It still retains its original first generation (and very rare) old style, large head, two-piece 'Edgewater' recoil buffer. It retains its original internal parts with the early style selector switch. The bolt is also the early Colt version that is all chrome plated and marked "M" and "P". The carrier has the larger hole in the side for the early solid head machined firing pin keeper. It has the early commercial Colt bolt carrier that lacks the notching on the side later added for the forward assist. The barrel is fitted with the early three-prong flash hider with correct ' checkered ' lock washer. The right side of the barrel beneath the sight post rings is stamped with the proof "M" and triangle Colt stamping. It is fitted with the early original Colt marked parts such as the original non-chrome lined barrel with and "s" & "12" marking. This was the the first full year of Colt AR 15 production.
The lower receiver has the Colt four line markings with the four digit serial number "SER SP 02296" indicating production in 1964. It has the early style upper receiver with no provisions for a forward assist and the correct early Colt "triangle" proof mark on the upper receiver. RIFLE IN FANTASTIC CONDITION! FOUR DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER! One of the nicest examples in existence! NO issues at all and this rifle is 100% correct and all original as issued in 1964! Nothing has been altered, refinished or replaced EVER! This is an outstanding "first year" 1964 production Colt AR-15 SP1 semi-automatic rifle.