[Betonfahrer]

Way back when between ban's I ended up trading with my Friend and ended up with his Colt AR-15.I wanted an early one and this was before the M-4 and all the different Rail systems,accessories and different mfgs.I traded a Rusty non running 56 Dodge Power Wagon with Winch for it.It didnt run but engine turned over and the box was just set on the frame and was very rusty.Thats another story.Someday I will get a M-4 copy to go with this.I think at the time the H-BAR had come out and he wanted to upgrade and went on down that road of constant upgrading.

 

[Florida Mike]

Me Like

 

[AbueloMark]

One year I built a half dozen ARs. Two of them on Cav Arms lowers, and three others on non-Colt lowers. All went find. Before I started I had an average pre-94 Essential Arms receiver with a upper with shell deflector and forward assist.

In gathering parts, I found an upper, I assume it is Colt, without the forward assist or shell deflector. It does have the fense around the mag release. I stuck triangle guards, early buttstock and grip, and three prong hider on her. Found a VN era sling. I found a pawn shop in Oklahoma, now closed, with dozens of Colt 20 round mags. I literally bought them for $5 each by the paper grocery sack full. Sold a bunch during the Ban but kept probably 20.

She's much like yours. Nothing suitable for your average mall ranger or for anyone trying to look tactical at the range, but she fits my rather pedestrian outlook on milsurps.

 

[srinde]

I really like the way the early ARs and M16a1s handle. Light and fast pointing. Much better "feel", to me at least, than the tacticool decked out carbines.

 

[milprileb]

Not common to find anymore and is actually a historic piece that will begin to rise due to that fact.
The current M4 mania and rails will go on and on but collectors will begin to focus on the orig. AR 15
and prices will soar.

We fought a long war with that weapon, I carried it on two tours in RVN, and for the time it was a decent
platform for the infantrymen.

Lots of them were upgraded to M16A2 which is a better rifle but finding an early orig. Colt is getting hard these days.

 

[Billofthenorth3]

I prefer the longer barrel myself and other than updating the handguard would go with the original configuration. I've had 8 or 10 30 rd mags for about 20 years now, plus the cleaning kit, guess someday I should get the rifle for them.

 

[Betonfahrer]

Thanks for great comments.It all has got me thinking more about the Assault rifles-black ones.It has been some time since I have seen an Early AR-15 at any shows.Even the Hbar version with round handguards and foreward assist.I wonder if it wasnt a big seller at the time with spikes of sales only when there were "Get em before they are banned" at gunshows.I never thought this as much of a collectible but I really havent seen one at a show for sale or even a guy carrying one around.Even early FN FAL,FNC,STG 58.....I dont see them around.

 

[nfafan]

I picked up a slick-side SP1 on a lark waaaay back in the days when they weren't "odd" to see. It is just exactly like in your pics, the original SEA look.

I planned on "trying it", and probaby ditching it at a gun show.

I ended up ditching an FN-FNC para carbine instead. It was a lumpy war-club compared to the lithe elegance of the SP1.

A couple years ago I got caught up in the RIS-rail-rage and almost traded my SP1 for an LE6920. Decided that EVERYONE has/sells/makes an M4rgery. No one does an SP1.

So I still have my SP1, an LE6920, and an Oly CAR-15 that I actually shoot.

 

[Muggzy]

I purchase my first 5.56 about a year ago. Fun gun! A century look alike. It has never jammed or misfired with over 1000 rounds through it. I purchased it for another reason too.

 

[Cabinetman]

Betonfahrer, what lower did you use? I notice that there is no 'fence" around the mag button. IT really looks authentic!

(NEVERMIND. I opened the photo and saw it was an original COLT. Very cool) rjp

I just finished building an M-4 model for my son. It has an 16" bull barrel. When we went to mount the quad-rails on it, lo and behold they wouldn't fit without some modifications since the barrel is quite a bit thicker than the standard pencil barrel. But, after bit of grinding on the quad rail it fits perfectly and handles really well. It shoot extremely well as so most AR15s, too. We used the DPMS upper on a "Rifle Gear" lower. That lower, btw, was EXCELLENT and even comes with an adjuster to make the upper and lower mate perfectly.

Rome

 

[TheKid]

I've always wanted one like this.....just needs a 3-prong flash hider.....

 

[Cabinetman]

I've got a "spare" if you want it. Email me directly or PM me.

Rome

 

[JIMMY C]

Neat SP1 !! Based on the SN it's one of the later ones Made in 1977 Great condition for it's age!!!

 

[wolfspotter]

I really like the way the early ARs and M16a1s handle. Light and fast pointing. Much better "feel", to me at least, than the tacticool decked out carbines.

Could't have said it better. Mine will shoot 1" or better at 100yds off the bench. I don't care for gadgets hanging off my rifles.

 

[Drhall762]

I really got into ARs a few years ago and have accumulated a bunch. My favorites are the A1 style that is a copy of the first M16 issued to me and the other is the A2 which is a copy of the last M16 I carried in combat during the first gulf war 20 years later. They are both pretty good shooters.

 

[SufferingBastard]

Reminds me of my favorite old mutt M16-A1 that I faithfully carried and lovingly cleaned during Desert Storm. If I remember correctly it was composed of a Harrington & Richardson Lower Reciever, of which I personally replaced all of the worn out components and FCG, and I believe the Barrel was made by Colt and for the life of me I cannot remember what company made the Upper Reciever. That thing was my best friend and constant companion, not to mention being the most uncomfortable thing to have in the cot next to me poking me in the side.