Kel-Tec SU-16
Kel-Tec CNC Industries · Carbine · In Production · 2003
Also known as: SU16, Sport Utility Rifle
Overview
The Kel-Tec SU-16 is a polymer-framed, gas-piston operated semi-automatic carbine in 5.56x45mm NATO that accepts standard AR-15 magazines. Designed by George Kellgren as a lightweight, affordable 'Sport Utility Rifle,' it weighs as little as 2 kg empty depending on variant. Distinctive features include a folding stock that can be fired from the folded position, integrated bipod-style forend, and on the SU-16A/B/C, a hollow stock that stores two spare 10-round magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2100 g (74.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 912 mm (35.91") |
| Folded Length | 632 mm (24.88") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1750 J (1291 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Trigger Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Ar15 Magazine Compatible, Integrated Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Iron Sights, Magazine Storage In Stock, Integrated Bipod Forend, Firing With Stock Folded
Variants
- Kel-Tec SU-16A — Original 18 5 Inch Barrel
- Kel-Tec SU-16B — 16 Inch Lightweight Barrel
- Kel-Tec SU-16C — Side Folding Stock
- Kel-Tec SU-16CA — Underfolding Stock Threaded Barrel
- Kel-Tec SU-16D9 — 9 Inch Nfa Barrel
- Kel-Tec SU-16D12 — 12 Inch Nfa Barrel
- Kel-Tec SU-16E — M4 Style Collapsible Stock
Service history
Operators
- U.S. civilian market · adopted 2003
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Civilian sporting rifle; production figures not published by Kel-Tec.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: George Kellgren
Notes
The SU-16 was Kel-Tec's first long-arm chambered for an intermediate cartridge, sharing design DNA with the company's earlier Grendel SRT-20. Currently sold by Kel-Tec under the SU16 product family.
Background
The SU-16's hollow stock cleverly doubles as a magazine carrier, holding two spare 10-round mags inside the buttstock and turning the rifle into its own emergency-kit ammo dispenser. The integrated bipod folds out from the forend grip, making it one of the few carbines under 5 lbs with a built-in shooting rest.