I saved a 1971 SP1 and it has missing factory markings

359 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Leadfarmer, 2 d ago

Leadfarmer

Discussion Starter · 3 d ago

5

Long time AR15 owner, builder, and shooter.

First time Colt owner.

This rifle and others were recently found while tearing down a house that was long abandoned. The roof had collapsed, causing local government to mandate the demolition. The guns were found in the basement, and show exposure to moisture. Considering they were pulled out using an excavator with hydraulic thumb, I am thankful there isn't any significant damage. Some of the guns were beyond salvage, but this SP1 is fully functional and ready for a test fire after work today. I gave $800 for this rifle, which I felt wasn't an amazing deal but still a deal.

SN is 172XX which dates it to 1971 from what I looked up. I have ordered a Colt factory archive letter for it. It has what appears to be an original magazine as far as I can tell (Colt marked floor plate with small lettering, dull gray follower, white circular sticker on each side), and the magazine was loaded with 5.56 ammo with a "TW 69" headstamp. How cool is that? The mag holds 20 rounds, so the 5 round block was removed at some time. Based on my homework, I don't believe any parts have been replaced or modified.

The receiver unfortunately has some corrosion damage to the finish. I don't plan to refinish it. I would like to eventually remove all the steel parts and refinish them, but for now it is cleaned, oiled, and enjoyable.

The left side of the receiver is missing the selector and manufacturer markings. I was researching that which led me to this forum and I thought I would share what I found. I saw one other person posted a similar SP1 "blem" some years ago on this forum.

Some questions:

1. Given the current condition, and it being a blem, etc., what should I value it at for insurance purposes?

2. Should I restore the steel parts or leave it all as is? (assume I can do a proper job on restoring the steel parts - sand blast, hot blue, etc)

3. I understand the differences in .223 vs 5.56 chambers, but based on the experience of SP1 owners, can these rifles safely chamber and fire modern 55gr M193 ammo? Or should I stick to American Eagle .223 Rem 55gr?

Thanks!

Before cleaning:

After:

(I had an extra sling laying around to toss on)

The same treasure hunt also yielded an Armalite AR-180 built in Costa Mesa, one of the first 200 guns. But I know this isn't the forum for that so I will only share this one photo. It has a lot of surface rust but should restore nicely. Already test fired it and it works perfect. Like two old friends reunited...

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Reactions: 5

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

824tsv

· #2 · 3 d ago

Welcome to the Forum!
Thats a beauty!
I think it looks great as is.

Reactions: 1

Alan Woodward

· #3 · 3 d ago

That’s a great story, and incredible find, the Armalite is very interesting.

Reactions: 1

FL Moore

· #4 · 3 d ago

Incredible find welcome to the forum from Virginia !!

JimF

· #5 · 3 d ago

Leadfarmer said:
Long time AR15 owner, builder, and shooter.

First time Colt owner.

This rifle and others were recently found while tearing down a house that was long abandoned. The roof had collapsed, causing local government to mandate the demolition. The guns were found in the basement, and show exposure to moisture. Considering they were pulled out using an excavator with hydraulic thumb, I am thankful there isn't any significant damage. Some of the guns were beyond salvage, but this SP1 is fully functional and ready for a test fire after work today. I gave $800 for this rifle, which I felt wasn't an amazing deal but still a deal.

SN is 172XX which dates it to 1971 from what I looked up. I have ordered a Colt factory archive letter for it. It has what appears to be an original magazine as far as I can tell (Colt marked floor plate with small lettering, dull gray follower, white circular sticker on each side), and the magazine was loaded with 5.56 ammo with a "TW 69" headstamp. How cool is that? The mag holds 20 rounds, so the 5 round block was removed at some time. Based on my homework, I don't believe any parts have been replaced or modified.

The receiver unfortunately has some corrosion damage to the finish. I don't plan to refinish it. I would like to eventually remove all the steel parts and refinish them, but for now it is cleaned, oiled, and enjoyable.

The left side of the receiver is missing the selector and manufacturer markings. I was researching that which led me to this forum and I thought I would share what I found. I saw one other person posted a similar SP1 "blem" some years ago on this forum.

Some questions:

1. Given the current condition, and it being a blem, etc., what should I value it at for insurance purposes?

2. Should I restore the steel parts or leave it all as is? (assume I can do a proper job on restoring the steel parts - sand blast, hot blue, etc)

3. I understand the differences in .223 vs 5.56 chambers, but based on the experience of SP1 owners, can these rifles safely chamber and fire modern 55gr M193 ammo? Or should I stick to American Eagle .223 Rem 55gr?

Thanks!

Before cleaning:

After:

(I had an extra sling laying around to toss on)

The same treasure hunt also yielded an Armalite AR-180 built in Costa Mesa, one of the first 200 guns. But I know this isn't the forum for that so I will only share this one photo. It has a lot of surface rust but should restore nicely. Already test fired it and it works perfect. Like two

JimF

· #6 · 3 d ago

Has the magazine floorplate stamped for 223 Remington or 5.56 mm?
Does the magazine have the original internal block . . .limiting capacity to 5 rounds?

