Colt 601: The AR-15 Becomes a Military Rifle

Published on December 25, 2025
Duration: 0:59

The Colt Model 601, an early AR-15 variant predating the XM16, featured distinct design elements like a triangular charging handle and green fiberglass furniture. It had standard Safe, Semi, and Auto selector settings and lacked a brass deflector or forward assist. The chrome-plated bolt carrier was non-serrated, reflecting its early production phase between Armalite and Colt.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 601 is a rare early AR-15 variant predating the XM16, featuring a triangular charging handle, green fiberglass furniture, and an open three-prong flash hider. It lacked a brass deflector and forward assist, with a flat-sided receiver and a non-serrated, chrome-plated bolt carrier.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt Model 601
  2. 00:11Selector Settings and Production History
  3. 00:22External Features and Furniture
  4. 00:35Receiver and Bolt Carrier Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt Model 601 significant in AR-15 history?

The Colt Model 601 is significant as an extremely rare, early version of the AR-15 that predates the XM16. It represents a crucial transitional phase between Armalite's design and Colt's military production, showcasing initial design choices before military adoption.

What are the key visual differences of the Colt 601 compared to later AR-15s?

The Colt 601 features a triangular charging handle, green fiberglass handguards, an open three-prong flash hider, and lacks a brass deflector or forward assist. Its receiver is also flat-sided with an exposed magazine release.

What caliber was the Colt Model 601 chambered in?

The Colt Model 601 was chambered in .223 Remington, which is functionally equivalent to the 5.56mm NATO cartridge used in later military variants.

What type of bolt carrier did the Colt 601 use?

The Colt 601 utilized a chrome-plated bolt carrier. Notably, it lacked serrations because the rifle was not equipped with a forward assist feature.

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