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Help me date my AR-15 SP1

hughbetcha
I have a Colt AR15 SP1 Serial #1957XX that I purchased used in 1989. At the time I was told that the gun was about 5 years old. None of the books I have on AR-15s list dates of mfg. past 1976 or 1980. Also, I don't really understand what a "blue label" or "green label" model is and want to know how to determine this from serial number. I would also like to know more about what specific model number Colt used to describe the gunother than AR-15 SP1. I have seen other numbers such as 6000, 6500 and 6600 used to describe rifles similar to mine but I don't understand how one model differs from another. I've got at least half a dozen books on the AR-15, but none have this specific information. Any links to web site with this info would also be appreciated.
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8 comments

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  • andy12390
    im very confused. keep checkin your question every 10 minutes if possible, questions are sometimes answered within minutes. as for your first response, whatever thats about lol sounds pretty good.[:D]

    Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. - Don Corleone
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  • nmyers
    You need to get out your rifle & write down the markings on the receiver, & describe them to us using quotation marks. We need to know exactly what is stamped on your gun. I know you didn't tell us everything correctly, because all Colt AR-15's have a 2 letter prefix in the serial number.

    In the meantime, you may find what you need on this website:

    http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/ar15serial.html

    Neal
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  • hughbetcha
    Thanks nmyers,

    Here is all info you asked for.

    Upper receiver: Letters C and M on carry handle under rear sight windage adjustment. CM Chrome bore on end of barrel by birdcage flashider. Letter C on front sight base. Sights are A1 style, handguards are round A2 style, but may not be original. Rifle has bayonet lug.

    Lower Receiver: Markings on Magazine well. Colt AR-15 with prancing pony logo.
    CAL. .223
    MODEL SP1
    SER. SP1957XX

    Near selector switch on lower:
    COLT'S FIREARMS DIVISION
    COLT INDUSTRIES
    HARTFORD, CONN
    USA

    Thanks for your help.
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  • tomh.
    My Wilson chart lists your rifle as being made in 1983. But here's my caveat: All the serial numbers seem to start with SP******. Since you gave the serial number that way, I'm pretty confident!
    This is a copy of my reply to your other post.
    The label colors always confused me. The green label rifles seem to be more desirable. Has to do with the takedown pin diameter and reinforcement around the mag release?
    The number system is just model numbers.
    R6000 SP1
    R6001 SP1 Carbine
    Blue Book has a pretty good breakdown of these model numbers.
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  • hughbetcha
    Thanks very much Tomh.
    1983 makes sense. The guy I bought it from in 1989 said it was five years old and that would account for being on a dealers shelf for close to a year.

    I understand that all ARs up until 1980 were tan labels, then there was something called a yellow label for a short time before the green label was introduced, then blue label.
    My AR is a slick-side without reinforcement around the mag release.I'll have to meausre the pins and try to track down what info I can.
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  • lindalecop
    quote:Originally posted by tomh.
    My Wilson chart lists your rifle as being made in 1983. But here's my caveat: All the serial numbers seem to start with SP******. Since you gave the serial number that way, I'm pretty confident!
    This is a copy of my reply to your other post.
    The label colors always confused me. The green label rifles seem to be more desirable. Has to do with the takedown pin diameter and reinforcement around the mag release?
    The number system is just model numbers.
    R6000 SP1
    R6001 SP1 Carbine
    Blue Book has a pretty good breakdown of these model numbers.
    0
  • nmyers
    I have SP189873 that I bought new from a distributor in April 1983, so that would confirm 1983 as the year for yours.

    All the markings you describe are correct for a Colt made at that time. You are right, the HG has been replaced.

    "The AR-15 Complete Owner's Guide" by Walt Kuleck has a chart of Colt model numbers in the back.

    Neal
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  • wooddog
    quote:Originally posted by tomh.
    My Wilson chart lists your rifle as being made in 1983. But here's my caveat: All the serial numbers seem to start with SP******. Since you gave the serial number that way, I'm pretty confident!
    This is a copy of my reply to your other post.
    The label colors always confused me. The green label rifles seem to be more desirable. Has to do with the takedown pin diameter and reinforcement around the mag release?
    The number system is just model numbers.
    R6000 SP1
    R6001 SP1 Carbine
    Blue Book has a pretty good breakdown of these model numbers.
    0

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