I'm in the process of acquiring a Colt SP1 conversion done by F.B. Whitman & Son, from Winsted, CT.

I understand they used to make a lot of DIAS and manufactured UZI's prior to the 1986 ban.

The conversion looks great, but I know nothing about the quality, reliability and value of this particular gun.

Anyone have any info?

As you note, Whitman did do a lot of full-auto conversions, and I have never heard anything bad about them.

But converting a semi AR to FA is not that difficult. It requires milling out the interior of the receiver to clear the FA fire-control parts, then drilling the hole for the autosear. The quality of the milling work is not crucial; even if it's cosmetically challenged, as long as the FA parts have clearance to function, you are good to go.

As far as the autosear pin hole, it's either where it should be, or not. If not, you send it off to M60Joe, who welds it over and redrills it in the correct position. Problem solved.

The real question is, how hard was the gun ridden after it was converted. Judging that is like judging any used, 26+ year old firearm. And that one is up to you.

The pic looks decent. The auto sear location seems a teensy bit forward of optimal/factory, as it should properly be EXACTLY centered above the centerline of the selector. It probably still works fine, but nothing wrong with a test fire!

Is that finish black?

I'm no expert but tony or circuits will chime in on that, but if the finish is not for that era, it has been redone at some point.

Unfortunately, the hammer, buffer and tube are easily replaced. It's a good move before selling, because it does make the gun look brand new ... when the old parts showed the true use. It's tough to base a verdict on those alone.

For instance, here's an SP1 conversion that M60Joe said he could make look brand new again. Just a little welding and light blasting, then a trip to U.S. Anodizing, and finally install all new fire-control parts.

It makes ya think .... and that's why I shy away from refinished RRs. Ya never know what they looked like prior to the refinish, and cosmetics indicate wear and maintenance:

M60joe can fix anything for $500.. Just take that off the price of the buy.