Colt SP-1, .223 cal.

The Colt SP-1 is the gun that started the AR-15 craze. It was originally a semi-auto version of the revolutionary M-16 rifle, and the commercial guns were met with the same skepticism as the military version. It was seen as a “toy gun” by those who were used to larger caliber guns made of steel and wood, and the advantages of a lightweight rifle with lightweight ammunition were not fully appreciated until years after the introduction. Later on it evolved into the most popular rifle on the market, and the military is still using the M-16 platform.

This rifle is the earliest version of the Colt AR-15s, with classic attributes like the slab side upper and lower receivers, triangular hand guard, 3-prong flash hider and the early A1 rear sight. It has the original, Colt marked magazine and the sling is a high quality reproduction of the early cotton sling that was phased out quickly in favor of a nylon sling.

The “retro style” rifles have become so popular that they are now produced again, but this is the original Colt rifle that started it all and it’s bound to be a highly sought after collectible.

Not C&R eligible.