Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this desirable semi-automatic rifle for a penny-start auction…this is the Colt AR-15 SP1.
Early Colt SP1 rifles are highly desirable to both collectors and investors because they represent the closest commercial counterpart to the original “slick-side” AR-15 pattern, produced during the platform’s formative years and increasingly hard to find in correct, unaltered condition. Those early traits—like the iconic 3-prong flash suppressor, no forward assist on the upper, lightweight “pencil” barrel, and early-pattern furniture (often triangular handguards)—are exactly what enthusiasts look for when they want the true vintage profile and feel. As original examples get scarcer (especially with correct parts, finish, and matching-era details), early SP1s have developed a reputation as a blue-chip piece in the retro black rifle world: historically significant, visually unmistakable, and consistently sought after when they surface on the market.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial: SP08842
Date of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: .223 Remington
Finish: Black
Barrel Length: 20" w/ 3-Pronged Flash Suppressor
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Post with Adjustable Peep Sight on Carry Handle
Stock/Grips: Polymer Buttstock, Textured Pistol Grip, Triangular Polymer Forearm, and Carry Handle
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt AR-15 SP1 is one of the most historically significant and influential civilian rifles in American firearms history, marking Colt’s first entry into the commercial AR-15 platform and laying the foundation for the modern sporting rifle market. Introduced in 1964 by Colt’s Manufacturing Company as the Sporting Plinker 1 (SP1), this semi-automatic rifle was built on the same direct-impingement, rotating-bolt design as the U.S. military’s M16 but configured for safe, reliable semi-automatic fire for civilian shooters. Chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO/.223 Remington, the SP1 features a 16-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with a 1:12-inch twist (early models), which promotes excellent accuracy with lightweight projectiles; a forged aluminum receiver set that balances strength and weight; and a mil-spec gas system that cycles the action cleanly across a range of ammunition. Its flat-top upper receiver accommodates optics via a detachable carry handle and integrated rear sight drum, while the iconic triangular handguards and fixed buttstock give the rifle a distinctive, early-era AR appearance. Internally, the SP1’s fire control group uses traditional semi-automatic-only components with Colt’s well-engineered ergonomics and controls—including an ambidextrous magazine release and an intuitive safety selector—making it approachable for both experienced and novice shooters. The rifle’s performance in reliability, accuracy, and ease of use quickly made it popular for target shooting, varmint hunting, and defensive applications, and it helped drive the widespread adoption of AR-pattern rifles in the civilian market. Over time, the SP1 evolved into numerous variants with enhancements such as upgraded barrels, improved stocks, and free-floating handguards, but the original SP1 remains revered for its role in democratizing the AR-15 platform, its mechanical excellence, and its lasting impact on American rifle design and culture.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: AR-15 SP1
Serial: SP08842
Date of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: .223 Remington
Finish: Black
Barrel Length: 20" w/ 3-Pronged Flash Suppressor
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Post with Adjustable Peep Sight on Carry Handle
Stock/Grips: Polymer Buttstock, Textured Pistol Grip, Triangular Polymer Forearm, and Carry Handle
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt AR-15 SP1 is one of the most historically significant and influential civilian rifles in American firearms history, marking Colt’s first entry into the commercial AR-15 platform and laying the foundation for the modern sporting rifle market. Introduced in 1964 by Colt’s Manufacturing Company as the Sporting Plinker 1 (SP1), this semi-automatic rifle was built on the same direct-impingement, rotating-bolt design as the U.S. military’s M16 but configured for safe, reliable semi-automatic fire for civilian shooters. Chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO/.223 Remington, the SP1 features a 16-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with a 1:12-inch twist (early models), which promotes excellent accuracy with lightweight projectiles; a forged aluminum receiver set that balances strength and weight; and a mil-spec gas system that cycles the action cleanly across a range of ammunition. Its flat-top upper receiver accommodates optics via a detachable carry handle and integrated rear sight drum, while the iconic triangular handguards and fixed buttstock give the rifle a distinctive, early-era AR appearance. Internally, the SP1’s fire control group uses traditional semi-automatic-only components with Colt’s well-engineered ergonomics and controls—including an ambidextrous magazine release and an intuitive safety selector—making it approachable for both experienced and novice shooters. The rifle’s performance in reliability, accuracy, and ease of use quickly made it popular for target shooting, varmint hunting, and defensive applications, and it helped drive the widespread adoption of AR-pattern rifles in the civilian market. Over time, the SP1 evolved into numerous variants with enhancements such as upgraded barrels, improved stocks, and free-floating handguards, but the original SP1 remains revered for its role in democratizing the AR-15 platform, its mechanical excellence, and its lasting impact on American rifle design and culture.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1154523742 |
BidPrice: |
52 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-15 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
3825 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-02-15 17:43:39 |
