Manufactured around 1963-1964, this AR-15 SP-1 is a top notch exemplar of the very beginning of the commercial Colt AR production. A direct descendant of the Armalite AR-10 rifle, the AR-15 has become the de-facto standard for American gas-operated rifles, spawning a seemingly endless series of clones, derivatives, and variants, taking on forms and calibers about as wild as the imagination and leaving a long and indelible mark on military, law enforcement and civilian arms history. The AR and its descendants have gone virtually everywhere, and even in the 21st century it is still the yardstick by which any new rifle is measured. Overall, the features are correct for the early AR-15, with a 3-prong flash hider and a bayonet lug on the barrel, an elevation adjustable post front sight on the gas port assembly and a 2-leaf windage adjustable rear sight. The AR-15 nomenclature and Rampant Colt logo are present on the slab-sided lower receiver, and the upper receiver and bolt carrier properly lack provision for a casing deflector or forward assist. Fitted with a vented triangular handguard, checkered pistol grip, black canvas sling and a fixed buttstock with a solid rubber buttplate. Included with the rifle is an extra Colt AR-15 marked magazine and a large thickly padded cardboard shipping box.

Excellent, with 98% plus matte black finish, showing some light handling marks on both the metal and plastic. Mechanically excellent. One of the finest early production AR-15 Rifles available on the market, and a potential boon to any advanced collection of Colt products or American rifles.