Kel-Tec SU-16
SU-16 refers to a series of semi-automatic rifles and carbines manufactured by KelTec CNC Industries, Inc. Of Cocoa, Florida, referred to in KelTec's marketing as "Sport Utility rifles". The SU-16 series is notable for its compact, lightweight and simple design; and for being able to be broken down and folded into a compact configuration for transportation and storage.
Kel-Tec SU-16

Rob Hudgins · Own work (Original text: self-made) · Public domain
- Name
- SU-16
- Field
- semi-automatic rifle · carbine
- Region
- United States
VALÉORINE Encyclopedia
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Documentary summary
SU-16 refers to a series of semi-automatic rifles and carbines manufactured by KelTec CNC Industries, Inc. Of Cocoa, Florida, referred to in KelTec's marketing as "Sport Utility rifles". The SU-16 series is notable for its compact, lightweight and simple design; and for being able to be broken down and folded into a compact configuration for transportation and storage.
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Authority files
wikidata · Q6385410
In this article
Overview
Overview
While the barrel, bolt-carrier and mechanism are steel, the SU-16's stock, receiver, and fore end are manufactured of high-strength polymer plastic.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — SU-16 • Origin — United States • Type — Semi-automatic rifle • Is Ranged — yes • Designer — George Kellgren • Manufacturer — KelTec CNC Industries Inc. • Production Date — 2000s–present • Variants — SeeVariants • SU-16A • SU-16B • SU-16C • SU-16CA • SU-16D • Weight — * 5 lbs (SU-16A) • 4.5 lbs (SU-16B) • 4.7 lbs (SU-16C) • 4.7 lbs (SU-16CA) • 3.7 lbs (SU-16D) • Length — Stock Open • 37.4 in (SU-16A) • 35.9 in (SU-16B) • 35.5 in (SU-16C) • 35.9 in (SU-16CA) • 29.9 in (SU-16D) • Stock Closed • 26.4 in (SU-16A) • 24.9 in (SU-16B) • 25.5 in (SU-16C) • 24.9 in (SU-16CA) • 19.9 in (SU-16D) • Part Length — * 18.5 in (SU-16A) • 16 in (SU-16B) • 16 in (SU-16C) • 16 in (SU-16CA) • 9.2 in (SU-16D) • Cartridge — 5.56×45mm NATO/.223 Remington • Action — Gas-operated • Feed — STANAG magazines • Sights — Iron sights
Variants
Variants
• Illustration — SU-16C with stock in folded position • Illustration — SU-16C with stock in fixed position • Illustration — SU-16CA, with added pistol grip, collapsible stock, telescopic sight, and flash hider There are seven variants of the SU-16.
SU-16A
SU-16A
The SU-16A has an 18.5 in barrel and comes with a windage-adjustable hooded light-gathering blade front sight mounted near the muzzle. A Picatinny rail is equipped on the top of the receiver. The stock and trigger mechanism fold down below the upper receiver and clamp to the barrel when the weapon is broken down (the weapon is non-operative when in this configuration). The fore-arm of the rifle opens out into an integrated collapsible bipod. The stock has a hollow recess with spring detents capable of holding two 10-round magazines or one 20- or 30-round magazine.
SU-16B
SU-16B
The SU-16B has the same features of the A model, but has a lighter barrel, an M-16-type adjustable-post front sight, and a windage adjustable rear sight. The B model has been criticized by some users for the light construction of its barrel, which is said to be too light for sustained firing.
SU-16C
SU-16C
The SU-16C has a true folding stock as it can be fired with the stock folded, rather than the folding stock and trigger group design of the other weapons. The C has a medium-weight barrel, presumably in response to the criticism against the lighter barrel of the B model. The barrel is threaded at the muzzle, and can be mounted with accessories, such as a flash-hider. The front sight, which is an M-16 adjustable-post type, is incorporated over the gas block and is not removable. The C also includes a reciprocating dust cover over the ejection port and a case-deflecting charging handle.
SU-16CA
SU-16CA
The SU-16CA model incorporates most of the features of the C model, except for the true folding stock design, instead using the collapsible stock and trigger group design of the A model, which prevents the weapon from being fired when broken-down. This change makes it legal for sale in jurisdictions with an assault weapon ban, such as California.
SU-16D
SU-16D
The SU-16D model is a short-barreled version which makes the weapon NFA-regulated as short barreled rifles, subject to ownership restrictions and transfer taxes. Owing to the short barrel, the D does not include the folding bipod, but otherwise contains the same features as the C model, including the folding buttstock. The D models also include a second bottom-mounted Picatinny rail.
SU-16E
SU-16E
The SU-16E model is a pistol grip version of the rifle, It has a 16-inch barrel, that is also threaded at the muzzle and can be mounted with accessories.
SU-16F
SU-16F
The SU-16f model is a longer barreled version which cannot be fired when broken down. It has an 18.5 inch barrel, making it compliant with the Canadian Firearms Act, making it legal for sale in Canada as a non-restricted rifle. It includes the folding bipod/fore end.
In popular culture
In popular culture
SU-16 is featured in the game THE FINALS, developed by Embark Studios, labelled as Pike-556 and used by Medium Builds.
Places
Named by the record
Places
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- United States
Named but not plotted · 1
Kel-Tec SU-16 is associated with United States.
Country
Primary material
Context
The circumstances in which Kel-Tec SU-16 stands. Recorded as a kind of semi-automatic rifle. Manufactured by Kel-Tec.
References
Citations
References
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authority record
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Further particulars
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Kel-Tec SU-16 is connected to 2 other published records in the VALÉORINE Encyclopedia.
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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