Specifications
SOCOM Tested. SOCOM Approved.
A light weight and ambidextrous weapon system especially made for modular Special Operation activities
In 2004, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) issued a weapon competition to suit the all the unique needs of the special operations units. They called it the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle competition. The various requirements included endurance, reliability, and accuracy trials all around the two main NATO rifle calibers – 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm respectively. Out of the 9 vendors that submitted weapon prototypes, Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FN) won the competition.
SCAR – Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle
Since the SCAR is chambered around 2 calibers, the SCAR comes in two versions to fit the chamber needs. The FN SCAR-L (Light) is the version chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO – the assault rifle variant. The “Light” version uses standard M16 magazines as required by the competition. The FN SCAR-H (Heavy) is the version chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO – the battle rifle variant. The “Heavy” version uses specially built 20-round box magazine produced by FN.
Soldier shooting SCAR-H
The SCAR was specifically designed to keep accuracy while keeping recoil to a minimum. The firing mechanism is what makes the SCAR unique. The SCAR uses a piston operating system that allows it to run cleaner at the bolt. This adds reliability with long term engagements and deployments. The charging handle makes it easier to manipulate because it is in a more forward, natural position on the side of the rifle.
About 4 years after the SCAR competition, the SCAR was put into the field with Special Operations units. After a 5-week Field User Assessment test, it was determined to put the SCAR and its variants in full production in 2010.
The FN SCAR reception was mediocre at most. Many soldiers did not see an overwhelming improvement in the battlefield compared to the rifle systems they were currently using. The aged, battle proven M16, M4, and the newer HK416 have developed a stellar reputation within the armed forces making it difficult for the SCAR to get a certain respectability among the community.
Because of the lack prominence in the Special Operations Force community, the production of the “Light” version of the SCAR ceased. The rest of the budget was used in acquiring more SCAR-H (Mk 17) versions and converting them to support the 5.56x45mm cartridge. The conversion process was completed late 2010 and the new Mk 17 units were put in the field.
The SCAR-H (Mk 17) is a welcomed edition to the battle rifle lineup due to its lightweight and fully automatic features while being chambered in a larger rifle caliber. Most of the other battle rifles in the US Armed Forces are not as lightweight and support fully-auto at the same time.
The SCAR-L and SCAR-H have both been in service with the SCAR-H (Mk 17) have the more prominent usage. Each version has 3 different variant modifications for operational functionality. These modifications include a standard length build, a CQC (Close Quarters Combat) build, and a Long Barrel build for long range engagements.
The SCAR-H (Mk 17) does support a longer Sniper variant called the Mk 20 SSR. This version extends the SCAR to support a 510 mm (20 in) barrel.
The civilian versions are very similar but do not have the option of having the short and long barrel modifications as their military counterparts do. The SCAR 16S is the civilian version of the Mk 16. The SCAR 17S is the civilian version of the standard Mk 17. The SCAR 20S is the civilian version of the Mk 20 SSR. The “S” at the end of the name designation represents that these versions are in semi-auto.
Looking to store your expensive SCAR 17 well? This case is the perfect fit. The case foam comes pre-cut to store the SCAR and all the accessories you need to wherever you are planning to shoot easily.
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