FN 15 Guardian 5.56 NATO
Model: 36-100740
FN 15 Guardian 5.56 NATO
Model: 36-100740
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The FN 15 Guardian is FN America's entry-level AR-15, built on the same Columbia, SC manufacturing line that produces their military contract rifles. The 16-inch barrel uses 4150 chrome moly vanadium steel with a nitride finish and 1:7 twist, paired with a 9310 steel bolt carrier group. The 7075-T6 aluminum receivers get a hard coat anodized finish. At 105.6 oz (6.6 lbs), it runs heavier than most rifles in FN's own lineup, partly due to the standard-profile barrel.
FN ships the Guardian with a 6-position collapsible stock, M-LOK and Picatinny rail compatibility, and a standard A2 flash hider. No iron sights are included, so budget for optics and backup sights from the start. The mil-spec single-stage trigger and standard safety selector keep things simple, and the 30-round magazine is a single Magpul PMAG.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Built on FN's military production line with a 4150 CMV nitride barrel and 9310 steel bolt, giving it the same base metallurgy as their contract rifles
- The M-LOK and Picatinny rail system accepts most aftermarket handguards, lights, and grips without adapter plates
- Straightforward mil-spec controls make it easy for new AR owners to find compatible parts and accessories
- At 105.6 oz (6.6 lbs), it is noticeably heavier than the FN 15 SRP G2 at 100 oz and the SAINT Edge at 99 oz
- No iron sights are included, so the rifle is not functional out of the box without purchasing an optic or sight set separately
Category Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the FN 15 Guardian compare to the FN 15 SRP G2?
The Guardian is FN's entry-level model with a standard-profile nitride barrel, mil-spec trigger, and no iron sights. The SRP G2 adds a manganese phosphate barrel finish, folding metal sights, an A2 compensator, and is 5.6 oz lighter at 100 oz. The SRP G2 also has a higher trigger pull weight at 6.3 lbs, but the overall parts selection leans more toward duty use.
What optic mount system does the Guardian use?
The flat-top upper receiver has a standard Picatinny rail that accepts any MIL-STD-1913 optic mount. This covers virtually every red dot, LPVO, and magnified scope mount on the market. The M-LOK handguard slots accept Picatinny rail sections for mounting a front sight, laser, or light at various positions along the forend.