This is by far the Best SP1 AR-15 history lesson. Very concise and accurate. I own my now late brothers' SP1 carbine made in 1980. It has only had 20 rounds through it. We had both collected firearms since 1978. I really never appreciated these colt rifles and carbines until I finally inspected this carbine. I will always keep it in the family. Thank you for this posting. It is very educational. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for this video and well done as normal. I got my first SP1 in 1975, I just got out of the Air Force where I had learned to love this weapon system, I have had AR's since that day.
Have to disagree regarding the popularity of military style guns back in 63. People were going nuts for the M-1 carbine then. DCM was selling them for $20 each, mail order gun companies were offering them (along with 6.5 Carcanos), and Sears Roebuck had them in their catalogs as well as M-1 Garands. Dad was a Sears employee in 63 and got one of each. I also recall seeing the first gun magazine articles back then about the new AR-15 and how the police were interested in it.
The Colt SP1 is probably my favorite semi-auto I have ever shot, have yet to shoot a newer one I actually liked better, I've had bad luck with over-gassed ARs though.
Just realise that an SP1 really isn't a semi-auto version of an M16A1. The upper and lower receivers are quite different. So for an A1, there are better options (cheaper too). An SP1 is well...an SP1. Its kind of its own thing, though as I say in this video, early SP1s are quite close to early XM16 (602 or early 604) types.
Thanks very much for watching. Agreed, love any old / authentic Colt myself. In fact, we have a pretty rare/unique one we'll be showing you quite soon.
I had one...or rather my father did then. It was always interesting and super-cool to me as a kid. He usually kept it loaded as a home and ranch defense gun too, so it was no safe queen by any means.
That is the best video that I have ever seen on the Colt SP1. Lots of gun people spew misinformation because they are not truly in the know. Thanks Mishaco. I am looking to buy a 1964 four digit SN Sp1, is it worth $5k today?
I paid $2300+ for a 99% SP1 made in 75, has less than 50 rounds down the pipe, it's shows no sign of use, I don't regret it. Try finding a 100% original SP1 in near mint condition, it's not that easy. Regarding the 64, $5k is alot of glue but, that's where I think the market is headed, there and beyond, Colt in an icon.
I'm just about to acquire a sp1 to go with my m16a1. Question about the 601 pin ? Do I just need to order a repo 601 pin from brownells for the sp1 or is there modification needed ? Cheers
I'm just trying to find out more about the Colt SP-1. I've had one for about 15 years that I have never fired. According to the serial number, it must have been manufactured about 1978 or 1979. I enjoyed the informative video, and I subscribed. Thanks!
Mishap I need your expertise. I’m looking at a couple different sp1s. Both are made in the early to pushing mid 80s. Why do the serial numbers not register, and they just and idea? Is that normal?
my grand father has always said that the Colt Sp1 had a different name when Colt first started making them for civilian sales. His recollection was that the name the very few first samples had marked on them ended up copping another manufactures firearm's name and then changed it to the SP1. can anybody verify or dismiss this.
The furniture was always black....well very very early 601s had kind of brown furniture. However, again very early ones sometimes had green paint applied at the factory. This did not last long at all, and i am speaking about the 601. I haven't heard of an SP1 coming from the factory with green furniture, but with Colt? never say never.
I wonder if there are any of those very early AR-15 with the pistol grip sling swivel on the market. I've seen some pictures of them but they were on display.
Not sure, I know the swivel itself was dropped very early though the hole for it remained in the grip until the switch to a2. I am sure you could fabricate a swivel to fit in an A1 grip. Thank you for watching, cheers.
I'm wanting to do a DIY project on my A2 pistol grip to add that sling swivel. Also I noticed that your SP1 didn't come with the 3x20 carry handle scope, didn't all the SP1s Colt sold come with those, or was it only certain ones or like a limited time sort of thing?
