Early, Early SP1 Value

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enefgee

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I had a chance to look at an early SP1 the other day, and I'm wondering what it's worth - this particular rifle had no forward assist, slick side lower and zero signs of wear (there were some scratches on one mag body, but the rifle was both immaculately clean and completely without signs of useage). So, what are your thoughts. Oh yes, it had a period correct handle mount and Colt 3x sight.
 
This one still has the plastic cover on the flash hider - it's like looking at a time capsul. When did they stop making uppers without the forward assist, I'm trying to figure out when this was made.
 
enefgee,
Care to share where you spotted this fine SP1 as I'm searching for one in minty shape and have my
14" Mossberg SG up listed on the EE as trading bait.
 
enefgee said:
...this particular rifle had no forward assist, slick side lower
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This description would apply to all SP1 rifles, which were made from 1964 to 1982 or so. What makes you think this one is early? I have never seen a truly "early" SP1 in Canada, it is my experience that most people who describe them as such just don't know the model history that well.
 
BattleRife said:
This description would apply to all SP1 rifles, which were made from 1964 to 1982 or so. What makes you think this one is early? I have never seen a truly "early" SP1 in Canada, it is my experience that most people who describe them as such just don't know the model history that well.
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+1

If you knew the serial number that would help date it.

A regular old SP1 isn't going to fetch much unless it's a very early version. Back when new AR's were $1500 you could pick up an SP1 for around $900. Now that you can get brand new AR's for $1100 or so who knows what people will pay. The scope does add some value and could get you a few extra bucks from a collector depending on wether it was made in the USA, Netherlands or Japan.
 
Leg said:
+1

If you knew the serial number that would help date it.

A regular old SP1 isn't going to fetch much unless it's a very early version. Back when new AR's were $1500 you could pick up an SP1 for around $900. Now that you can get brand new AR's for $1100 or so who knows what people will pay. The scope does add some value and could get you a few extra bucks from a collector depending on wether it was made in the USA, Netherlands or Japan.
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The one I saw for sale 5-6 years ago (maybe more) was very plain looking, a lighter green colour with the buttstock that looked like it was made by Mattel. It was $700. I passed because I didn't have a restricted PAL and I thought it was a lot of money back then for a toy.

A few years I saw another one (on the Marstar web site I think) that was selling for around $1000 and I thought "wow, wished I had bought that SP1".

Just my $0.02 but I think it all depends on how much someone wants that 'retro' look of a Vietnam era M16. (cue Rolling Stones 'Paint It Black' above the din of rotating Huey blades)
 
This is a pic of my '82 SP1 which is as you have described, with the plastic cap for the flash hider, original sling, and 20/5 round mag. A buddy bought the same vintage rifle as mine new and has one more mag and the manual. He's sad now that he didn't keep the box it came in!

IMG_0471.jpg
 
BattleRife said:
This description would apply to all SP1 rifles, which were made from 1964 to 1982 or so. What makes you think this one is early? I have never seen a truly "early" SP1 in Canada, it is my experience that most people who describe them as such just don't know the model history that well.
Click to expand...

I know this one has never had a reg cert of any kind (hence the legal difficulties) and that there was more than one.
 
johNTO said:
enefgee,
Care to share where you spotted this fine SP1 as I'm searching for one in minty shape and have my
14" Mossberg SG up listed on the EE as trading bait.
Click to expand...

Have you checked the one out at Precision Arms in King City? I don't know if it's still there but it's listed on the site for $1100.

###.precisionarms.com
 
Z06corvette said:
This is a pic of my '82 SP1 which is as you have described, with the plastic cap for the flash hider, original sling, and 20/5 round mag. A buddy bought the same vintage rifle as mine new and has one more mag and the manual. He's sad now that he didn't keep the box it came in!
Click to expand...

I have an SP1 as well but yours looks brand new! Also gotta say that I love the tile work in the back ground. Looking at some doing some reno's and that gives me some ideas.
 
Thanks on both accounts!

The Colt has been a safe queen and has maybe seen 400 rounds. It really is quite immaculate. The tile was selected by my wife and I when we had our house built 4 years ago.

I'm thinking about letting my SP1 go as my other AR sees the range way more and there are a couple of other guns I would really like. If I had a place to display it then I would probably hang on to it. I have plans for a secure gun room so I'll see if it materializes over the next few months before I commit to anything. I know if I decided to sell the rifle it would go in a heartbeat.
 
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