustable elevation A1 sight post painted red. The rear sight is an A1 style dual aperture integral to the fixed carry handle. A Leupold Picatinny mount is attached to the carry handle ready for your choice of optic, though none is present.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is in the correct A1 configuration. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The buttplate shows light handling wear. The stock storage compartment is empty. The furniture shows no notable blemishes with little handling evidence. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Fine Plus to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Matte grey
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome-lined bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This firearm retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows occasional edge wear and faint surface blemishes. There is light operational wear visible. The dust cover, A1 birdcage, and barrel show some very minor surface oxidation. The markings are mostly clear and complete. The BCG is correctly marked “C” and “MPC”. Overall, this firearm rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Two 30rd Defense Procurement magazines, one 30rd Adventure Line magazine, one triple magazine pouch, and a sling
Our Assessment: The Colt SP1 was the original commercial semi-automatic AR-15 and played a major role in bringing Eugene Stoner’s lightweight rifle design into the American civilian market. Colt began offering the SP1 in 1963, closely paralleling development of the military M16, and the rifle remained Colt’s principal commercial AR-15 for roughly two decades. By the early 1980s, the SP1 had evolved to incorporate several M16A1-era features, including a chrome-lined 20″ pencil barrel, birdcage flash hider, trapdoor buttstock, and A1-style sights, while retaining the distinctive slab-side lower and upper without a forward assist. This example is an attractive late-production SP1 in .223 Remington with its correct A1-pattern furniture, Colt-marked bolt carrier group, and fixed carry-handle configuration.
This rifle retains about 95% of its original matte gray metal finish, with occasional edge wear, faint surface blemishes, and light operational wear. Minor surface oxidation is present on the dust cover, A1 birdcage flash suppressor, and barrel. The A1-pattern furniture remains in Fine Plus to Excellent condition with little evidence of handling, no chips or cracks, and only light wear to the buttplate. The chrome-lined bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5/10. The bolt carrier is correctly marked “C” and the bolt “MPC”. A Leupold Picatinny mount is attached to the carry handle, though no optic is included. The markings remain mostly clear and complete, and the action functions correctly. Overall, this Colt SP1 rates in Fine condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
-CR