SP1 question

Ben Mock

I bought a 'vintage Colt SP1' with SP1019XX serial number and it has a bolt that has notches for the forward assist. I believe that I may have bought a 'frankencolt' and paid vintage prices. Any info would be greatly appreciated

DRP-AZ

many many of them were built with notched carriers. The notched carriers were standard on military 16s of the time, but the civilian "sporting rifle" section was still awash in uppers without forward assists.

Ben Mock

I checked with a local gun dealer and he said he thought it was original. I am going to put it up for the auction soon and see what the market will bear.
Thanks for your help.
Ben

n/a

The Air Force M16's did not have FBA, and their carriers had the notches.

It should have a "C" stamped on it IIRC.

USN_Airdale

I have 4 (FOUR) SP-1's that are factory original. all bolts have forward-assist notches on them.

Ben Mock

Do the original carriers have the auto style, or are they machined down like the new style carriers? I am trying to verify that the machine is original and without a serialized bolt it seems nearly impossible

nmyers

AR-15 carriers are shaped differently than M16 carriers; there have been several variations of each.

Colt bolts can be used in either rifle. All, however, are marked.

I would not worry about the originality of parts. As a seller, your responsibility is to post detailed photos of the rifle & all parts. Most major components have identifying markings; be sure that they show in your photos. A potential buyer who is looking for an "all original" rifle will know what markings the rifle should have, & will ask for additional photos if you miss anything.

Neal

JudgeColt

I have a 1964 three-digit Colt AR-15 SP1 with a smooth bolt carrier without the forward assist notches. The very early AR-15 rifles have many other variations from later production as well.