View Full Version : How did I end up with this?..
Went to a small show tis morning thinking of looking for Mosins and other comblock stuff. I did buy a Russian SKS gas tube with hand guard. Ended up with this... a Colt AR-15 SP1
Any info? Sure wasn't looking to buy an AR. :naughty:
I'm guessing an early 80's rifle? Bayo is marked IMPERIAL and U.S. M7. Is the scope a Chinese cop? Can't find much info on it, no country of origin marked anywhere.
I did want a retro AR for a while, but it wasn't a priority. I guess I got it taken care of. :cool1: Usually the asking prices locally start at 1,500 and the guns don't last long. Got all of the stuff for under 11 hundred.
Here are the pics:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/uzvslbu/SP1/SP1014.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/uzvslbu/SP1/SP1019.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/uzvslbu/SP1/SP1016.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/uzvslbu/SP1/SP1017.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/uzvslbu/SP1/001.jpg
gpwasr10
02-06-2011, 03:08 PM
You ended up with it because you are a man if impeccable taste, sir.
Honestly, that is fucking rad. Had I seen it, it would be in my safe, I have always wanted a truly Old School AR. How much?
Sidartha
02-06-2011, 03:08 PM
I have nothing useful to add here except,
Nice buy.
Good picks.
Get rid of the 30 rounders, old style looks better with 20's.:mgwhore:
FunkyPertwee
02-06-2011, 03:10 PM
That is one sweet gun.
During the ban, I would cringe when people would buy these just to make an M4gery with the pre-ban lower.
TEN-32
02-06-2011, 03:12 PM
Sweet score, Vit! Very nice.:clap::clap::clap:
L1A1Rocker
02-06-2011, 03:24 PM
Good score.
aliceinchains
02-06-2011, 03:26 PM
I like it that brings back memories.
This thing is light - very surprising.
ltorlo64
02-06-2011, 03:46 PM
I prefer old school myself. That is a great looking rifle.
O.S.O.K.
02-06-2011, 03:59 PM
Wow, nice. I like the retro AR's.
CJA scope.... did a search and found one that was listed on arcome for $30, so probably a chicom copy... I have a leapers version and it works...
alismith
02-06-2011, 04:41 PM
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
FunkyPertwee
02-06-2011, 04:55 PM
This thing is light - very surprising.
Its from back when an M-16 was meant to be an assault rifle and not a precision small caliber battle rifle.
Its from back when an M-16 was meant to be an assault rifle and not a precision small caliber battle rifle.
You are correct. I'm getting more stoked over my latest purchase the more I look at it.
Just realized something... this is my first rifle size AR, always been carbines.
Great score. Think the scope is a copy though. My scope says Colt 3x on it
Penguin
02-06-2011, 11:42 PM
Looks nice. It has often seemed to me that the older AR's are lighter than the ones I see now days. I don't know if that is my imagination or not but, they seem lighter.
btcave
02-06-2011, 11:47 PM
Looks nice. It has often seemed to me that the older AR's are lighter than the ones I see now days. I don't know if that is my imagination or not but, they seem lighter.
They are lighter. You can custom build lighter, or get one like Vit's. The modern A2 barrels are heavier and bulkier than the pencil (lighter) barrels of the '60's and '70's. Not to mention the HBAR's.
FunkyPertwee
02-06-2011, 11:47 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the three prong flash hider is what was used on the M16 variation of this rifle. From what I recall, the birdcage was added at the same time as the teardrop forward assist.
l921428x
02-06-2011, 11:51 PM
That is the AK of ARs, damn good looking rifle. Be proud.
coyote3
02-07-2011, 12:34 AM
Very nice find! According to Colt's serial number list, your rifle was manufactured in 1972.
Enjoy!
Just checked, same year as mine!
tank_monkey
02-07-2011, 03:32 AM
Very nice find! According to Colt's serial number list, your rifle was manufactured in 1972.
Enjoy!
Just checked, same year as mine!
Weird, because it shows the grey finish upgrade of the 1978 change when Colt updated the SP1. But then it could be my monitor, the earlier SP1s were greenish grey, whereas the later SP1s were grey. GREAT GUN! It's in immaculate condition. You made out like a bandit. If that WERE an original ART scope, then you REALLY MADE out. Even if it is one of the Chinese $39.00 copies (in 1980s dollars), those actually have their own collector value since it's been 20 some odd years since they've been made and their value has gone way up. Either way the scope adds even MORE value to your rifle.
Schuetzenman
02-07-2011, 07:16 AM
You are correct. I'm getting more stoked over my latest purchase the more I look at it.
Just realized something... this is my first rifle size AR, always been carbines.
