The Colt M5 SCW Folding Stock 5.56 NATO SBR (brand part no. CM556-10H-M5S-SCW-F) is a factory-built National Firearms Act Title II short-barreled rifle on Colt’s redesigned M5 carbine platform, fitted with a side-folding stock for a shorter stowed length. Colt builds the M5 SCW around an updated lower and upper receiver shared across the M5 family, delivering enhanced receiver and rail rigidity while preserving compatibility with standard AR-pattern accessories, paired with a 10.3-inch barrel and fully integrated ambidextrous controls. Because the 10.3-inch barrel falls well under the NFA’s 16-inch minimum, this rifle transfers as a registered SBR, not a standard Title I long gun. Among our short-barreled rifles, the M5 SCW Folding suits shooters who want the shortest possible stowed length for vehicle or pack storage.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is 5.56 NATO.
• The barrel is 10.3 inches long.
• The federal classification is NFA Title II Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR).
• The stock is a side-folding stock for reduced stowed length.
• The receiver is Colt’s redesigned M5 upper and lower, shared across the M5 family for enhanced rigidity.
• The magazine capacity is 30 rounds.
• The controls are fully ambidextrous (selector, magazine catch, bolt release).
• The finish is black.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this rifle an NFA item? Yes. At 10.3 inches, the barrel is well under the 16-inch minimum for a standard rifle, making this a registered Short-Barreled Rifle. It transfers through an NFA-licensed (SOT) dealer via ATF Form 4, with a background check and approval before you can take delivery.

What does the transfer cost and how long does it take? As of January 1, 2026, the federal NFA transfer tax was reduced to $0 under the OBBBA. You will still need to work with an SOT dealer and wait for ATF Form 4 approval, which can take weeks depending on current processing times.

Can I fire the rifle with the stock folded? Follow Colt’s owner’s manual guidance on the folding stock before firing with it folded; most folding-stock ARs are intended to fire with the stock deployed.

Buy the Colt M5 SCW Folding SBR

A genuine Colt-built SBR with a folding stock for compact storage. Contact our Lubbock, Texas shop to start your NFA paperwork with an SOT-licensed dealer.