[SaxonPig]

I see that someone else is asking the same question, which prompted me to ask as well.

I am not too familiar with ARs, and I don't know what model I have. I bought it new around 1978-79. It has the 20" barrel with flash hider, triangular forearm, and no foreward assist device.

What is this thing called? (Watch your language, M1A fans!)

 

[SaxonPig]

Sorry, I should have specified that it is a genuine Colt. Was anyone else make AR15 clones that early?

 

[SaxonPig]

Ooops. I looked and I'll be darned if it doesn't say SP-1 right on the side. It's a little hard to read and I never noticed it before. Thanks. I guess this the original, bare-bones model AR 15, no? I bought it from a friend who was desperate for money one day and offered me this thing for $325. This was, I thought, around 1978-79 and he'd had it for a year or so although it was still unfired in the carton when I got it. But according to Wilson's book, the serial number indicates a 1981 manufacture date.

Jeez, I just noticed that SP 1 is even in the serial number. That may be why I was confused on the date. The number appears to be SP1 and then it's in the 52,000 range. I may have thought it was SP and then 152,000.

 

[SaxonPig]

Well, I am still a little confused. I went to the site linked above and according to the info there the early SP 1 should have the three-pronged flash hider but mine is the birdcage type. The mystery continues.

 

[SaxonPig]

Bill- The gun came to me new in the box, so I know it has not been modified.

The serial number starts either SP 1 or just SP. Do you know which? I am curious because I can't figure out if the number is 52,000 or 152,000 (depends on whether the 1 is part of the model prefix).