I just bought this. It's allegedly unfired. I haven't seen it yet, hopefully will get to my FFL this week or early next week.

It does have some spotting on the barrel. It also has the "straw" in the barrel.

So do I shoot it?





ETA:

Picked it up today.

Yes it is retro, and yes shoot it and enjoy it.  There is little is difference in the value of a1979 SP1 fired, that is in excellent condition, and an unfired one, especially with no box.  If it was a very early SP1 (mid 1960s) that would be different.

Anyway welcome to retro-ville.  Anyway, a Colt SP1 is as close to a Colt model 601/602 (1960-1964) as you can get.  It IS the Armalite AR15 system as Stoner's team intended...

Yep, it counts as retro, and yep, I'd shoot it.  At least, I'd shoot it as long as it's only "allegedly" unfired.
I'd feel different if it was "New Old Stock"--in the original box, with original paperwork.  But as it is, and speaking as a collector, I simply see that as a very nice example of the breed.  
I personally would not pay an "unfired" price for it, so if you shoot it, and take care of it, and don't completely wear it out, you're not losing too much in value.
Keep it nice, and you'll protect your investment while having fun!

Anyway, that's one guy's opinion!

I guess the only question I have then, since it has no collector value (and that's not the reason I bought it), is do I replace the birdcage with a 3 prong? If I end up with a Dead Air Sandman it'll be going on this rifle.

This is gonna be the big brother on my 607 clone that I'm slowly working on. I have the lower and the receiver so the harder part is done.

I don't know what an unfired price is for one of these. But I bought this below the market I'm seeing SP1s selling for. The ad was honest about the marks on the barrel and I personally don't care because I was planning on shooting it. I'll clean it up some and see how it turns out.

I could have spent what I did on this and still not have been into a low end Daniel Defense.

Just because it is a later SP1 and is in shooter condition doesn't mean it doesn't have collector value. It is definitely retro and definitely has more value than a run of the mill AR15.

I wouldn't change the FH. Firstly the buttstock, etc is correct for the birdcage. Secondly you might mar up the bbl or original FH.

Nice find.

Leave it as it is and shoot it!!!!!

4sure shoot it, enjoy it, it's really all you ever need :)

Looks great btw, congrats!!

I saw that one on PAFOA but it had sold already.

I say do with it what you want but keep the parts to put it back original. I have a "spare" SP1 that became my SP601 in that I put repro painted furniture, a Nodak triangle charging handle, repro duckbill and a chrome 601 carrier in.

I still have all the original parts and can put it all back and nobody would be the wiser. I think that barrel will clean up well and wouldn't worry about maybe marring the flash hider taking it off as it has some corrosion anyway that needs cleaned up.

Shoot it, enjoy it and don't sweat it.

Use some Kroll and 0000 steel wool and that surface spotting should disappear.

Agree with all that imarangemaster and others state. Any SP1 (in original condition) is retro really.

Sweet and +1 shoot it!  Too expensive for a paperweight.

Please don't misread my earlier comment.  Any SP1 in original condition is collectible!  I simply meant I wouldn't pay the premium that a verifiably unfired, NIB example would fetch.  

As for swapping the FH, do what you want--it's your rifle and you ought to enjoy owning it.  But as others said, keep any parts you take off so it can be restored later.  And be careful when removing parts so they don't look like they're been taken off and put back on.

I hope it's a good rifle for you!

Thanks guys. Looking forward to getting it. The 607 and seeing Gary Hughes SP1 really sparked my interest in retro stuff.

99% of the guns here in this forum are retro look a likes, clones, forgeries, while SP1s are the ONLY true 'original' title one retro ARs. Leave it original and enjoy shooting it often. Nice find!

I'd say put a 3-prong & non-trapdoor stock, but don't dare lose the original parts.

 
Yea, don't lose the original parts.


I have a SP1 where 20 years ago I replaced the front screw with a push pin to make it easier to take the upper off to clean.  Now I have no idea where that front screw is.  

Link to such a replacement?

That

Don't shoot it. Maybe just a few rounds to make sure it works and take it to the range sparingly to show it off. If you shoot it on a regular basis it will get beat up. Buy another AR for that.

And don't swap out any parts. They will get lost. I can't tell you how many SP1's I've seen at gun shows that are all buggered up and I just shake my head.

Anyway, Mr. Moose, it looks very nice and I hope you enjoy it.

 
Sure, lets see a link.  I know I will find the original eventually but only after I buy a new one.


Other than that pin, the only item not original on my gun is the hammer.  Back in the late 80's I was out at the range with it and it started to double so I had to take it to the local gunsmith who replaced the hammer.  I haven't looked in the gun in a long time but I think he used the same type that had the notch in it.


Just as an FYI, when I'd take it to the range in the 80's I was always the only one with an AR.

For what any opinion is worth. since its not new or new with box.Go have fun and run some rounds through it. Yes its retro. four years after the end of Nam Retro but it still is. and collectable I bet there is more used changed over parted out SP-1's out there now. Than new or minty cond. one's. WHY because back forty and fifty years ago guys bought them, used them, shot them,. put bipods and scopes on them. handled them, and some never even cleaned them up that much. for the past forty plus years guys with them slung  over shoulder at gun shows' saying BUY ME NOW!

Many now look back at that and say I want one now! Find them that un messed with SP-1 in minty shape or still with box still new.
so seems you located decent one at the right price.it will be worth what you paid today for it and more and years down the road even more. At last show locally a guy had a 80s model for 1800 nobody gave it a stare. I should have made the guy a offer at 1600 he probably would have said take it.

a few others came up on bid boards. minty new shape. I offered up to 2 grand. they sold for much higher.
I see less and less of these "Originals" for sale daily.  Sure you can find a parts one or shot 10,000 round one's. they will always be for sale.
To find the real good stuff.You have to hunt.

Enjoy the good find. After you shoot it you might want another.
That is how it start's

What did you pay for it `Moose?

$1,213.80 shipped.

I'll see if I can swing by the shop tomorrow to pick it up. I know we are closed, whether the owners will be in or not is a different story. I was hoping to jump on the 1050 up there and load some ammo anyway.

Picked it up today.

nice.  any noticeable wear on the hammer face, buffer face or bottom of the carrier?

A little wear on the face of the hammer. Everything else looked ok. He did say someone dry fired it.

Honestly, I don't care. It came with the plastic bag and even had the straw thingy in the barrel. I'm going to shoot it because I didn't pay money for something to sit.

Amen!  That is a sweet rifle.  A civilian 602!

Retro goodness for the defense of the  family..