Questions for you Colt / AR / Tactical Guys

[hittman]

I've got the chance to maybe buy a Colt AR15 marked "SP1" and made in the mid-1970's. Does anyone know about what these sold for new?

Secondly, I've bought my first "tactical" gun with the quad-rail. I kill a lot of paper plates and milk jugs at my little private shooting spot but really have no practical reason for a tactical gun. However, I've never had one ..... I had the money, etc.

So ..... what goodies would YOU put on the tactical gun?

Hand grip / bi-pod?
Flashlight?
Red dot?
Laser?

Other??

 

[Busterswoodshop]

I bought an SP1 the first year they were available to the public ( 1971 ).
If I remember right it was just under $700 after tax.
It was one if not the most accurate AR's I have ever had with iron sights.
I still kick myself for selling it.
If I had another I would leave it alone and shoot it as is.

 

[Snake45]

It depends on the year. I remember seeing MSRP of $237.50 and $297.50 on them at various times. This was when a new Python was around $300, MSRP on a Smith 29 .44 was $256 (though none were actually available at that price), and you could buy a new Smith 19 for about $150.

In 1975-76, I worked in a sporting goods chain that would regularly have sales on Remington 700s in .30-06 or .270--ADLs were $179.99 and BDLs were $199.99.

I bought my SP1 in 1986, used, for $475 with the Colt 3X scope. I think MSRP on the rifle alone at that time was about $500.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

I wasn't sure what I paid for mine so I called my brother and ask him. He was with me when I bought it.
He laughed at me when I said I thought I paid close to $700 for it. He reminded me that we were only making $2.50 an hour back then and it probably seemed like that but was nowhere close. With that said I really have no idea what I spent. I know it sure seemed like a lot. I do wish I would have kept it though. They are great guns.

 

[Snake45]

I wasn't sure what I paid for mine so I called my brother and ask him. He was with me when I bought it.
He laughed at me when I said I thought I paid close to $700 for it. He reminded me that we were only making $2.50 an hour back then and it probably seemed like that but was nowhere close. With that said I really have no idea what I spent. I know it sure seemed like a lot. I do wish I would have kept it though. They are great guns.

Well seven pigs in 1971 didn't sound right to me either but I didn't want to call you on it. :wink: Next time I get down in the Snakepit I'll see if I can find the 1972 Gun Digest, that would give the 1971 MSRP.

 

[Snake45]

Back from the Snakepit. Couldn't find the 1972 Gun Digest but did find the 1973 Guns & Ammo Annual, which has the 1972 retail prices. AR-15 was $234.50. For comparison, that year, Colt Python was $199.99 blue, $229.00 nickel. :shock:

1972 or '73 would have been the year I was working in a GI armory when we got a shipment of brand-new, striaght-from-the-factory M16s. I saw the government invoice for them. They were $93 and change apiece. :shock: I guess when you buy a couple million, you get a pretty good price break. :wink:

 

[hittman]

Wow guys ~ thank you for all the work you've invested in this. I'm thinking he's asking $700 for this one ~ supposedly bone stock original ~ and I'll likely get it.

Keep your thoughts and ideas coming, I appreciate it.

Any thoughts on the tactical stuff?

 

[Snake45]

Seven pigs isn't a bad price for a stock original SP1 in good condition.

Bear in mind that you won't be able to swap on other upper receiver assemblies without special adapter pins.

If you want to start bolting on all sorts of "tactical" BOSAJ, you might be happier with a newer version of the rifle. Think of the SP1 as a '65 Mustang in original condition. You want it for what it is. If you want something newer, you'll be time, money, and satisfaction ahead to just buy a more modern car.

 

[427mach1]

I recently purchased an ArmaLite M-15. I have ordered and plan to install:

1. free-float "spectre length" quad-rail handguard (to free-float the barrel)
2. handguard end-cap
3. low-profile gas block (so it can be hidden under handguard)
4. Hogue grip with finger grooves
5. wedge-shaped bumper that goes behind the rear receiver pin (to eliminate free-play between the upper and lower receivers)
6. bipod adapter (so I can use my Harris bipod on the rail)
7. swivel stud (so I can attach sling to rail)
8. Nikon P-223 3-9x40 scope with bullet drop compensator (BCD-600)
9. Nikon offset scope mounts

Future plans might include a trigger, a heavier barrel, etc.

 

[oregon73]

I think $700 sounds like an excellent price for a stock SP1. Seems like if I ever see them, they are closing in on $1000.

Rob

 

[rugnelli]

Price around here on an SP1 is approximately $900-$1000. Not a rifle made to hang a bunch of accessories on....

 

[Razor]

I mostly agree with Andy H.
Keep it Simple.

But, I do have a light on my HD carbine.
And I am considering some sort if optic for my tired old eyes.
I never did like foregrips, they just aren't comfortable to me.

 

[RJ556]

Same here. Ihave this one for sale on the classifieds, but my other RRA is just as simple/clean.