RARE EARLY Pre Ban Colt AR-15 SP1 .223 20” Retro M16 Rifle 1966 Vintage C&R

SOLD FOR: $3526

WOA#: WY230528RW002

Make: Colt

Model: AR-15 SP1

Serial Number: SP07642

Year of Manufacture: 1966 C&R

Caliber: .223

Action Type:  Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement

Markings: Left side of receiver marked “COLT AR-15 CAL. .223 MODEL SP1 SER. SP07642” 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 “S 12”.    The beck 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.  The bayonet is marked “COLT’S 62316 / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” on the blade and “U.S. M7”. on the crossguard.

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 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 and a small scratch on the left side of the handguard.  There is a small scuff on the right side of the comb.  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 1966 SP1 Rifle.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  One 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 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear around the ejection port and magazine release button. 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 one magazine and an original Colt MFG U.S. M7 Bayonet and M8A1 Scabbard.  The Bayonet and Scabbard rate in Excellent condition.  The blade has its factory edge and shows no use or abuse.  The blade is sharp and the point is crisp.  There is only light sheathing marks on the sides of the blade.  The spring catch is strong.  The checkering on the handle is crisp with no handling wear.  The bayonet looks like it just came out of the factory with no sign of wear or tear.

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 57 years of its lifetime.  That’s right, that also means this civilian version of the M16 qualifies as C&R. This rifle comes with an original Colt 62316 MFG M7 Bayonet complete with an M8A1 Scabbard. 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 arm the 21st-century treatment at the range or keep it as a show-and-tell piece. Either way, ya gotta bid on it first!