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Kel-Tec SU-16
Photo: Rob Hudgins · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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Kel-TecSU-16

Carbines · United States · 2000
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Kel-TecSU-16

Kel-Tec SU-16
Kel-Tec SU-16 Photo: Rob Hudgins · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Compactness
75
Manoeuvrability
70
Firepower
60
Accuracy
65
Effective Range
55
Reliability
70
Modularity
60
Ergonomics
50
Versatility
65
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin United States
ManufacturerKel-Tec
CategoryCarbines
EraPost-Cold War
In service2000
Operators1 countries
Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
66
Carbines MASS Rating
11/14
Post-Cold War
21/46
All-Time
Carbines · 10 axes scored
Compactness
75
Manoeuvrability
70
Firepower
60
Accuracy
65
Effective Range
55
Reliability
70
Modularity
60
Ergonomics
50
Versatility
65
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the carbines category.
01 / Overview
Kel-Tec SU-16
Category
Prime contractor
Production
2000–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
CARBINES · POST-COLD WAR
11
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
90
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
66
carbines category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the carbines category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General3MOD.3
  • First Production Year2000
  • DesignerGeorge Kellgren
  • Weight (Empty)2.27 kg
◈Cartridge & Calibre3MOD.3
  • Calibre5.56 mm
  • Case Length45 mm
  • Bullet Weight4 g
▣Operation3MOD.3
◇Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
◆Construction1MOD.1
▤Features1MOD.1
⬢Production & Cost2MOD.2
  • Production Start2000
  • Variants7
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2000Production started
26
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
A pistol barrel with external helical grooves allowing the attachment of a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Carbines entry →