COLT SP-1 DATE OF MANUFACTURE

JGW64

WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT A COLT SP-1 SER#1129XX WHEN WAS THIS MADE AND ABOUT HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH THE RIFLE IS CLEAN ABOUT 85 TO 90 % IS THIS RIFLE LIKE THE M16 THANKS FOR ANY INFO
SORRY FOR THE CAPS FORGOT THEY WERE ON

JudgeColt

I am not sure how Dr. Pig arrived at his date estimates, but my charts end in 1978 at number 83400, and JGE64's rifle is about 29500 newer at about 112900, so I would guess it is into the early 1980s. Dr. Pig's number is apparently about 152900, so I would guess it is well into the 1980s, and not 1979.

nmyers

I think that Mr Pig is correct. I own SP189873, which I bought new in May 1983.

Neal

Wease01

JGW64 only got part of his query answered and it still isn't very definitive at that. If I can try to narrow the date of manufacture down somewhat, I own a 5-digit SP1 s/n SP523xx that I bought new in 75. As for value, I just observed SP1's in about 85% condition going for as much as $1600. at the show in Syracuse, N.Y. yesterday. Don't know if any were sold at that price though.

Grumpy27@epix.net

JudgeColt

Dr. Pig, have you been time-traveling again?

Other than time travel, I have three possible explanations for your rifle, all of which may be wrong.

First, and I do not mean to insult your intelligence because I think you posted on the issue when it came up recently, is that you are taking the SP1 model and adding the "1" of the SP1 to the front of the serial number, which I think you and I agreed was happening on a previous post (which I cannot find now) where a guy was looking for the age of his rifle. I assume this is not a posibility.

Second, the 1978 and 1979 production combined was REALLY big, since the charts show 1978 procution beginning at SP83400. Looking at the progression of serial numbers on the charts, it appears production was increasing each year, and I do seem to recall that AR-15s kind of took off in the late 1970s, what with the introduction of the Carbine and the like, and the popularity of auto sears, etc.. That may well be the explanation, one that I missed in my initial post.

Third, the charts are wrong.

Why not get a factory letter and verify?

JudgeColt

This is interesting. I have checked my records, and here are several new Colt AR-15 rifles that were booked into my bound book on the dates given: SP1015XX on June 29, 1979 (a Carbine that cost $319.95), SP1057XX on September 4, 1979 (a Carbine that cost $329.70), SP1241XX on 7-17-80 (a Carbine that cost $396.40), SP1492XX on August 13, 1981 (a Carbine that cost $414.67), SP1569XX on September 24, 1981 (a regular rifle that cost $377.09), SP1514XX on October 16, 1981 (as regular rifle that cost $370.57), SP1561XX on Nobember 16, 1981 (a regular rifle that cost $377.09). These were all new rifles that were shipped directly from major distriburors. Note that only two are out of sequence, and not by much. They came from different distributors, which probably accounts for the variation. As I recall, Carbines, and maybe all AR-15 rifles, were in high demand and short supply at the time, so it is unlikely any sat on distributor shelves. I think they generally shipped immediately to fill back orders.

Note also the price variations from different distributors. Wouldn't it be nice to buy them for that now? However, at the time, these prices were considered expensive.

Curious.

JGW64

Thanks for all the reply i was given a number to call Colt for build date but i havnt called yet they might not give that info over phone and might have to send a letter but thanks again for the info
Colt 800-962-2658 we shall see

Edited by - JGW64 on 04/23/2002 00:19:55