Signed Clint Smith Pre-Ban Colt SP1 AR-15 Carbine 16” .223 Rem. Rifle, 1979
SOLD FOR: $2,525.00
LSB#: LSB260703CS014
Make: Colt
Model: SP1
Serial Number: SP 112266
Year of Manufacture: 1979 / Modern
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement, detachable magazine fed.
Markings: The lower receiver is marked with the Rampant Colt logo and, “COLT AR-15 / CAL.223 MODEL SP1 SER. SP 112266 / COLT’S FIREARMS DIVISION COLT INDUSTRIES HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A. / SAFE FIRE”. The upper receiver is marked, “C M”. The barrel is marked, “C MP B”. The bolt is Colt marked. The buffer tube is signed by Clint Smith.
Barrel Length: 16” Threaded with an A1 tri-prong flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable A1 conical post set into the front sight base. The rear sight sight is an adjustable A1 dual aperture sight set into the integrated carry handle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three-piece stock set with a slim round polymer carbine clamshell handguard, checkered A1 pistol grip, and aluminum carbine stock set onto a 5-position buffer tube. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock set rates in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 20rd aluminum Adventure-Line 20rd magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Anodized, Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is very light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its original finish. There are scratches, nicks, and leading edge wear throughout. The barrel has a few light spots of surface rust. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good 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: Nylon sling & ranger band, 1x magazine, and Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch signed letter of ownership.
Our Assessment: The Colt SP1 Carbine was the compact counterpart to Colt’s original civilian AR-15 rifle and remains one of the most desirable early commercial AR-pattern firearms. Its lightweight 16-inch barrel, slick-side upper receiver, fixed carry handle, slim carbine handguards, and sliding aluminum stock closely reflected Colt’s early military carbine development while retaining semiautomatic-only operation for the commercial market. This example was manufactured in 1979, well before the later expansion of the civilian AR-15 market, and retains desirable Colt components including its C M-marked upper receiver, C MP B-marked barrel, Colt-marked bolt, and early-pattern lower receiver. The installed three-prong flash hider and five-position receiver extension are later alterations from the typical factory configuration of a 1979 SP1 Carbine. This rifle remains in Very Good condition, retaining approximately 94% of its original finish. The anodized and Parkerized surfaces exhibit scattered scratches, small nicks, leading-edge wear, and light operational wear, while the barrel displays several light areas of surface rust. The markings remain clear, the screw heads are sharp, and the pins are undamaged. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no visible erosion, and only very light fouling, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. Its slim carbine handguards, A1 pistol grip, and aluminum sliding stock show light handling wear but remain free of chips and cracks. The rifle includes one Adventure Line 20-round aluminum magazine in Very Good condition.
This Colt is further distinguished by its ownership by the venerable Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. This rifle includes a signed letter of ownership while the five-position receiver extension bears his signature. Combined with its 1979 manufacture, original Colt receiver and upper components, strong bore, sling, Ranger band, and provenance letter, this SP1 Carbine should appeal to collectors of early commercial AR-15 rifles and firearms associated with influential modern firearms instructors. -R.E.