Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ULTRA DESIRABLE semi-automatic rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt AR-15 SP1 (R6000)!
The SP1 had a production run from 1963 to 1984. The Pre-Ban serial range in that production run is considered SP360200 or lower. This example holds serial number SP18216, making it a SOUGHT-AFTER PRE-BAN EXAMPLE!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: SP1 (R6000)
Serial: SP18216
Date of Manufacture: 1976-1984
Caliber: .223 Rem.
Finish: Black Parkerized
Barrel Length: 20" with 1:12 Twist and Flash Hider
Optics/Sights: A1 Post Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear in the Carry Handle
Stock/Grips: Black Synthetic Triangular Shaped Buttstock and Forearm with A1 Pistol Grip
Action: Semi-Automatic Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt SP1 (R6000) in .223 Rem. is the archetypal early civilian AR-15 — a precise, lightweight semi-automatic that carries the look and handling of the Vietnam-era service rifle while retaining Colt’s period factory fit and finish. Built 1963–1984, the SP1 examples in the serial block you referenced (approximately SP0001–SP16000 through 1976) reflect the original Colt tactical configuration: a 20? barrel with a 1:12? twist, A1-style sights, triangular handguards, no case deflector, and no forward-bolt assist. Those early design choices give the rifle a cleaner, more “slab-sided” M16/M16A1 appearance and a distinct manual of arms that many collectors and shooters prize — the long sight radius and 20? barrel help the cartridge realize good velocity and predictable point-of-impact with match or service ball ammunition, while the rifle’s roughly 6 3/4 lb weight provides a stable, controllable shooting platform. Typical factory finishes for this period were military-style parkerizing and, less commonly, electroless nickel; both are period-correct and influence both corrosion resistance and appearance when assessing condition. Functionally, the SP1 is celebrated for its simplicity, parts commonality, and straightforward accuracy potential. The direct-impingement gas system paired with Colt’s forged receivers and original-spec barrel geometry produces reliable cycling when the gas system is clean and correct headspace and gas key staking are maintained; the 1:12? twist favors lighter .223/55–62 gr bullets typical of the era but will stabilize many modern loads as well. For collectors and historians, early SP1s are especially desirable because they reflect the formative years of the civilian AR market — examples in the low serial ranges, with original triangular handguards, A1 components, and untouched parkerizing or nickel finish command premiums. Practical ownership notes: verify bolt and carrier fit, gas key staking, and the barrel/bolt headspace; check for correct furniture and sight geometry if historical authenticity matters; and be aware of local and federal transfer rules (the commonly cited “pre-ban” cutoff for many Colt SP series is SP360,200 and lower) when buying or selling. In short, the SP1 (R6000) in this original configuration balances period authenticity, practical accuracy, and upgradeability — a cornerstone rifle for collectors, historians, and shooters who want an honest, early AR-pattern example.
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: SP1 (R6000)
Serial: SP18216
Date of Manufacture: 1976-1984
Caliber: .223 Rem.
Finish: Black Parkerized
Barrel Length: 20" with 1:12 Twist and Flash Hider
Optics/Sights: A1 Post Front with Adjustable Aperture Rear in the Carry Handle
Stock/Grips: Black Synthetic Triangular Shaped Buttstock and Forearm with A1 Pistol Grip
Action: Semi-Automatic Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt SP1 (R6000) in .223 Rem. is the archetypal early civilian AR-15 — a precise, lightweight semi-automatic that carries the look and handling of the Vietnam-era service rifle while retaining Colt’s period factory fit and finish. Built 1963–1984, the SP1 examples in the serial block you referenced (approximately SP0001–SP16000 through 1976) reflect the original Colt tactical configuration: a 20? barrel with a 1:12? twist, A1-style sights, triangular handguards, no case deflector, and no forward-bolt assist. Those early design choices give the rifle a cleaner, more “slab-sided” M16/M16A1 appearance and a distinct manual of arms that many collectors and shooters prize — the long sight radius and 20? barrel help the cartridge realize good velocity and predictable point-of-impact with match or service ball ammunition, while the rifle’s roughly 6 3/4 lb weight provides a stable, controllable shooting platform. Typical factory finishes for this period were military-style parkerizing and, less commonly, electroless nickel; both are period-correct and influence both corrosion resistance and appearance when assessing condition. Functionally, the SP1 is celebrated for its simplicity, parts commonality, and straightforward accuracy potential. The direct-impingement gas system paired with Colt’s forged receivers and original-spec barrel geometry produces reliable cycling when the gas system is clean and correct headspace and gas key staking are maintained; the 1:12? twist favors lighter .223/55–62 gr bullets typical of the era but will stabilize many modern loads as well. For collectors and historians, early SP1s are especially desirable because they reflect the formative years of the civilian AR market — examples in the low serial ranges, with original triangular handguards, A1 components, and untouched parkerizing or nickel finish command premiums. Practical ownership notes: verify bolt and carrier fit, gas key staking, and the barrel/bolt headspace; check for correct furniture and sight geometry if historical authenticity matters; and be aware of local and federal transfer rules (the commonly cited “pre-ban” cutoff for many Colt SP series is SP360,200 and lower) when buying or selling. In short, the SP1 (R6000) in this original configuration balances period authenticity, practical accuracy, and upgradeability — a cornerstone rifle for collectors, historians, and shooters who want an honest, early AR-pattern example.
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
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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.
