Colt AR-15 SP1

[parsimonious_instead]

OK.... I'm in love... just put a deposit down on my first AR-15. It's a Colt SP1, early 1970s vintage. His price to me: $850 and looks like in very good shape. I actually like the fact that it has a fixed stock, non-removable carry handle, and no rail system. And since it was manufactured well before 1994, everything about it qualifies as "pre-ban" in my state.
I also like the lack of a magazine fence and forward assist.
Anyone else have an SP1? Any particular issues or "gotchas" with that particular model? I expect to have it paid off and shooting it by mid-Sept or sooner (hopefully).

 

[basicblur]

Anyone else have an SP1?

Yup - I've got one I've had since approx 1980? Don't remember what I paid - just saw it in a shop and walked out with it.

Can't help you with any problems etc, as I don't have that many rounds through it, but no problems.

I also have two RRAs (M4 style) and another Colt LE6920 - all three of them sound 'tight' when you shoot 'em - the old SP-1 has a definite sproing to it, but it's 'bout as accurate (if not more) as the others. I also have an old Colt 3x scope on it.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I am not sure but that may be a 1/12 barrel. That means you aren't 'limited' to 55gr ammo.. but it will shoot that with better accuracy than the 69+ stuff.

 

[Welding Rod]

Sweet! I have always wanted one of those.

 

[wriggly]

I had an SP1 CAR 15 purchased it in 1979 and had the colt 3 power scope on it, and a bunch of Sterling 40 round magazines. I paid around $300 for it back then. Wish I still had it.

 

[OcelotZ3]

I've got one and it definitely sproings as someone else mentioned. Also the Colt 3x scope (which is actually worth a bit of money on its own these days).

I think mine is from '67.

 

[Reloadron]

My brother is shopping for one, he just mentioned it to me last night. He has this thing about the original look and feel of those early rifles. They are sweet!

Ron

 

[Dreamliner787]

One of my biggest regret was selling mine back in college, wish I would have kept it.

 

[mokin]

I bought one of those in 1987, used, for $400.00. It seemed like it was better put together than the M-16A2 I was issued around the same time. The SP-1 was a really fun rifle. I sold it just befor the ban expired for about twice what I paid for it. Great rifle, no issues. Have fun with it.

 

[1KPerDay]

My favorite AR. Good price.

 

[VA27]

1980 SP1 carbine here. The only 'gotcha' with the SP is shooting left-handed will get you hot brass bouncing off your teeth.

 

[X-Rap]

Had one and traded it for a M1A after the ban sunset. Shot fine but I am not a nostalgia guy regarding AR's so I just bought a new lower for the carbine upper that the SP1 was carrying. The SP1 does command some extra money in the right market.

 

[awgrizzly]

Depending on condition the collector value of that SP1 could be double what you're paying for it.

 

[dark.zero.x]

I have a mint 1971, with the scope and everything.

Purdy.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

The photo's were taken earlier this year of a friend's collection, before being broken up to be sold.

 

[1KPerDay]

1980 SP1 carbine here. The only 'gotcha' with the SP is shooting left-handed will get you hot brass bouncing off your teeth.

Not in my case... never had a problem and I shoot lefty.

 

[357_]

I love my sp1, got a 1964 and it's my favorite rifle to shoot, I LOVE that sproing sound it makes!

 

[CZguy]

I'm turning green with envy over the nice rifles in this thread. I've wanted one for years, but they seem to be selling for about double what they are worth.

 

[VA27]

Must have been a fluke. I let a lefty shoot it and watched the brass hit him in the mouth.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

I, had a part's gun that was built on a SP1 lower. It never flung any brass into my teeth. Under the right eye on the other hand was a diffrent storie.
That one went down the road pretty quikly.

 

[awgrizzly]

Oh man, some nice SPs there guys, thanks. I gots one too. =o)



Anyone want to sell one of those original scopes?

 

[1KPerDay]

Must have been a fluke. I let a lefty shoot it and watched the brass hit him in the mouth.

I don't think it was a fluke... some do it, some don't. Luckily mine doesn't.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

My parts gun would fling China Sports brass into my face. My buddy's Scoped example would throw Winchester white box up against my muff's, but L.C. would clear my fat head. So it is just a matter of brand, and probly the amount of wear the rifle has on it.

 

[pesty3782]

sp1

I bought mine in the early 80's and still have it. I have never had any issues with the carbine at all..that is when i get to shoot it...Wife steals it when we go shooting along with my/her's high power

Tony P.

 

[parsimonious_instead]

I thank everyone for their replies and input. Can't wait to pick mine up and give it a try!