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Old 08-31-2017, 09:11 PM
K W C K W C is offline
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I have decided to start shopping for a Colt SP1. Guess I watched too much GI joe when I was a kid.
Does anyone have any info or opinions on what to look for?
Obviously, I know to try to buy one that is all original.
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
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Old 08-31-2017, 09:31 PM
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Prepare to empty your wallet if you find one. There seems to be a resurgence in the popularity of bare-bones classic AR's.

If you want a vintage AR, its like any other collectible firearm. Get pics of any and all stampings and detailed parts on it and verify before you give your cash to the seller. Its no different than an old GI 1911 or a vintage Smith. The info is out there on the web you just may have to dig a little.

If you just want a 20" fixed carry handle AR with triangular handguards to remind you of watching Nam movies as a kid, its a lot easier and those devils in the details may not matter as much.

I only say that as a guy who grew up in the 80's watching those same movies. When I got into trying to learn the ins and outs of that periods' firearms, I learned there was more than meets the eye.
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Old 08-31-2017, 10:08 PM
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SP1 prices are up across the board with pre-1969 guns (with 3-prong flashiders) bringing a premium and the really early 1964-65 guns even moreso. If you just want one to have and shoot you're prob better off building one (which isn't necessarily cheap). Keep an eye on Gunbroker as they least have a handful of them over there.
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Old 09-01-2017, 06:55 AM
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Keep us posted on your progress. It may take awhile but if you decide to build one it seems parts are disappearing fast but you might get lucky and find some one who has a kit for sale that they picked up when they were cheap and available.
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Old 09-01-2017, 10:42 AM
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I also like the older A1 style AR's with triangle handguards. Both of mine are mutts, put together from mostly Colt parts. I got a majority of the pieces 10+ years ago. With the cost of A1 parts, either original or repro, getting so steep it might be cheaper to get a SP1 these days. Certainly it would be easier. You will be in good shape investment wise as well by getting a SP1. Either way you go, I wish you luck.


Here is a enabling pic to keep you on the path.


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Old 09-17-2017, 09:06 PM
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I was the winning bidder today on gunbroker.
1973 Colt SP1
I've been watching and bidding for a couple of weeks now and finally won one in my price range.
I will update y'all after I pick it up.
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Old 09-17-2017, 09:44 PM
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I lucked into one about 10 years ago that was born the same year as me: 1974. Not exactly a tack driver but it sure gets lots of attention whenever I take it to the club and there are vets around. When I say 'lucked', I got it in a bulk purchase and it cost me about $500!
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Old 09-17-2017, 10:30 PM
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Here is what you might be up against:

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/688497137
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Old 09-18-2017, 07:21 PM
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Linked gun is an early example, likely a 1964 considering SN. Early SP1s (1964-66) have gone crazy these past few years.
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Old 09-18-2017, 08:48 PM
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I had a 1982 model that I got as part of a trade for my '76 Camaro, never shot it, then traded it away its others for a RM. it was a nice set-up. I think the dude sold it for $1500 on GB.
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Old 09-18-2017, 08:56 PM
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They are nice guns and good shooters. The lack of a bolt assist was never a problem. My son has the one that I bought in the late 70s. Paid $355 if I recall correctly.
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Old 09-18-2017, 09:01 PM
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I don't want to pay for a vintage rifle. But Brownells is selling retro furniture sets for $80. And $250 for an A1 barrel assembly. Hmm...


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Old 09-18-2017, 10:11 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnRippert View Post
I also like the older A1 style AR's with triangle handguards. Both of mine are mutts, put together from mostly Colt parts. I got a majority of the pieces 10+ years ago. With the cost of A1 parts, either original or repro, getting so steep it might be cheaper to get a SP1 these days. Certainly it would be easier. You will be in good shape investment wise as well by getting a SP1. Either way you go, I wish you luck.


Here is a enabling pic to keep you on the path.


I have an original like your top one. Made in 1977........I recall stories of our soldiers trying to make them work(beating the stocks on the ground. trying to get them to unlock) after jamming etc in vietnam......I still shoot mine occasionally. Bullet point for elevation on the front/bullet point for windage on the rear)........But the A3's are so much improved!
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Old 09-18-2017, 10:14 PM
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Built a nice Colt/Armalite Model 01 clone last year...
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Old 09-19-2017, 12:00 AM
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There was a guy walking around the Atlanta show this past weekend with a 1971 vintage gun and was asking $3600.00 for it and he was serious! He was also trying to sell a model 59 Smith, no box and 4 mags for $699. I told him he was delusional and he just shrugged his shoulders and walked on.

Don't know that I would've paid the price for an early 1964 gun, but there aren't many of them out there and that one looked pretty nice. I've only seen a few of them. I had a chance to buy one once for $750, but that's when newer ones were selling in the $350 - $400 range. Just couldn't justify the cost. I bought my SP1 brand new in 1972 and it cost me the princely sum of $175. Shoulda bought a bunch of them!
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Old 10-01-2017, 09:48 AM
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I picked the gun up on Wednesday. Looks ok for the price I paid, not perfect,but good condition.
First thing I did was show it to my dad. He was in the army 1970-1972 and loved his m16. The only difference he noticed was the lack of full auto... lol
We took it out yesterday. I realized the improvement of the shell deflector. I am left handed. The second round found its way into my shirt collar. Got a nice burn,brand on the back of my neck.. oh well, sometimes fun comes at a price. My dad said his drill sergeant told them to button their collars during rifle training.
He told my this after the fact....
I let dad shoot a few rounds. We put the bayonet on for a few pics and had a good time. He got out his bushmaster ar with scope mounted and heavy barrel. I think he likes shooting it better.
I bought this gun more for nostalgia and collector value,but it was good to take out and shoot with dad.
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Old 10-01-2017, 10:40 AM
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I sold my 1979 Colt SP1, in unfired condition( not fired by me, the previous owner before me of 20 years, etc) I had Colt stamped bipod, scope mounts, and a Colt 3x scope, I sold it on AR-15.com to a member, Your best bet, unless you know by eye what to look for, is stay away from GB, they are trying mainly to sell to pre ban states and make bank for the year so to speak. Buy one off the AR-15.com Retro Forum guys, you will get an original gun and not get robbed, but they are not $500 mil spec AR's so you will pay more that any standard current production that isn't top shelf like LWRC, etc.
For what it sounds like ya want the 70's guns are a good era, when ya get into 60's and 604 receivers the price goes up.
Jim
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Last edited by jamestx; 10-01-2017 at 10:53 AM. Reason: Added pics
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