SU16 Design
The KelTec SU16 is basically the rifle-caliber version of the SUB2000. This lightweight 5.56-chambered rifle features a 16-inch barrel, accepts common AR-pattern magazines, and easily folds in half for storage.
Related Review: Keltec SUB2000 – Tricked-Out Truck Gun
The SU-16 is a member of KelTec’s sport utility line, offering an alternative 5.56 rifle in a market dominated by the AR-15. The SU16 is a long-stroke gas piston action similar to that of the M1 Garand or the AK-47. The long-stroke piston is known for reliability, while it also keeps the chamber much cleaner than the direct-impingement design of the AR-15.
Staying true to its model designation, the SU16 is a utility rifle with a built-in bipod that doubles as a handguard when folded. In a survival situation, this allows the shooter to take more accurate shots from the prone, supported position. The rifle features basic controls, with a cross-bolt safety button and a magazine release button. The top of the receiver features a Picatinny rail for optics, although it is shorter than most rails, limiting some options.
Related Review: KelTec SU22 – Versatile Folding Tactical Trainer
The rifle feeds from standard AR-pattern magazines, and the stock is designed to house two spare 10-round magazines. The short nature of the 10-round magazine makes it easy to fold the gun for storage. Speaking of folding, the stock and pistol grip of the firearm are hinged by a fixed retention pin and locked by a removable rear retention pin. This also means the rifle can be divided in half for storage.
On the Range
The SU16 feels familiar. While it does not have the traditional pistol grip of the AR-15, the controls are in a similar arrangement. I tend to complain about recoil on 5.56-chambered piston guns, as sometimes the harder recoil impulse can negate the low recoil advantage of the 5.56 round, but I think the SU16 has a reasonable recoil impulse.
This rifle does not have a threaded barrel or muzzle device, and holy fireball! I shot a mixture of ammunition, and all of it was very flashy. This is also limiting, because I have become snobby about shooting suppressed, and I hate that I can’t quiet this rifle.
Accuracy is always key with any firearm, so I threw on a Vortex Viper HD 3-15X scope on a Midwest industries mount and took the SU16 out to 100 yards. Yes, probably too much scope for this rifle, but with some 55-grain .223 Fiocchi range ammo, the rifle printed a respectable group a little over 2 MOA.
After about 500 rounds with no malfunctions and a solid performance on target, this is one of my favorite KelTecs. The rifle has potential, and it’s extremely enjoyable to shoot. A “5.56 version of the SUB2000” is the perfect way to describe it.
Pros & Cons