I have one. I believe it to be a 1967, maybe earlier. Maybe you could shed some light on it, serial number is 98xx. Like you, my father has had this since I was a kid. But instead of under the bed, it sat in the corner of my room and it was the first military style rifle I ever shot. Its near and dear to my heart and I always equated it to a "rambo" gun too LOL! I would bet its seen less that 300 rounds through it and is in great shape. I dont have it in front of me and cant check any of the features right now but many you talk about in the video seem familiar. Im more of an AK guy but this gun has peaked my interest in ar's as of recent. Is there any certain bayo type and other accessories I should look for to complete a nice package for it? Cant wait to get it out to see if I have the double headed screw instead of the pin. For the life of me I cant remember. Thanks for the great videos, you have inspired me to do a few videos of my own.
@@andreabortolin5402 you are incorrect i confirmed with colt even if lower is marked.223 as long as the barrell reads CMP CHROME BORE it will shoot 556 keep in mind its still optimized for 55 grain projectiles with 20" and the twist rate
This is by far the Best SP1 AR-15 history lesson. Very concise and accurate. I own my now late brothers' SP1 carbine made in 1980. It has only had 20 rounds through it. We had both collected firearms since 1978. I really never appreciated these colt rifles and carbines until I finally inspected this carbine.
I will always keep it in the family.
Thank you for this posting. It is very educational. Keep up the great work.
I just picked up a 1975 SP1. They are the best looking AR-15's in my opinion.
I could listen to you ALLDAY LONG!!!KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
Thanks for this video and well done as normal. I got my first SP1 in 1975, I just got out of the Air Force where I had learned to love this weapon system, I have had AR's since that day.
Thank you for watching, cheers.
The man, the myth the legend! Thank you!
My Colt SP-1 was manufactured in 1967. I love the weapon.
Have to disagree regarding the popularity of military style guns back in 63. People were going nuts for the M-1 carbine then. DCM was selling them for $20 each, mail order gun companies were offering them (along with 6.5 Carcanos), and Sears Roebuck had them in their catalogs as well as M-1 Garands. Dad was a Sears employee in 63 and got one of each. I also recall seeing the first gun magazine articles back then about the new AR-15 and how the police were interested in it.
I have a 1972 SP1 and it is so cool
You do a very nice job with your research. Thank you.
The Colt SP1 is probably my favorite semi-auto I have ever shot, have yet to shoot a newer one I actually liked better, I've had bad luck with over-gassed ARs though.
Easy fix
Just use a stronger buffer spring
I just love the look of these early guns
Me too, thanks for watching.
This is a really helpful video as I am building an A1 clone and will end up buying an SP1 eventually. Thanks for the videos! I'm a huge fan!
Just realise that an SP1 really isn't a semi-auto version of an M16A1. The upper and lower receivers are quite different. So for an A1, there are better options (cheaper too). An SP1 is well...an SP1. Its kind of its own thing, though as I say in this video, early SP1s are quite close to early XM16 (602 or early 604) types.
Damn !!! 1965!!!! You are so lucky... mine is from 1975. Another excellent video!! Thanks again
Thank you for watching, cheers.
Rambo got me hooked on the a1 as well. My favorite rifle of all time.
Very good explanation of the SP-01's history. Thanks!
Whoops SP-1
Thanks for watching
Great video! Where can I get a 601 style pin?
Another great video as expected. Love my sp1!
Thanks very much for watching. Agreed, love any old / authentic Colt myself. In fact, we have a pretty rare/unique one we'll be showing you quite soon.
I wanted one when I used to watch SWAT on TV back in the 1970s.
I had one...or rather my father did then. It was always interesting and super-cool to me as a kid. He usually kept it loaded as a home and ranch defense gun too, so it was no safe queen by any means.
Your videos are alway very informative. Thanks for another great video!
thanks for watching, cheers.
My favourite AR15
It is very nice.
Its a British thing..and my TTS is from the UK. So sometimes it slips in.
That is the best video that I have ever seen on the Colt SP1. Lots of gun people spew misinformation because they are not truly in the know. Thanks Mishaco. I am looking to buy a 1964 four digit SN Sp1, is it worth $5k today?