Leadfarmer

Discussion Starter · #7 · 3 d ago

JimF said:
Has the magazine floorplate stamped for 223 Remington or 5.56 mm?
Does the magazine have the original internal block . . .limiting capacity to 5 rounds?

It is stamped 223 and the internal block is not present.

Reactions: 1

Jwb211

· #8 · 3 d ago

2

That’s pretty cool and even an original magazine.

0000 steel wool and motor oil will do a fairly good job on the rusty parts. Unfortunately I have ended up with several rusted SP1s. This is one of two I did a few weeks ago.

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Leadfarmer

Discussion Starter · #9 · 3 d ago

That looks good, I will try that before a complete tear down

Jwb211

· #10 · 3 d ago

It takes a little elbow grease but usually does well. I keep it wet with oil during the process. The old timer that told me how to do it originally said never use CLP,only motor oil of any kind. I’m honestly not sure why no CLP but I used Ballistol on the one above. It works pretty well besides smelling like a dogs ass. I also use a brass Otis brush and occasionally a brass bore brush in areas.

Reactions: 1

inspcalahan

· #11 · 2 d ago

That's a pretty incredible salvage find! I'd be curious about what else was found, or even what wasn't. Any story to the previous owners/occupants? What part of the US? The owner had a penchant for nice weapons, so it's likely those weren't the only two. Being early guns each, they were likely there a long, long time. One wonders what happened to the owner. Those aren't something you just leave behind when you pack up.

Good on your for saving them - I'd do the same. A full strip and clean to get back to usable condition. I'd just replace new pins and springs that are rusted. Not worth the time or cost to refinish or strip those. How's the bore?

Reactions: 1

Leadfarmer

Discussion Starter · #12 · 2 d ago

I wish I could of been there to pick through the mess. I have no information on the previous owner, or what else was in the house. Maybe the Colt Archive Letter I ordered will have a clue, maybe not. Location of the house is Pittsburgh, PA.

From this same house I got an M1 carbine that looks like it was raised from the Titanic. As bad as you can imagine. Only 50% of the stock remained, it was that rotten. I pulled off the rest of the stock by hand. It looks to of been a post 1967 Universal Mfg. underfolder, as it uses their redesigned gas chamber and recoil springs. Also, the lower trigger frame is aluminum. After 2 days of soaking in vinegar I was able to get the action open and clear a chambered round. I guess I will just cut it up and put it in my scrap bin. Nothing really to do with metal that is cratered with rust pitting, and being a Universal doesn't help either.

And lastly, I got a High Standard Model 10B police riot shotgun (made pre 1968, no serial number). What an odd duck. I tore it down completely, I have a few parts left to sand blast, but I might get it back together tonight for a test fire. I like to test fire before I refinish them, in case more work is needed that I missed. I'm excited to see if it works. I've read many opinions on them, from "unreliable junk" to "works great, eats anything, even low brass". Unfortunately it is missing the carry handle, that will be fun to track down. No original flashlight mount either.

I was told there were other guns that "broke in half" so they went in the dumpster. With one eye twitching, I calmly explained the potential value of individual firearms parts. I said "if its broken, send me a picture, if you find green crates, metal cans, even corroded ammo, old artillery brass shells, ANYTHING that looks military or gun related, send me a picture, I'll either tell you it is junk or I will show up with money."

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Leadfarmer

Discussion Starter · #13 · 2 d ago

The bore on the SP1 generated some orange color cleaning patches. To the eye, I don't see any pitting. I will see how it shoots tonight, didn't get time to shoot it last night.

Reactions: 1

AR15_1911

· #14 · 2 d ago

Congrats, your SP1 rifle reminded me of my very first Colt AR that I bought new way back in 1971.

The main difference with yours and mine was the flash hider, mine had an A1 birdcage type.

Unfortunately I sold mine to get a new model Colt AR-15A2 Sporter II rifle in 1985 and that time I was short of money because I also bought a new Springfield Armory M1A national match rifle, so had to sell it.

Most steel parts of AR are parkerized finish (phospate conversion coating), even if it's not perfect they are awesome rifles as is.

Currently I have 6 Colt AR, Match Target HBAR MT6601 lower half with '80s USGI unissued M-16A2 upper half, two AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine AR6721, Sporter M4 carbine SP6920 , a midlength gas system carbine CR6960 and 7.62X39 Sporter Lightweight carbine R6830 (my oldest Colt AR made in 1993).

Reactions: 2

Leadfarmer

Discussion Starter · #15 · 2 d ago

Sounds like you’ve been pulling triggers a long time.

1971 was almost 20 years before I was born.

Today I test fired my SP1. Success! The sights didn’t need adjusted. I bet the previous owner would be pleased.

Not a single issue from the first round. It’s quite nice to shoot. It feels very smooth when working the charging handle and when it recoils the buffer is quiet, not like so many ARs that have a “twang” that echoes through the stock into your head.

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