From the Vault: Colt Model 601 Rifle
This video offers a rare, hands-on look at an original Colt Model 601 rifle, discovered at Rock Island Auctions. The hosts, Paul Levy and Keith Ford, detail the rifle's historical significance as the first Colt/Armalite rifle adopted by the U.S. Air Force in 1960. They highlight key original features such as its full-auto capability, steel 'waffle' magazine, slab-sided lower receiver, cast front sight base, 'Duckbill' flash suppressor, unique charging handle, green-painted fiberglass stock, and triangle handguard. The video also contrasts this highly valuable original with the more accessible Brownells BRN-601™ Retro Rifle™ replica, emphasizing that the replica offers the same authentic details for practical shooting.










