FN 15 Tactical Carbine
FN America · Carbine · In Production · 2014
Also known as: FN-15 Tactical, FN15 Tactical Carbine
Overview
The FN 15 Tactical Carbine is a semi-automatic carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by FN America since 2014. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3039 g (107.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3479 g (122.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 905 m/s (2969 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1640 J (1210 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Free Float Handguard, Mid Length Gas System, Collapsible Stock, Accessory Rail, Forward Assist, Dust Cover, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail
Variants
- FN 15 Tactical II — Modernized
- FN 15 TAC3 — Modernized
- FN 15 Patrol Carbine — Law Enforcement
- FN 15 SRP G2 — Law Enforcement
Service history
Operators
- United States Law Enforcement · adopted 2014 · as FN 15 Tactical
- United Kingdom Police Forces · as FN 15 ASR
- Federal Law Enforcement Agencies · as FN 15
Production
Estimated total produced: 130,000 · Production years: 2014-present
Over 130,000 FN 15 series rifles (all variants combined) delivered to law enforcement, federal agencies, and commercial customers as of 2018.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Eugene Stoner
Notes
FN America leverages its parent company FN Herstal's 130+ years of firearms manufacturing expertise, including production of millions of M16 and M4 rifles for the U.S. military. The FN 15 Tactical Carbine uses the same cold hammer-forging process and chrome-lining techniques found in military contract weapons. The 1:7 twist rate stabilizes heavier 62-77 grain bullets, including military M855A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds. FN's chrome-lined barrels and chambers significantly extend service life and enhance corrosion resistance compared to non-chrome-lined competitors. Over 130,000 FN 15 series rifles have been delivered to law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, and commercial customers since introduction. The UK Police Primary Carbine System Framework Agreement selected the FN 15 ASR (Advanced Semi-automatic Rifle) variant for British police forces. FN America consolidated its FN Manufacturing (Columbia, SC) and FNH USA (McLean, VA) subsidiaries in 2014, coinciding with the FN 15's commercial launch. The rifle accepts standard AR-15/M16 magazines and parts, ensuring broad compatibility and aftermarket support.
Background
The FN 15 Tactical Carbine carries an unusual pedigree in the AR-15 market-its DNA comes directly from the same Belgian company that has manufactured millions of M16s and M4s for actual military service. When law enforcement agencies needed rifles they could trust as much as military-issue weapons but adapted for civilian legal frameworks, FN didn't design something new. They simply brought their military manufacturing standards to Columbia, South Carolina.