HISTORY
The FN SCAR was developed by Fabrique Nationale to meet the US Special Operations Command requirement for a new modular assault rifle to replace a variety of weapons. The FN SCAR was selected in 2007 and in 2009 it became operational with US Army Rangers. In US service the SCAR-L is called the Mk 16 Mod 0 and the SCAR-H the Mk 17 Mod 0. Since 2007 FN uses the Mk 16 and Mk 17 denominators, without the Mod 0, for its select fire versions of the SCAR. In 2008 semi-automatic versions were introduced as the Mk 16S and Mk 17S for law enforcement and civilian use.
DESIGN
The FN SCAR uses a conventional layout with the magazine inserted in front of the pistol grip and a large stock. The SCAR looks very futuristic due to all brown finish and huge stock. The stock is retractable and foldable and lightweight while it is hollow and made of polymer. The internal mechanics are an amalgamation of existing designs. The gas system is similar to the old M1 Carbine and the bolt assembly looks somewhat similar to the one of the G36. The SCAR-L fires the 5.56x45mm round from STANAG magazines and the SCAR-H fires the 7.62x51mm round from proprietary 20 round magazines. The entire top of the weapon is one long uninterrupted Picatinny rail, allowing for a wide variety of optics and accessories to be fitted. The backup iron sights fold down not to interrupt the view.
PERFORMANCE
The SCAR is a very capable rifle. It is very rugged, ergonomic and reliable. During a US Army test in 2007 10 pieces each of the M4, XM8, SCAR and HK 416 fired 60.000 rounds. The XM8 won with only 127 stoppages, the SCAR beat the HK 416 by a small margin with 226 and 223 stoppages respectively and the M4 finished last with 882 stoppages. Due to the relatively low rate of fire the SCAR is very controllable.
The FN SCAR was developed by Fabrique Nationale to meet the US Special Operations Command requirement for a new modular assault rifle to replace a variety of weapons. The FN SCAR was selected in 2007 and in 2009 it became operational with US Army Rangers. In US service the SCAR-L is called the Mk 16 Mod 0 and the SCAR-H the Mk 17 Mod 0. Since 2007 FN uses the Mk 16 and Mk 17 denominators, without the Mod 0, for its select fire versions of the SCAR. In 2008 semi-automatic versions were introduced as the Mk 16S and Mk 17S for law enforcement and civilian use.
DESIGN
The FN SCAR uses a conventional layout with the magazine inserted in front of the pistol grip and a large stock. The SCAR looks very futuristic due to all brown finish and huge stock. The stock is retractable and foldable and lightweight while it is hollow and made of polymer. The internal mechanics are an amalgamation of existing designs. The gas system is similar to the old M1 Carbine and the bolt assembly looks somewhat similar to the one of the G36. The SCAR-L fires the 5.56x45mm round from STANAG magazines and the SCAR-H fires the 7.62x51mm round from proprietary 20 round magazines. The entire top of the weapon is one long uninterrupted Picatinny rail, allowing for a wide variety of optics and accessories to be fitted. The backup iron sights fold down not to interrupt the view.
PERFORMANCE
The SCAR is a very capable rifle. It is very rugged, ergonomic and reliable. During a US Army test in 2007 10 pieces each of the M4, XM8, SCAR and HK 416 fired 60.000 rounds. The XM8 won with only 127 stoppages, the SCAR beat the HK 416 by a small margin with 226 and 223 stoppages respectively and the M4 finished last with 882 stoppages. Due to the relatively low rate of fire the SCAR is very controllable.