The Colt M5 SCW Folding Stock SBR is the 10.3-inch Sub-Compact Weapon configuration of Colt’s M5 Carbine in 5.56 NATO, here with a folding stock (Colt part no. CM556-10H-M5S-SCW-F). Colt redesigned the M5’s upper and lower receivers with fully ambidextrous controls and a true free-float barrel system, and the SCW takes that platform down to its most compact form. The 7-sided Magpul M-LOK handguard carries an uninterrupted MIL-STD-1913 top rail for optics and lights, with a keyed anti-rotation tab at the receiver. A Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle and a chrome-lined, 1:7 Cr-Mo-V barrel come standard. The folding stock shortens the rifle further for storage and transport in a vehicle or pack.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is 5.56 NATO, the M4 and M5 family cartridge.
• Barrel length is 10.3 inches, the shortest M5 barrel Colt builds.
• The barrel is chrome-lined Cr-Mo-V steel with a 1:7 twist, HP and MPI tested by Colt.
• Magazine capacity is 30 rounds, the standard AR-15 load.
• The stock is a folding design, which cuts stowed length for vehicle or pack storage.
• Controls are fully ambidextrous, covering the selector, magazine catch and bolt catch and release.
• The barrel is true free floating, isolated by the upper receiver design for repeatable accuracy.
• The handguard is a 7-sided Magpul M-LOK design with an uninterrupted MIL-STD-1913 top rail.
• The charging handle is a Radian Raptor ambidextrous unit, quick to work from either side.
• The lower receiver is forged 7075-T6 aluminum for a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ATF approval to buy this? No. As of October 9, 2026, ATF no longer requires Form 4 approval, registration or a tax stamp for short-barreled rifles. It transfers on a Form 4473 with a background check through a Class 3 (SOT) dealer. State and local laws still apply. Taking an SBR across state lines still requires an approved ATF Form 5320.20.

How does it differ from the standard M5 SCW? It is the same 10.3-inch M5 SCW rifle with a folding stock, which shortens it for storage and transport.

What does SCW stand for? Sub-Compact Weapon, Colt’s name for the most compact 10.3-inch M5 configuration.

Buy the Colt M5 SCW Folding Stock SBR, 10.3-Inch

As of October 9, 2026, this short-barreled rifle transfers on a Form 4473 with a background check at your Class 3 (SOT) dealer, with no Form 4 or tax stamp; state and local laws still apply. Order through Colt‘s short-barreled rifles lineup and our Lubbock, Texas team will handle the transfer.