While the barrel, bolt-carrier and mechanism are steel, the SU-16's stock, receiver, and forend are manufactured of high-strength polymer plastic.

The SU-16A has an 18.5 in (470 mm) barrel and comes with a windage-adjustable hooded light-gathering blade front sight mounted near the muzzle.

[3] The C also includes a reciprocating dust cover over the ejection port and a case-deflecting charging handle.

[4] The SU-16D model is a short-barreled version which makes the weapon NFA-regulated as short barreled rifles, subject to ownership restrictions and transfer taxes.

[5] The SU-16E model is a pistol grip version of the rifle, It has a 16-inch barrel, that is also threaded at the muzzle, and can be mounted with accessories.