PreBan Colt SP1 SP-1 AR-15 5.56/.223 16” Semi-Auto Rifle/Carbine
SOLD FOR: $2,125
WOA#: WY231213LM006
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial Number: SP161299
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1994, Circa 1983-1984
Caliber: .223
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “COLT / AR-15 / CAL. .223 / MODEL SP1 / SER. SP161299” with the Rampant Colt logo. Marked on left side receiver behind bolt catch “COLT’S FIREARMS DIVISION / COLT INDUSTRIES / HARTFORD, CONN. / U.S.A.” with “SAFE” and “FIRE” for the selection options. The side of the carry handle recess is marked “C M”. The left side of the Bolt Carrier is marked with a “C”. The barrel is marked “C MP CHROME BORE”.
Barrel Length: 16”. Pencil Profile. 18” with A1 birdcage flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post iron sight and the rear sight has a side dial dual aperture peep sight. Standard A1 style sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a non-magnetic metal, CAR style adjustable two position buttstock. The pistol grip is an A1 grip. The handguard is a two piece carbine handguard. The LOP measures 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate when fully extended and 10” when collapsed. The stock has one small dent on the left side and minor handling wear but rates in Very Good overall condition. The grip shows minor handling wear and is in Excellent condition. The handguard shows very little signs of handling or wear and is in Excellent Condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Anodized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a small spot of erosion on one of the lands. The feed ramps are smooth and clean. In this writer’s opinion the condition of 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 and small scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of the rifle’s overall 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: NONE
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 best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
