Pre-Ban Rock Island Armory Sendra M15A1 AR-15 .223 Rifle/ Redfield Olympic
SOLD FOR: $1,426
WOA#: WY231113SM023
Make: Rock Island Armory Inc, Sendra Corp
Model: M15A1
Serial Number: 100596
Year of Manufacture: Pre 1994, 1980’s
Caliber: .223 / 5.56
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the Rock Island Armory logo and CAL 5.56 MM / M 15 A1 / SER100596 / SENDRA CORP / BARRINGTON IL” with “SEMI / SAFE” around the safety selector. The right side of the carry handle is marked, “L M”.
Barrel Length: 20”. 21” with A1 Bird Cage Flash Hider
Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights are Redfield Olympic Model Target Sights. The front is a hooded aperture mounted to the top of the gas black A frame. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture screwed to the left side of the upper receiver. The dual aperture in the carry handle is removed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is an A2 style fixed buttstock with hard rubber extension buttplate installed, and sling ring. The pistol grip is an A1 checkered pistol grip with lanyard ring. The handguard is a 12” round checkered aluminum target handguard with sling ring attached to the bottom. The bottom of the gas block has a bayonet lug. The receiver has a A1 teardrop forward assist and dust cover. The LOP measures about 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition. The checkering on the pistol grip has some worn down peaks. There are some scratches on the buttstock. The handguard has some handling marks on the checkering. There are no chips or cracks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Colt 20rd 5.56 aluminum straight magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There is some minor fouling on the lands. In my opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a few light scratches on the receivers and the barrel exterior. There is some finish loss on the edges of the carry handle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for a vintage 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 rifle comes with a total of one magazine.
Our Assessment: Among the list of desirable, rare, nearly unknown, pre-ban, and collectable AR-15 rifles, this Rock Island Armory Inc. M15 A1 finds itself near the top. Sendra Corp back in the 1980’s began manufacturing AR-15 receivers to directly compete with Colt who nearly had a monopoly on the AR-15. Later down the road several firearms manufacturers began using Sendra receivers in order to “dip their toe” in the world of Armalite Rifles. Companies like Bushmaster and Rock Island Armory purchased many Sendra receivers which they used for their first AR-15 builds. Sendra ended up going out of business and Bushmaster bought their tooling which helped them begin their volume of AR-15 rifles. All Sendra receivers are pre-ban and are loved amongst collectors as they are time tested and have an excellent reputation as many were converted to select fire by class 2 manufacturers before the 1986 ban. This rifle has been given a beautiful set of vintage Redfield Olympic Target Rifle Sights which completes the vintage appeal of this classic rifle. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
