Older colts at gun shop

Happen to spot some old colt AR's at my local. Don't quote me but they were SR-2 or something like that. Full size with handle with the Vietnam look down to a T. The one I handled was from 1982 and had a $1200 asking price. It was in near new condition too. They also had a British made AR I want to say AR-18 but I was at the shop for something else and just wasn't getting the details like I should have. But I'm going back for that something else and if anyone is interested I'll bring a note pad and maybe take pictures if these are a rare or interesting find and worth plunking some hard earned money down?

The Colt SP1 isn't horribly priced. Worth getting if you like it. The AR-180 is likely a Sterling mfg. The most common version of that rifle. Bit of an orphaned design, but the gas system is very SVT 40-like.

Yes they were SP-1's they got them from an estate and I gather either selling for the widow or kids or the shop gave them a low ball for all and are now making all the real money when they sell them. They had 3 or four starting at $1100 -$1600. The AR-180 was British made and was $1195. They said it was the predecessor to the M16?
I see how it works. People bring in Collectables and either don't know what they are worth or need money and don't care and then all the guys at the shop buy what they like and the left overs are priced very high as they got room on the rack and they got all the time in the world and someday if they sit long enough the price will eventually be right cause the prices are only going up.

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Originally Posted by DaveN

They said it was the predecessor to the M16?

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They lied.

Any of the Sp-1's have the telescoping stock?

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Originally Posted by DaveN

They had 3 or four starting at $1100 -$1600. The AR-180 was British made and was $1195. They said it was the predecessor to the M16?

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If in good nick, SP1s usually retail in that range. The AR18/180 was a later development by Stoner as a "low tech" alternative for "easier" manufacture. I'm guessing that he also made changes as refinements, but they get lost in the less sophisticated nature of the thing. The worst weakness of the rifle seems to be the locking tabs for the folding stock. Often seen deformed, welded up, or otherwise abused. Followed by the bolt hold open, which can be damaged during reassembly.

Whether selling guns, cars or land, the seller has the responsibility of educating themselves on value. It is also possible that the person that inherited the guns didn't give a hoot about what they were worth just as long as they could turn them into cash.

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Originally Posted by gtodan

Any of the Sp-1's have the telescoping stock?

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No. But there was a carbine mixed in from the same estate and I didn't look at that one. Looked too modern and I was only interested in the older ones.

The AR 18 was developed subsequent to the AR 15 IIRC. The Sterling made AR 18 fit and finish is very poor compared to the Aramalite and Howa ones I owned. I would pass on the Sterling and think about the SP-1

I believe that Colt Model R6001 AR-15 Sporter, also called the SP1 carbine, has a 3 position sliding stock. It has the short ribbed handguard, without FA.

LCG's usually can't pay the seller > 50% of the value of used guns. They have lots of expenses, & can't keep their door open if they don't make a profit. I have sold guns on Gunbroker, & figure it takes me 3-4 hours per gun; my time is cheap, but, if you run a business, your time is money. And, there is no "Obsolete Gun Distributor" you can buy from; you just hope that your store front & advertising can entice sellers to bring their guns to you to sell. It's a tough business.

Neal

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Originally Posted by gtodan

Any of the Sp-1's have the telescoping stock?

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Yes one did as I recall.
Will add I've been back a few times since I spotted them and they are not moving.

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Originally Posted by gtodan

Any of the Sp-1's have the telescoping stock?

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The Colt 6001 is the SP1 carbine with two position telescoping stock. They started making them in September 1977 and ended production in late 1982. (ref)

ref

Retro Black Rifle SP1 6001