My son interested in an AR-15; needs advice. I'm an M-1 guy, can you help?

[Louis of PA]

My son Sean has been installing HVAC at a man's home, and the fellow has numerous rifles and shotguns. He might sell his Colt AR-15 to my son, and neither of us know how to evaluate it. Its serial number is SP1 1993. Sean thinks it's from around 1960.

What should we look for? Are gauges available to check muzzle and throat wear? Will appreciate any advice you can provide.
Louis of PA

[k arga]

go to retoblackrifle .com, that should help, looks to be built in 1964

[k arga]

i'm wrong 1972

[bd1]

I'd encourage son to check out some A2/A3 AR's and their offshoots and decide for himself how he wants to go with his first one. If it's still the SP1 at a fair price, nothing wrong with that.

[Griff Murphey]

The SP-1 is a pretty fair representation of a late Vietnam era service rifle, except there is no forward assist. Mine shoots about as well as my HBAR. And I really never use the forward assist feature on that HBAR.

[Skeet6]

That is a very early SP-1 and is collectible in it's own right! (As stated, check out retroblackrifle.com).
Mike B

[Roscoe Snyder]

I'm going to stick my neck out and guess that the SN should be SP11993. Which still makes it 1968 and a nice find.

[Col. Colt]

Very nice acquisition, if it happens. The early SP1s are very collectable, and if it already has been shot a bit, shootable. If it's a mint, unfired gun then I'd keep it that way - have him ask about box and papers, too. And yes, the Vietnam era guns shoot quite well. CC