SP 1 Unfired?

[Boonie Stomper]

Several years back at a GS, a local sheriff had a table, and this SP1. The sheriff was a weapons instructor for the department & he claimed that it was un-fired. I didn't care because it was like new. I am more of a collector than a shooter, so it is still "un-fired".

So...how can you tell/ or prove that a firearm is un-fired? If so, does that affect value? I would think that each AR would be test fired before leaving Colt.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Yes, they were fired. So much for that myth. It doesn't hurt them and until you put enough through to start wearing parts it won't matter. Some put a particularly high value on some rifles if they're about new. I don't see these as particularly hard to find. Low number? That might be a bit different.

[RCS]

This Colt SP1 was purchased new from a dealer in Kansas back in 1964, it has not been fired since it left the Colt factory - which is a better way of stating it is unfired - as you know the Colt factory both proofed and test fired the weapon. I was able to purchase this from the collection some years ago.

First thing I checked was the bore with patches and the gas system and bolt for any signs of shooting - there wasn't any indication that this rifle had been fired by the owner. It has not been fired since purchaseAttachment 85278

[browningautorifle]

That one might command a premium, low number and waffle mag.

[limpetmine]

Nice low serial number. With AR's as cheap as they are right now, there is little reason to shoot this one.

[browningautorifle]

there is little reason to shoot this one.

I doubt RCS would ever...the OP still hasn't told us how low his is?

[Boonie Stomper]

The SP1 in the picture is s/n SP163583 and the s/n lists on the web stop at 1978 or 1982. Retoblackrifle's list stops with the beginning of 1982 at SP158201. Doing my own research on SP1's for sale with DOM: SP164001, SP171300 both DOM 1982. I can't be sure, but it looks like 1982 is the DOM for my AR. That was 35 years ago--where have the years gone?

I have read that the SP1's ceased manufacture in 1984; does anyone know the highest SP1 s/n?

[Woodsy]

According to my Dealers Book I sold my first SP1 (sn 43713) here in NZ in December 1974. Quite a few were imported at that time for use by the helicopter shooters in the venison trade. I still own well-used ex-chopper SP1 #79025.

[enfield303t]

Don't understand why any firearm is called unfired, every one was test fired. The best way to describe this one might be unissued. I have a No4 LB that is mint, for sure it was fired but I refer to it as unissued.

[Neal Myers]

I still have SP189873, with a copy of the distributors invoice showing it was shipped in May 1983. Mr Stomper's estimate of 1982 for his rifle sounds right.