Colt AR-15 SP1 Carbine .223 Rem, 16 in, 1980 Pre-Ban, A1 Sights, Chrome-Lined Pencil Barrel, 2-Position Aluminum Stock
Manufactured in 1980, this Colt AR-15 SP1 Carbine is a pre-ban example with classic SP1 features: a forged slab-side lower, a slick-side upper with integral carry handle, and a chrome-lined 16 in pencil barrel marked "C MP CHROME BORE." It wears the period-correct hard-anodized gray finish and includes the lightweight two-position aluminum telescoping stock. The SP-prefix serial confirms its commercial SP1 lineage.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The two-position aluminum buttstock shows a painted-over finish. Scattered scratching and blemishing are present on exterior surfaces consistent with prior handling and use.
What’s Included
- Colt AR-15 SP1 Carbine chambered in .223 Rem
- 1x 20-round straight-body detachable box magazine (USGI-style), as pictured
This SP1 carbine retains its period-correct configuration. The lower is the SP1 slab-side pattern without a magazine-release fence, paired with a large-diameter screw-type front pivot. The upper is the slick-side style with integral carry handle, no forward assist, and no case deflector. An ejection-port cover is present, and a straight slip-ring secures the carbine-length handguards. Both receivers are forged and finished in hard-anodized gray.
The 16 in pencil-profile barrel is chrome-lined and factory marked "C MP CHROME BORE." It is threaded and fitted with the A1 birdcage flash hider with symmetrical slots. Operation is semi-automatic via direct impingement, and a manual safety is provided.
Furniture is correct for the era: carbine-length ribbed two-piece polymer handguards, an A1-style checkered polymer pistol grip, and a two-position aluminum telescoping stock with underside latch and round buttplate. The measured length of pull ranges from 9.75-13 in.
Sighting is via A1-pattern iron sights, with an A1 front sight post in a triangular base and a rear sight adjustable for windage. The rifle uses the STANAG-pattern detachable magazine interface and has a capacity of 20+1. Documented 1980 production places it firmly in the pre-1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban period. Made in the United States.