Pre Ban Colt SP1 AR-15 5.56/.223 16” Semi-Auto Rifle MFD 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,825
WOA#: WY240105DN001
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial Number: SP161555
Year of Manufacture: 1982 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .223 / 5.56
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “COLT / AR-15 / CAL. .223 / MODEL SP1 / SER. SP161555”, “COLT’S FIREARMS DIVISION / COLT INDUSTRIES / HARTFORD, CONN / U.S.A.”, “SAFE FIRE”. The right side of the carry handle is marked “C M”. The barrel under the heat shield is marked “C MP CHROME BORE”. The left side of the bolt carrier is heavy stamped “C”. The neck of the bolt head is marked “MPC”. The scope is marked “COLT / 3 X 20”. The heat shield is marked “M16”.
Barrel Length: 16”. 17.25 with A1 Bird Cage Flash Hider. The barrel has a pinned M16 vented barrel shroud from the flash hider to the A1 sight.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an A1 adjustable post sight. The rear sight is an A1 adjustable dual aperture sight set in the carry handle. The carry handle is mounted with a Vintage Colt 3 x 20 Rifle Scope. The sight picture is clear. The scope comes with its leather bikini-style lens covers.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a collapsible black painted aluminum stock with sling slot and loop with integral checkered buttplate. The pistol grip is an A2 grip. The handguard is an A2 carbine length handguard with heat shields. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition. There are no chips or cracks. There is some handling wear on the grip with semi-worn peaks. There are a few nicks and scuffs on the buttstock.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 20rd 5.56 Lancer Magazine in Excellent condition.
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 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light wear around the ejection port, barrel, and magwell. There are some light scratches on the receivers. 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 an attached nylon sling and its attached optic as mentioned above.
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.
