
RARE EARLY Pre Ban Colt AR-15 SP1 .223 20” Retro M16 Rifle 1965 Vintage C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,230.00
WOA#: WY240609MM090
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial Number: SP 03342
Year of Manufacture: 1965 C&R
Caliber: .223
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “COLT AR-15 CAL. .223 MODEL SP1 SER. SP 03342” with the Rampant Colt logo. Marked on left side receiver behind bolt catch “COLT’S PATENT FIREARMS HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. MFG.CO ” Marked with”SAFE ” and”FIRE “. The bottom of the barrel is marked “12 S”. The neck of the bolt head is marked “MP”. There is a proof on the right side of the front leg of the carry handle in the corner of the ejection port.
Barrel Length: 20″, 21” with 3 Prong Flash Hider
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post iron sight and the rear has an L-type iron peep sight. A1 sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This is an A1 style rifle. The buttstock is an E1 polymer buttstock with a sling ring, serrated buttpad, and no trap door. The pistol grip is an A1 checkered polymer grip with a lanyard loop. The handguard is a polymer A1 triangular handguard. There is some light wear along the surface of the handguard and buttstock. There is a small dot on the lower left side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in Excellent overall condition for a 1965 SP1 Rifle.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Two Colt 20rd 5.56 straight mag in Very Good Condition. The aluminum follower shows some general operation wear but the spring is strong and the leading edges are sharp.
Type of Finish: Dark Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear around the ejection port and front sight. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition for a Pre Ban rifle.
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 SP1 Rifle comes with a total of two magazines and an original Colt black “D Tab” Sling. Also an original Owner’s Manual in fine shape.
Our Assessment: A collectable of collectables, this SP1 is not only a very early run of the iconic SP1 rifle, it’s also in Excellent condition having been properly maintained and cared for over the past 59 years of its lifetime. These guns have gone up dramatically in value the last few years. That’s right, that also means this civilian version of the M16 qualifies as C&R. Colt sets the standard for AR15 builds, and what better way to bolster your gun collection than add one of these to it? You want this preban combo in your arsenal for its good looks and smooth operation. With a triangular forearm and solid A1 features and correct markings, you can give this rifle the 21st-century treatment at the range or keep it as a safe queen style show-and-tell piece. Either way, ya gotta bid on it first! So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
