FULLY TRANSFERABLE, FIRST RUN COLT ARMALITE AR15 MODEL 01 WITH 3 DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER. THE ORIGINAL M16

FULLY TRANSFERABLE, FIRST RUN COLT ARMALITE AR15 MODEL 01 WITH 3 DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER. THE ORIGINAL M16

03-2136 | Cal. .223. | S# 000606. | Bbl. 20″.

An extremely rare opportunity to own a very early, original version of the first Colt / Armalite AR-15. This is the gun that started what would lead to not only holding the title of becoming the longest serving standard rifle in United States Military history, but in its civilian configuration, to also hold the title of highest selling, most popular, modern sporting rifle in the United States for approximately 2 decades. It all started w/ this rifle, manufactured in the early 1960s, simply called the Model 01. The first production run consisted of only 10 rifles, made by Armalite & provided to the United States Military for testing. Similar to the AR-10 rifles, it had the charging handle inside the carry handle, located above the bolt carrier. This is an example of the first Colt / Armalite AR15 production run as it entered service in the United States military in the early 1960s, and it still remains unmolested & original, to this day. The threaded muzzle is terminated w/ the correct 3-prong “duckbill” flash hider. Protected post front sight, gas block / bayonet lug. The triangular “beavertail” handguards are black, w/ light flecks of the original brown fiberglass & green paint visible under close inspection. Handguards retained w/ strait profile delta ring. The slab-side lower receiver displays original pins & parts that would soon be upgraded in future models, such as the following: early front takedown pin w/ detent, early mag release w/ strait lines instead of circular, early bolt release w/ tapered bottom, early safety / selector w/ divots & raised cross marking on right side of mag-well to the rear of the front pivot pin . The black painted shoulder stock has several small scratches & flakes where the brown fiberglass can be seen under close inspection w/ 1-piece rubber buttplate & sling swivel w/ front & rear movement, center pinned. Original “Edgewater” design buffer. The upper receiver also carries several signs of its early pedigree in the following ways; no sight directional arrow at rear of carry handle, triangle & square “C” located in front of ejection port, original square plate on ejection port cover, chrome bolt & bolt carrier w/ no forward assist interface surface, & original triangular charging handle. Currently sporting dark green canvas sling. MAGS: It still even retains the original “waffle pattern” 20 rd. magazine w/ Armalite AR-15 floor plate. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. STATUS: CURIO CLASS III.