Rare Pre-Ban Colt SP1 SP-1 .223 20” Rifle AR-15 1977, Bayonet, Scope

SOLD FOR: $2276

WOA#: WY230529MB002

Make: Colt

Model: Pre-ban SP1 AR-15

Serial Number: SP75862

Year of Manufacture: 1977-1978

Caliber: .223

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement

Markings: Left side of the receiver is marked with the rampant Colt logo with “COLT AR-15 CAL .223 MODEL SP1 SER. SP75862”. Receiver behind the bolt catch marked “COLT’S PATENT FIREARMS HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A. MFG CO.” with “SAFE” and “FIRE” marked near the safety selector. Top of barrel marked “C MP CHROME BORE” and magazine marked on the bottom with Colt’s logo and “COLT AR-15 CAL. .223 COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. INC. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”.  The side of the magazine has a Circle 1 mark.  The side of the bolt is marked, “C” and the neck of the bolt head is marked, “MPC”.  The bayonet is marked with the Colt Rampant Logo and “COLT’S 62316 / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” on the blade and “U.S. M7” on the cross guard.  The scabbard is marked “USM8A1”.

Barrel Length: 20”.  21” with A1 Flash Hider

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is post iron sight and the rear sight is an A1 Type L-type flip aperture. This rifle comes with an original Colt 4×21 Scope.  The sight picture is clear.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock, pistol grip, and handguard are an A1 set.   The handguard is the iconic triangular A1 handguard.  The pistol grip is checkered with lanyard loop. The buttstock has a sling ring and trap door for storage compartment with a checkered steel buttplate.   The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.  The stock rates in about Fine overall condition. There is typical aging and minimal light scratches on the polymer surface.  There is some handling wear and the top of the handguard has a chipped tooth.  Please see photos.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  One Rare Colt Factory Circle 1 20rd Straight Magazine in Fine Condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.  There is some minor fouling in the grooves that should clean up nice with a thorough cleaning.  There is some corrosion on the flash hider.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear on the ejection port, on the mag well, and on top of the carry handle as well as a few other places.   The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this SP1 rifle rates in about Fine 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 a Vietnam Era M16 Bipod and Case, a Colt 4×21 Scope, a rare Circle 1 Colt Magazine, Field Operator’s Manual, and an original Colt M7 Bayonet with its USM8A1 Scabbard.  The Bayonet is in Good condition with some erosion on the metal mounting piece and some general corrosion throughout as well as on the scabbard.  The rifle and accessories come in a Colt Factory Box (Not Matching).

Our Assessment:  In beautiful condition that only pre-ban platforms can glow with, this AR-15 is the epitome of basic, but not in a bad way. Basic in this case means pre ban factory configuration, reliable, and ready to use. The SP-1 is about as close as you can get to the classical image and feel of an M-16 rifle. Colt is the king of these rifles, having been the original issuer of the concept to the military. With a triangular forearm and solid A1 features, with some highly desirable Colt collectable accessories,  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!