Colt AR-15 SP1 Carbine 5.56 NATO Pre-Ban, 16 Inch Pencil Barrel, Slick-Side Upper, A1 Sights, Gray Anodized (1982-1983)
This early-1980s Colt AR-15 Model SP1 Carbine is a pre-ban, collectible example with classic slab-side and slick-side features. It carries a 16 inch lightweight pencil barrel with an A1 birdcage flash hider, A1 iron sights, and a gray anodized forged receiver set. The receiver is marked "CAL .223" while the rifle is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO. It includes a straight-body 20-round magazine and a black web two-point sling.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are scratches and small blemishes present in the finish. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- 1x 20-round straight-body aluminum USGI-pattern AR-15 magazine
- Black web two-point sling
- Viking rubber buttpad installed on the carbine stock
Built in 1982-1983 in the USA, this SP1 Carbine is pre-ban, produced prior to the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban. It retains the hallmark early features collectors look for, including the slab-side lower receiver without a magazine fence and the slick-side upper without a forward assist or case deflector.
The forged aluminum receiver set wears the original-style gray anodized finish. The upper incorporates an integral carry handle with an A1 windage drum and an ejection port cover. It also uses Colt's large screw-type front pivot pin, an identifiable early Colt trait.
The 16 inch steel barrel is a lightweight pencil profile with a pinned front sight base, A1 birdcage flash hider, and standard threading. The front sight is a fixed post in a triangular base with a round sling swivel, matched to the A1 rear aperture in the carry handle. A straight slip ring secures the round, carbine-length polymer handguards.
Furniture is period-correct, with a two-position telescoping polymer stock fitted with a Viking rubber buttpad, plus an A1-pattern checkered pistol grip. The rifle operates on a semi-automatic, direct impingement system with a manual safety selector and uses the STANAG magazine interface. The receiver is marked "CAL .223," while the chamber is 5.56mm NATO, and capacity is 20+1 with the included magazine.