Rare Pre-Ban Rock Island Armory Sendra M15A1 AR-15 5.56 Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1476
WOA#: WY230111HP001
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 in 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. Good Luck!
Make: Rock Island Armory Inc, Sendra Corp
Model: M15A1
Serial Number: 100666
Year of Manufacture: Pre 1994, 1980’s
Caliber: .223
Action Type: Semi-Auto
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the Rock Island Armory logo and CAL 5.56 MM / M 15 A1 / SER100666 / SENDRA CORP / BARRINGTON IL” with “SEMI / SAFE” around the safety selector. The right side of the carry handle is marked, “L M”.
Barrel Length: About 11.5” 16” with fixed long birdcage flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post iron sight and the rear has an L-type flip peep sight. A1 Rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is an M4 style buttstock with 2 positions and a sling loop on top. The pistol grip is an A1 checkered pistol grip with lanyard ring. The handguard is a carbine length round ribbed handguard. There is a sling swivel adapter mounted to the gas block with sling attached. The bottom of the gas block has a bayonet lug. The short barrel is fixed with a long M16 flash hider to bring it to 16” length. The receiver has a A1 teardrop forward assist and dust cover. The LOP measures about 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the fully extended buttstock. 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 and operation wear on the buffer tube. The handguard has only a few very faint loose storage marks. There are no chips or cracks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light to moderate wear including some scratches on both receivers as well as some minor dents on the left side of the upper and on the forward assist housing. There is some finish loss at the rear of the ejection port. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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.