(N) COLT ARMALITE MODEL 01 MACHINE GUN, THE FORERUNNER OF M16 (CURIO & RELIC).

This is a highly desirable, early, and unaltered version of what would go on to become the iconic M16 machine gun. The left side of the magazine well is marked with the Rampant Colt logo within a circle next to "COLT", which is above "ARMALITE AR15/ PATENTS PENDING/ CAL .223/ MODEL 01" over the serial number, with "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MFG. CO./ HARTFORD, CONN./ U.S.A." above the selector on the left side. Rifle features some noticeable early production features, including the three-prong flash hider, machined front sight base, chromed bolt and bolt carrier assembly, non-chrome lined barrel, lack of a bolt forward assist, distinctive early style (smaller) charging handle, and rounded buttplate. Examine the photographs closely and see the differences. One original, early, 20 round, “waffle” magazine is included with this lot. Electronic NFA registry indicates, “COLT” in the manufacturer’s block. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent original factory gray anodized finish with some slight handling marks. Barrel and flash hider are a matte blue finish. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face near excellent. This is a select-fire machine gun. Of particular interest on this specimen is that the pistol grip on this gun is of the original brown which was factory-painted to black. This black has started to flake off, revealing the brown composite underneath. A very desirable example of an unaltered Colt/Armalite AR-15 Model 01 machine gun, that served as the predecessor for one of the most iconic firearms of all time. A rare opportunity for the discerning collector of historic U.S. automatic arms. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2026-09-128.

Name

Value

Accessories

1 magazine total

Barrel Length

20"

Caliber/Bore

.223 Remington

FFL Status

NFA

Manufacturer

Colt