Gun Review: Colt AR-15 SP1 rifle in 5.56×45mm NATO

By Francis Borek

“I’m still in a dream, Snake Eater!” (Photo: Francis Borek)
In 1976 the United States celebrated its bicentennial. Apple Computers was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Red Army at the Spectrum. Jimmy Carter was elected president and my Colt SP1 AR-15 left the factory in Hartford, Connecticut. Forty-one years later and this Colt is now considered a collector’s piece.
Today we have a dizzying array of “black rifles” to choose from and still, there are shooters who shout (sometimes angrily) that people should “just build their own AR.” This underlines a point — a discerning group of shooters have decided that this current crop of AR rifles simply aren’t for them. This is for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they already have a tactical carbine? Perhaps simplicity appeals to them? Or perhaps they’re simply driven by nostalgia; they find their answer in the past.
For these folks it’s not uncommon to build a replica of an early generation AR-15 out of a variety of new and/or surplus parts. Yet many collectors want the real thing — and will pony up the cash for a genuine example of the original “black” rifle.
All kitted out. (Photo: Francis Borek)
Background
The

Source: Guns.com