Colt AR-15 SP1 .223 Rem. Pre-Ban 20-Inch Rifle (1984) with Slickside Upper and A1 Sights
This Colt AR-15 SP1 is a 1984 pre-ban rifle that showcases classic A1 features and SP1 configuration details prized by enthusiasts. It features a slickside upper without forward assist or brass deflector, a 20-inch lightweight pencil barrel with A1 birdcage flash suppressor, and a slab-side lower. Forged aluminum receivers with hardcoat anodizing, phosphate-finished steel parts, and period-correct polymer furniture complete the package.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: There are signs of wear and handling, with scratches and blemishes visible.
What’s Included
- Brass deflector
- Two 30-round USGI-pattern aluminum STANAG magazines
- 5.56 stripper clip guide (USGI spoon)
The SP1 series configuration is evident throughout. The upper is the slickside pattern with no forward assist or integrated brass deflector, paired with a fixed carry handle and A1 rear sight aperture. It wears triangular A1 handguards retained by a straight slip ring and an A1 front sight base with bayonet lug. The lower is the slab-side style without a magazine-release fence, consistent with early SP1 characteristics.
Its 20-inch lightweight pencil barrel is threaded and capped with the five-slot A1 birdcage flash suppressor. Chambered in .223 Rem., the rifle uses a direct impingement operating system and is set up with standard A1 iron sights: a front sight post and a rear aperture in the carry handle.
Materials and finishes align with period-correct construction. The receivers are forged aluminum alloy with a hardcoat anodized finish, while steel components carry a phosphate finish. Polymer furniture includes a fixed stock with a 12.75-inch length of pull and an A1-style checkered pistol grip, along with triangular A1 handguards.
The rifle feeds from the STANAG detachable magazine system and has a stated capacity of 30+1. The SP-prefix serial aligns with 1984 production, placing this example firmly in the pre-ban era with features collectors and Colt AR-15 historians look for in an SP1.