FN 15 Guardian: Battle Rifle DNA in a Sub-$1K Carbine

The next generation of FN rifles is here with the debut of the FN 15 Guardian. From the company that brought you the SCAR and builds machine guns for the U.S. military, the Guardian marks some new ground for the FN 15 Series, with an MSRP of $999. But despite the better price, FN claims this rifle still derives from the same GI-quality battle rifles FN is known for the world over.

FN 15 Guardian Rifles

The 15 Guardian becomes the latest in the civilian FN 15 Series of rifles. As such, it brings qualities making this platform suitable for a wide range of activities, from sport shooting to defense. Chambered in 5.56 and weighing just 6.6 pounds, the Guardian sits somewhere between entry level and high-end operator or competitor-grade build. In fact, it brings quite a few components you won’t have to upgrade to get to that next level.

Take the 15-inch M-LOK free-floated aluminum handguard, which provides a solid choice for any build. It delivers plenty of attachment surfaces for nearly any possible optic and/or accessory combo. Inside, a MIL-B-11595 CMV barrel brings the heart of the rifle. FN is known for its quality barrel making, so expect an accurate, dependable barrel. The 16-inch, button-broached, hybrid-profile barrel utilizes a 1:7 twist and classic A2-style flash hider. FN machines the barrel from 4150 chome-moly vandium steel, high-pressure tested (HPT), magnetic particle inspected (MPI) and certified. The nitride finish protects against corrosion resistance.

“High quality and affordability don’t typically go hand-in-hand, but today’s buyer deserves to have the best of both worlds when they’re investing their hard-earned money into a rifle. That’s why we chose to develop the FN 15 Guardian,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “As a leader in barrel manufacturing, FN has some of the most sought-after and high-quality AR-style rifles in the industry. For the release of the FN 15 Guardian, we focused our energy into creating an extremely high-value, reliable carbine that carries the legacy of our manufacturing expertise to new FN customers.”

The Guardian joins the FN 15 series of rifles.

Built to Run

The bolt carrier group comes machine from 9310 alloy steel, also nitrided and HP/MPI tested. It features a sealed gas key, torqued and staked. The mid-length gas system and low-profile gas block deliver reliable operation and reduce felt recoil, according to FN.

“When we created the specification for the FN 15 Guardian, our focus was on perfecting the foundation of the rifle to ensure the high standards for FN quality remained, cutting corners to reduce the purchase price was not an option, our customers expect more from our brand and we have to deliver on that trust.” said Scott Vilardi, Senior Product Manager for Law Enforcement and Commercial Carbines. “When you handle our newest carbine at the gun counter and shoot it on the range, you’ll notice the premium fit and finish stands out at this price tier. We’ve paid special attention to the core components to overdeliver on accuracy potential, ergonomics and fast-handling capability. With the new Guardian, FN customers have a dependable and high-quality carbine that’s ready to perform right out of the box and can be easily customized with most AR-pattern components.”

The new 15 Guardian debuts at $999. — (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

Reimagined Look & Feel

The slick-sided receiver on the FN 15 Guardian brings a sleek look. Reducing snagging surfaces, the platform eliminates the forward assist yet maintains the brass deflector and ejection port cover. The Mil-Spec charging handle and safety selector provide a familiar feel and manual of arms.

FN machines the lower receiver from 7075 aluminum forgings. It features hard coat anodizing finish for durability. The carbine also comes equipped with a single-stage Mil-Spec trigger ranging from 4.75-7.5 pounds. A six-position stock includes three sling attachment points and anti-snag latch for tight lockup to the buffer tube, eliminating rattle, according to FN. A custom-designed FN 30-round magazine with anti-tilt follower rounds out the package.

For even more info, please visit fnamerica.com.

FN 15 Guardian Features & Specs

Caliber: 5.56x56mm
Magazine: 30 rounds
Overall Weight: 6.6 pounds
Overall Length: 32.1-35.5 inches
Barrel: 16 inch, precision-turned, 1:7 twist
Operation: Direct Impingement,
Gas System: Mid-Length, Low-Profile Gas Block
Finish: Black Anodize
Forend: 15-inch; Picatinny and M-LOK
Bolt Carrier: 8620 steel, nitride-coated bolt carrier, 9310 steel, MPI bolt
Receiver: Slick-side upper receiver
Furniture: Custom FN 6-position buttstock; FN pistol grip
Trigger: Mil-Spec trigger
Operating Controls: Mil-Spec charging handle, safety selector
MSRP: $999

Editor’s Take

It’s pretty hard these days to launch another AR-15 and somehow make it new and unique. But FN made some really smart choices to set the Guardian apart from the rest of the FN 15 Series. First off, it provides a less-costly price tag, yet still delivers on the FN logo on the receiver. But not simply stamping it into the side, the rifle brings the core features and ideals that make an FN rifle what it is.

Built around a superior barrel, surrounded with quality components desired by shooters, the Guardian brings a lot to the table. In fact, plus up to the aftermarket trigger, charging handle and muzzle device of your choice, and suddenly you have a rifle rivaling most any on the firing line. That’s what you get when you buy an FN.