FN Expands AR Line with New FN-15 Guardian: First Look

FN America is pleased to announce the launch of the FN 15 Guardian, the newest addition to the company’s modern sporting rifle product line. This carbine is derived from FN’s battle-proven blueprint, delivering FN reliability to all sport shooters and personal protectors who value affordable quality. Chambered in 5.56 and weighing in at 6.6 pounds, the direct-impingement rifle is outfitted with a 15-inch M-LOK free-floated aluminum handguard and MIL-B-11595 CMV barrel. These premium, FN factory-installed upgrades produce tack-driving accuracy, add customization options, and improve handling.

“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 FN 15 Guardian is chambered in 5.56x45mm and features a 16-inch button-broached, hybrid-profile barrel with 1:7 twist finished with the classic A2-style flash hider that reduces visible flash during fire. The barrel is machined from 4150 chrome-moly vanadium steel that has been high-pressure tested (HPT), magnetic particle inspected (MPI) and certified, and nitrided to deliver an extremely durable, hardened surface finish that provides corrosion resistance. Paired with the free-floated handguard, accuracy potential is greatly improved, the Guardian is able to shoot sub-minute groups with match-grade factory ammunition to extend target engagement ranges.

The bolt carrier group is machined from 9310 alloy steel that has also been nitrided and HP/MPI tested and certified for enhanced strength and durability, and the gas key has been sealed, torqued and staked. The mid-length gas system and low-profile gas block work seamlessly together to ensure reliable operation, while reducing felt recoil.

The lightweight, 15-inch aluminum handguard attaches to the upper receiver via a robust mounting system that securely fastens to the receiver and enables a fully free floated barrel for enhanced accuracy. The handguard features a continuous top rail and 24 M-LOK slots at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions, providing ample space for mounting sights, optics and other accessories. 

“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.”

For a streamlined look and feel, as well as reduced snag points, the slick-sided upper receiver eliminates the forward assist while still featuring a brass deflector and ejection port cover to keep spent brass from ejecting back toward the user as well as dirt and debris from entering the moving parts group of the rifle. Additionally, the upper receiver features a tried-and-true MIL-SPEC charging handle and safety selector lever for ease of operation.

The lower receiver is machined from a 7075-aluminum forging that has been hard coat anodized for premium surface finish and durability. The carbine is complete with a single-stage MIL-SPEC trigger that ranges from 4.75 – 7.5 pounds along with FN’s custom-designed 30-round magazine and furniture, developed for improved ergonomics and handling.

The custom furniture package, also offered as individual accessories, include the 30-round magazine with in-mold stippled grip texture, polymer matrix construction and anti-tilt follower. A six-position glass-filled polymer stock has three sling attachment points and an anti-snag latch for a tight lockup to the buffer tube, eliminating rattle. The pistol grip is molded with the same durable, polymer matrix material, an optimal 19.5-degree grip angle and in-mold stippled texture to improve control and handling.

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The FN 15 Guardian has a suggested retail price of $999.00 and ships with one 30-round magazine packaged in a unique branded cardboard box with owner’s manual. In addition to the Guardian, the FN 15 series of modern sporting rifles include the FN 15 TAC3 and DMR3, along with a complete line of accessories like upper and lower receivers, barrels, furniture and magazines.

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