Make: Colt

Model: AR-15 SP1

Serial Number: SP198417

Year of Manufacture: October 1983 / ATF Classification: Modern

Caliber/Gauge: .223 Remington

Action Type: Semi automatic, direct impingement

Barrel Length: 20" Pencil Profile

Sights/Optics: The front sight is an A1 front sight post. The rear sight is a dual aperture integral to the A1 fixed carry handle upper receiver. There is a Federal Ordnance Inc. optic mount mounted to the carry handle.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture consists of an A1 pistol grip, A1 fixed stock with internal storage compartment, A1 two-piece triangular handguard with internal heat shield, and a flat slip ring. The LOP measures about 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The furniture shows light wear with a few surface scratches and light handling wear. This furniture rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Matte Black

Finish Originality: Original (all original parts)

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with faint fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The re are scattered minor nicks, scuffs and thin scratches, mostly not through the finish. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads and pins are only faintly tooled and functional. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Sling and scope mount.

Our Assessment: This is a high condition late production SP1 that retains approximately 96% of its original metal finish. All components are original Colt parts, preserving the rifle's factory configuration and strong collector appeal. The rifle presents the clean, lightweight lines that define the SP1 series, including the large-pin lower with no cage around the magazine catch, A1 style slickside upper receiver, slim barrel profile, fixed carry handle sights, and original furniture that give the rifle its unmistakable early civilian AR appearance.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10 with sharp rifling and bright surfaces, indicating little use. The action functions correctly with smooth cycling and positive lockup, reflecting Colt's high manufacturing standards during this period. Balance and handling are exactly what made the SP1 popular, with the 20" barrel providing a steady sight picture and mild recoil impulse.

Historically, the SP1 occupies an important place in Colt's civilian AR lineage as one of the earliest commercially successful semi automatic AR-15 rifles. A 1983 production example represents the mature phase of SP1 manufacture before Colt transitioned to later Sporter variants. High condition rifles that remain fully original, such as this one, are increasingly difficult to find and are highly sought after by collectors who value originality and period correct configuration.