Colt SP-1 questions [Archive] - Glock Talk
PDA

View Full Version : Colt SP-1 questions

esh325
10-30-2011, 22:38
Is the barrel on a Colt SP-1 .223 or 5.56? Is the bolt itself made for .223 or 5.56? I know it's not milspec as it has the cut out.
faawrenchbndr
10-31-2011, 02:33
All Colt barrels are chambered in 5.56mm.
There is no designation for a 5.56 or .223 bolt
WayaX
10-31-2011, 07:59
I think you're to the bolt carrier being "M16" vs "AR-15". There is no difference between a 5.56 bolt and a .223 bolt (as faawrenchbnder was saying).
mixflip
10-31-2011, 10:16
My father in laws SP-1 slabside that he bought brand new in 1976 says "cal .223" right on the lower receiver.
TedG
10-31-2011, 11:09
What does it say on the barrel?
wdphillips
10-31-2011, 13:40
I had the same question a couple of days ago. I was getting ready to order some IMI ammo for my 1976 Colt SP1 and I wanted to make sure they would chamber.

I went to Wikipedia and read the history of the AR and convinced myself that the original AR platform was based on the 5.56mm.

I guess I should wonder how reliable is the information on Wikipedia! But I believe it is correct.
TedG
10-31-2011, 14:02
I had the same question a couple of days ago. I was getting ready to order some IMI ammo for my 1976 Colt SP1 and I wanted to make sure they would chamber.

I went to Wikipedia and read the history of the AR and convinced myself that the original AR platform was based on the 5.56mm.

I guess I should wonder how reliable is the information on Wikipedia! But I believe it is correct.

WIKI is only as good as the person that entered the information. It is not to be considered the definative answer for anything.
faawrenchbndr
10-31-2011, 14:15
My father in laws SP-1 slabside that he bought brand new in 1976 says "cal .223" right on the lower receiver.


But the BARREL will state 5,56mm,.....All Colt's are chambered in 5.56mm:whistling:
mixflip
10-31-2011, 19:02
Actually the barrel does not mention any caliber at all? I thought that was odd. It does say MP but no caliber is marked on the barrel? The only caliber mentioned on his SP-1 is on the lower and that says cal.223
wdphillips
10-31-2011, 20:36
Actually the barrel does not mention any caliber at all? I thought that was odd. It does say MP but no caliber is marked on the barrel? The only caliber mentioned on his SP-1 is on the lower and that says cal.223

Mine is as such, no visible caliber markings on the barrel, cal .223 on the lower.

"if your AR is marked C MP it means it was made by Colt and the barrel was magnafluxed and proofed"
faawrenchbndr
11-01-2011, 02:03
Call Colt to verify,.........but, ALL Colt's are chambered in 5.56mm
fnfalman
11-01-2011, 16:22
All of the military semiautos were chambered for 5.56mm regardless of .223 marking. Some back in the days even marked 5.56mm/.223 (Galil for one). They marked the guns that way so that people wouldn't get too confused because both rounds will work.
quichedem
11-03-2011, 20:00
... So can SP-1 owners shoot 5.56?
faawrenchbndr
11-04-2011, 02:04
... So can SP-1 owners shoot 5.56?


As long as you like shooting 5.56mm out of a 5.56mm chamber!:whistling:
wdphillips
11-04-2011, 07:23
The following is a very good explanation of 5.56 versus .223.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MediaPages/ArticleDetail.aspx?mediaid=316
fnfalman
11-04-2011, 09:18
... So can SP-1 owners shoot 5.56?

Yes. But I wouldn't recommend .222 Remington or .220 Swift.:embarassed:
quichedem
11-06-2011, 19:47
As long as you like shooting 5.56mm out of a 5.56mm chamber!:whistling:
Thanks, but I didn't need any smart-ass replies. Please take that foolishness elsewhere...

To the other nice folks who replied: I'm a noob when it comes to these rifles, and I know there is a difference between the .223 and 5.56. I was always told that you use ammunition that the weapon is clearly marked for. I'm assuming SP-1 owners shoot 5.56 in their .223 marked lowers from what I've gathered in the thread. I will call Colt if I feel I need it verified, but I was curious if the SP-1 owners shot 5.56 if their lowers had only ".223" on it.
faawrenchbndr
11-07-2011, 02:20
Lighten up Francis! :laughabove:


I've been shooting the M-16 & AR15 for 27 years. Many answered your questions
here. There is also a TON of info to be found on Google within seconds.
Use it, it's your friend!

Also, try to get a sense of humor,.......try Wam-Mart, isle 43