The Colt M5 SCW 5.56 NATO SBR (brand part no. CM556-10H-M5S-SCW) is a factory-built National Firearms Act Title II short-barreled rifle on Colt’s redesigned M5 carbine platform. 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 suits shooters who want a genuine Colt-built compact SBR with the latest M5-generation receiver improvements.

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 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.

Is a folding-stock version available? Yes, Colt also offers this same M5 SCW SBR with a folding stock configuration as a separate SKU.

Buy the Colt M5 SCW SBR

A genuine Colt-built SBR on the latest-generation M5 platform. Contact our Lubbock, Texas shop to start your NFA paperwork with an SOT-licensed dealer.