BOOK REVIEW: A Collectors Guide to the Colt AR-15 SP1 Sporter Rifle
I have long been a fan of the Colt AR-15 SP1 Sporter Rifle. When I bought my Colt SP1 in 1982 you had two choices in the purchase of the AR-15, a Colt SP1 Sporter rifle or a Colt SP1 Sporter Carbine. That was it as there were no other makers. I chose the rifle. The price was $500. I shot my SP1 a lot back in the day and used that rifle to compete in early IPSC 3-gun matches. It remains one of my favorite rifles; it is accurate, light weight, and easy to shoot.
One of my gun regrets is that I didn’t buy a Colt SP1 Sporter Carbine back when they were readily available and inexpensive. I have had the opportunity to shot them and at about 5-3/4 pounds they are amazingly light and fast handling, and are as accurate as the rifle.
In 2000, when Walt and I began working on the first version of “The AR-15 Complete Owner’s Guide” I became aware that the Colt SP1s had developed quite the collectors following. In that book we attempted to provide as many details as we could on the early parts variations. It turns out we had barely scratched the surface.
In late September 2021, my friend Perry Cox sent me an email announcing the publication of he and Bruce Kaufman’s new book entitled A COLLECTORS GUIDE TO THE COLT AR-15 SP1 SPORTER RIFLE. He sent me a copy and to say the least, I was very impressed. And I discovered how little Walt and I knew about the early SP1s and the changes that transpired during its period of production.
Most firearms collectors want to know when their arm was made and what it looked like when it left the factory. If like me, you are a fan of the Colt AR-15 SP1 Sporter Rifle, you now have the answers to those questions, and much, much more. The book is 8-1/2” x 11”, 136 pages, over 500 color photos, high quality coated paper, laminated color cover, perfect bound soft cover.
Covered thoroughly in text and photos are details on every change to every part presented in chronological order from 1964 through 1984. Also covered are Colt magazines, manuals, cleaning equipment, slings, shipping boxes, hang tags, muzzle caps, scopes, and Colt military issue bayonets & scabbards. Also featured are Quick Reference Sections to make looking up a rifle quick and easy. This is a book written by collectors, for collectors.
BY SCOTT DUFF
Buy these books today! “The NEW AR-15 Complete Owner’s Guide” or “The AR-15 Complete AR-15 Assembly Guide” or get the AR-15 bundle.
If you own a Colt AR-15 SP1 Sporting Rifle or Carbine, this book is a must have.
You can order a copy directly from Perry Cox by sending a $30 + $6 shipping to:
Perry Cox
PO Box 72765
Phoenix, AZ 85050
For questions or inquires on quantity orders contact Perry at perrydcox@aol.com