I paid $2300+ for a 99% SP1 made in 75, has less than 50 rounds down the pipe, it's shows no sign of use, I don't regret it. Try finding a 100% original SP1 in near mint condition, it's not that easy. Regarding the 64, $5k is alot of glue but, that's where I think the market is headed, there and beyond, Colt in an icon.
I'm just about to acquire a sp1 to go with my m16a1. Question about the 601 pin ? Do I just need to order a repo 601 pin from brownells for the sp1 or is there modification needed ? Cheers
When are you going to set up a Patreon account Misha?
I'm just trying to find out more about the Colt SP-1. I've had one for about 15 years that I have never fired. According to the serial number, it must have been manufactured about 1978 or 1979. I enjoyed the informative video, and I subscribed. Thanks!
Thanks for watching & subbing. The SP1 has a lot of history in its own right.
Bruce Thompson - where were you able to look up the serial number? The sites i found with Google were not all-inclusive.
Thank you for sharing, Misha
Thank you for watching, cheers.
Love the original model
Mishap I need your expertise. I’m looking at a couple different sp1s. Both are made in the early to pushing mid 80s. Why do the serial numbers not register, and they just and idea? Is that normal?
Is it true that early SP1s can only shoot .223 and then in the 1970s the barrels changed so that you can shoot 5.56 through it
Just pick 1 up at the gun show for $1900 unfired
my grand father has always said that the Colt Sp1 had a different name when Colt first started making them for civilian sales. His recollection was that the name the very few first samples had marked on them ended up copping another manufactures firearm's name and then changed it to the SP1. can anybody verify or dismiss this.
That was said to be the _Colt Comanche_ FWIH.
my neighbor down the street had one with GREEN FURNITURE! yep. His dad bought it right before the Detroit Riot.
The furniture was always black....well very very early 601s had kind of brown furniture. However, again very early ones sometimes had green paint applied at the factory. This did not last long at all, and i am speaking about the 601. I haven't heard of an SP1 coming from the factory with green furniture, but with Colt? never say never.
I wonder if there are any of those very early AR-15 with the pistol grip sling swivel on the market. I've seen some pictures of them but they were on display.
Not sure, I know the swivel itself was dropped very early though the hole for it remained in the grip until the switch to a2. I am sure you could fabricate a swivel to fit in an A1 grip. Thank you for watching, cheers.
I'm wanting to do a DIY project on my A2 pistol grip to add that sling swivel. Also I noticed that your SP1 didn't come with the 3x20 carry handle scope, didn't all the SP1s Colt sold come with those, or was it only certain ones or like a limited time sort of thing?
I have one. I believe it to be a 1967, maybe earlier. Maybe you could shed some light on it, serial number is 98xx. Like you, my father has had this since I was a kid. But instead of under the bed, it sat in the corner of my room and it was the first military style rifle I ever shot. Its near and dear to my heart and I always equated it to a "rambo" gun too LOL! I would bet its seen less that 300 rounds through it and is in great shape. I dont have it in front of me and cant check any of the features right now but many you talk about in the video seem familiar. Im more of an AK guy but this gun has peaked my interest in ar's as of recent. Is there any certain bayo type and other accessories I should look for to complete a nice package for it? Cant wait to get it out to see if I have the double headed screw instead of the pin. For the life of me I cant remember. Thanks for the great videos, you have inspired me to do a few videos of my own.
You do. And an M6 bayo is what you need
A Classic!
For sure, thank you for watching.
What are the changes with a the sp1 I'm trying to restore a 1982 one number 161,000 range
My ‘68 has a ‘trap door’ butt stock... I’m assuming that’s not original to the rifle then? It also has the edgewater buffer tube...
Did sp1 ever have the A2 pistol grip
NO
Mine a '67.
can you shoot 556 out of an sp1
No Sir, it's dangerous for the different free bore
@@andreabortolin5402 you are incorrect i confirmed with colt even if lower is marked.223 as long as the barrell reads CMP CHROME BORE it will shoot 556 keep in mind its still optimized for 55 grain projectiles with 20" and the twist rate
@@andreabortolin5402 noy only will it function but it is actually chambered for 556 ;)
First!