FBI HRT Type Folding Carbine — 11.5" SBR | Built by Potomac Armory to Federal Law Enforcement Spec
Before civilian SBRs with folding braces became a cottage industry, the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team developed something more purposeful: a compact carbine that folded in half for concealed carry and deployed in an instant for hostage rescue operations. This is CCC's custom HRT-type folding carbine, built by Potomac Armory to the specification of federal law enforcement agencies — an 11.5" SBR with a functional folding stock, optimized for suppressed fire and close-quarters work.
The HRT Folder's Purpose
The FBI HRT folding carbine solves a specific tactical problem: how do you carry a rifle-caliber weapon concealed — in a vehicle, under a coat, in a case that looks like a laptop bag — and deploy it instantly when the situation changes? The answer was the folder. When closed, the SBR collapses to a size that fits in a backpack. When opened, it locks into a full rifle configuration ready to fire.
Potomac Armory built these specifically for federal law enforcement agencies — HRT and regional FBI SWAT units. The parts list reflects that provenance: traditional FBI-spec components assembled to the same standard that equipped agents operating in the most demanding environments the Bureau faces. CCC has stocked these since 2017, and they are not widely available elsewhere.
Who This Is For
Collectors of law enforcement and special unit firearms who want a genuine HRT-type build, not an approximation. Enthusiasts building reference-correct FBI configurations. Those who appreciate the engineering problem the folder solves and want to own the solution.
What You Should Know Before Buying
This is a registered Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) with an 11.5" barrel — NFA item requiring Form 4 transfer and $200 tax stamp (tax stamp fee eliminated January 1, 2026 — see ATF for current requirements). FFL/SOT dealer transfer required. The folder mechanism is functional; confirm stock/brace legal status in your jurisdiction. Suppressor-ready — see KAC NT4 and compatible suppressor options at CCC.
Pair With
→ Colt FBI HRT 11.5" SOCOM Barrel (standalone component)
This is a specialized, uncommon configuration. CCC is the right place to ask questions about it — we've been handling law enforcement and special unit clone builds since 2017 and we know this rifle's history.
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
Potomac Armory
