New to me 1975 SP1 Factory Test fired only?

  • Warning this will be Picture heavy. -

Picked this up from my FFL today. I was hoping for something good and thus far my expectations are exceeded. But this is the first somewhat vintage Colt I’ve owned, so it may be sheer ignorance.

The exterior cosmetics are outstanding, things seem correct to me as far as I’ve been able to determine.

The bore is spotless and based on the gas port erosion, or lack therof, I’d say it “MAY” have only been test fired at Colt. Looking for opinions

I’ll start with the exterior cosmetics.

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p380545394-5.jpg

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p483542577-5.jpg

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p268494308-5.jpg

Barrel Exterior:

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p515601764-5.jpg

BCG with Red extractor insert:

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p275476106-5.jpg

Gas Port:

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p949524946-5.jpg

I think it looks fantastic in my Colt section, regardless of how many rounds it has seen.

Three questions:

  1. For those of you who have seen the interior of barrels, how many rounds would you estimate based on this gas port erosion?

  2. See any issues?

3.Would you shoot it?

What does the bolt face look like? That will give you a better indication of round count. It’s hard to divine round count by the gas port, at least for me.

I don’t see any problems, looks like a very nice SP1. Keep in mind from “my perspective” it’s old school but not quite vintage antique but for some a 6920 made in 2004 is now a “retro” rifle. I’d be willing to shoot it, I still shoot most of my stuff from the 70s and 80s, but I probably wouldn’t put it through a carbine class.

https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p428617214-5.jpg

Thanks, as always, appreciate your thoughts. Bolt face is also very clean. The FP has some blue marker on the end which seems a bit odd.

The cam pin is also nearly pristine.

It came with an original manual, bayonet, black web sling and the cleaning kit is still installed in the stock. So, I’m guessing I got some poor guys estates safe queen.

Pretty cool. I’d lean towards NOT shooting it.

CONGRATULATIONS !!! Awesome purchase. I luv the SP1 and cant get enough of them. Always so much to learn about them.

So it hasn’t been shot a LOT. But one thing you need to remember about these older Colts is there will be just a little patina and that might mask some wear. I’d put a couple mags through it just to function test everything and make sure you don’t need to grab some spare parts. These also shoot quite a bit different than the more modern Colts you are used to, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

I’d also recommend trying to find a copy of A Collectors Guide To The Colt AR15 SP1 Sporter Rifle.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1049877943

Ha! Too funny. I literally have a $42 check sitting in the mailbox to the guy who sells them as I type this.

Yeah, I think I’m gonna shoot it.

Then go ahead and put a “GEEZELLE” trigger in it and an LPVGTQO on the top! :sarcastic:

I love my Colt SP1. It doesn’t get fired often, but it is an iron sighted wonder IMHO. My M16A2 clone is another iron sighted wonder.