Manufactured shortly after the acquisition of the AR-15 patents from ArmaLite, this Colt Model 01 holds an important place in the history of 20th century arms development, representing the beginnings of what would become one of the signature weapons of the late 20th century up to the current day. While troubled by some growing pains, the AR-15 design grew to become the de facto standard in small bore defense/combat rifles, and still remains the one to beat for anyone trying to become the next big thing. Many early features are present on this rifle, including a tapered "duck bill" three-prong flash hider, unmarked barrel, cast and milled front sight base with bayonet lug, black painted triangular handguard, windage-adjustable two-leaf rear sight, upper receiver with no deflector or forward assist, first style triangular charging handle, early bolt catch with tapered and serrated lower surface, and the early "slab sided" lower receiver. The magazine well is marked with the Colt logo over "ARMALITE AR15/PATENTS PENDING/CAL. .223/MODEL 01/SERIAL 000594", with a right handed "SAFE/SEMI/AUTO" selector unit, checkered grip, and smooth buttstock with a ribbed buttplate (no trapdoor). The bolt assembly is the early pattern, with a fine chrome finish on the bolt, bolt carrier and gas block, blued firing pin with cylindrical head, with the carrier unmarked and properly devoid of serrations for the forward assist, a "split pin" solid bolt retention pin, and a "P" marked bolt. The bore is chrome lined through the length, with rifle pattern feed ramps and a two-piece buffer is installed. Includes a February 1960 Colt AR-15 manual.

Excellent, with 97% plus original matte black phosphate finish, showing some minor scratches on the front sight base and light handling marks overall. The furniture is very fine, with some flaking of the paint on the forearm and mild scratches on the buttstock. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.