Pre Ban Colt SP1 SP-1 AR-15 5.56/.223 20” Semi-Auto A1 Rifle MFD 1976
SOLD FOR: $2,350.00
WOA#: WY240526BJ095
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial Number: SP51625
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1994, 1976
Caliber: .223 / 5.56
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “COLT / AR-15 / CAL. .223 / MODEL SP1 / SER. SP51625” with the Rampant Colt logo. Marked on left side receiver behind bolt catch “COLT’S PATENT FIREARMS / HARTFORD, CONN. / U.S.A. MFG. CO.” with “SAFE” and “FIRE” for the selection options. The side of the carrier is marked “C”. The neck of the bolt head is marked “MPC”. The barrel is marked “C MP CHROME BORE”
Barrel Length: 20”. Pencil Profile. 21” with A1 birdcage flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is A1 post iron sight and the rear has an A1 dual aperture peep sight. A1 sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is an A1 style fixed stock with storage compartment in the buttplate. The pistol grip is an A1 grip. The handguard is an A1 rifle length triangular handguard. The LOP measures 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Excellent overall condition. There are no chips or cracks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Pre-Ban Colt 20rd Straight Magazine with aluminum follower in Very Good condition. The bottom half of the magazine has dried adhesive.
Type of Finish: Anodized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation wear. There is a tiny mark on the rear of the ejection port. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one magazine and its attached black nylon sling.
Our Assessment: The Colt SP1 holds a distinguished place in the history of modern firearms, particularly as an early civilian version of the iconic M16 rifle. Introduced in 1963, the SP1 was Colt’s first commercial semi-automatic rifle based on the AR-15 platform, bridging the gap between military and civilian firearm markets. This rifle, chambered in the high-velocity 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, mirrored the M16’s design and operation, offering the civilian shooter a taste of the military experience.
The SP1’s design is a window into the early era of AR-15 development. It features several distinctive characteristics reminiscent of the original M16, such as the absence of a forward assist, and a simpler bolt carrier group compared to later models. The rifle’s lightweight, sleek profile, and direct impingement gas system – hallmarks of Eugene Stoner’s design – contribute to its ease of handling and reliable performance. These aspects make the SP1 not only a functional firearm but also a piece of engineering artistry.
Collectors and historians cherish the Colt SP1 for its historical significance, pre-ban status, and its role in popularizing the AR-15 platform among civilian shooters. Owning an SP1 is akin to possessing a piece of firearm history, reflecting the evolution of the AR-15/M16 family and the broader context of American gun culture. Its legacy endures as a classic representation of Colt’s craftsmanship and innovation, and as a symbol of the merging paths of military and civilian firearm technologies. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