With that light original pattern barrel I bet it weighs less than your beans.
Very nice find! According to Colt's serial number list, your rifle was manufactured in 1972.
Enjoy!
Just checked, same year as mine!
I first laid hands and eyes in person on an SP-1 in 1972. I got to fire 10 rounds out of it and thought it was da-bomb. I was thinking that Vit's looked exactly like that one, your serial number look up just validated my impression. Took me until 1994 to actually get around to buying an AR15.
Full Otto
02-07-2011, 09:58 AM
Had to sell mine but I really like that old school look.
I'm guessing CJA is the importer of the scope which is probably Chinese. I have a knock off on my other AR but it works fine.
It looks like it has the 100yd - 500 yd. click adjustment like the Colts. If so it may already be set at the 100 yd start so it may be shooting high at targets under that range. Aim lower and adjust yourself rather than starting to tweak the scope.
Very nice find! According to Colt's serial number list, your rifle was manufactured in 1972.
Enjoy!
Just checked, same year as mine!
Mine is 6 digit serial number, 5 digit were used in 70's.
coyote3
02-07-2011, 02:12 PM
Mine is 6 digit serial number, 5 digit were used in 70's.
You guys are right. Probably made in the early '80s. I'll have to do some more research.
Bluedog
02-07-2011, 07:59 PM
Nice SP1. I have an XM16e1 built on a Nodak repro semi-auto lower. SP1s are a hodgepodge of military models. The slabside lower is similar to the original 601, but with the large hole screw-type retainer. Same goes for the square forged slabside upper. all other parts would be proper for a late model 603/ 604 model.
FunkyPertwee
02-07-2011, 08:09 PM
Weren't their versions of this with the teardrop forward assist? I always liked the A1 look a lot.
Bluedog
02-07-2011, 08:37 PM
Here are my Stoner Flintlocks.
http://www.gunsnet.net/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCF1886.jpg
The 653 is finished in A2 black and is built on a Martin Marietta upper from the mid 70s. Even with the surefire mounted, it is the lightest AR I have ever hefted. It is 6.2 pounds with the Surefire and a 20 round mag. It is under 6 pounds empty.
The XM16e1 (603) is waiting on a chrome Bolt carrier group, a proper ejection port door, and will be done.
Bluedog
02-07-2011, 08:40 PM
Weren't their versions of this with the teardrop forward assist? I always liked the A1 look a lot.
No. SP1s were a civilian specific varient, closest in form to the 601/ 602, and predated the M16a1. THE SP1 also used a larger diameter captured screw style front pivot pin.
Bluedog
02-07-2011, 09:00 PM
Vit's rifle was built in 1983 or 84.
Vit's rifle was built in 1983 or 84.
Doesn't sound like that long ago. Or does it?
Bluedog
02-07-2011, 10:25 PM
Doesn't sound like that long ago. Or does it?
85 was the last year for that type. I was a kid, spending my paper route money on SOF and SWAT mags. I remember the hype over the M16a2 and was totally bummed when colt stuck an a2 barrel assembly, pistol grip and stock on the SP1 receiver, and called it an "AR15a2 Sporter". Bummed, as if I could have afforded it anyway.
That is a couple cool retro "stoners".
BTW retro is the new cool ;)
Here are my Stoner Flintlocks.
http://www.gunsnet.net/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCF1886.jpg
The 653 is finished in A2 black and is built on a Martin Marietta upper from the mid 70s. Even with the surefire mounted, it is the lightest AR I have ever hefted. It is 6.2 pounds with the Surefire and a 20 round mag. It is under 6 pounds empty.
The XM16e1 (603) is waiting on a chrome Bolt carrier group, a proper ejection port door, and will be done.
Got a Ciener convesion on the way, got a good deal on a slightly used one. Should work well with that 1/12 twist :D
rahatlakhoom
02-24-2011, 08:18 PM
My God vit, I hate AR's, but I lust over that thing.
coyote3
02-24-2011, 10:19 PM
My God vit, I hate AR's, but I lust over that thing.
Not as random or as clumsy as an AK, but an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. :)
skatedcshoes
03-06-2011, 10:19 PM
Very nice buy.
Dr. Gonzo GED
03-06-2011, 10:29 PM
Having been more or less raised and educated by 1980's action films, I can honestly say that is one of the tastiest Ar's I've seen in a bit!
I'd say something about serendipity, but that just sounds out of place in a sentence involving a vintage rifle with badass character.
skatedcshoes
03-07-2011, 03:12 AM
[QUOTE=Bluedog;97092]Here are my Stoner Flintlocks.
http://www.gunsnet.net/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCF1886.jpg
Looks good with the surefire light and "rail cover"?
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