FN’s current SCAR series of rifles may appear to be similar to their predecessors, but in truth, these are some of the most heavily re-engineered versions of this series to date. It has been almost two decades since the SCAR series was first released to military and civilian consumers, but it is entering a new generation of its own.
When FN first introduced the SCAR back in 2008, it was available in two basic flavors: “light” 5.56NATO and “heavy” 7.62NATO. And it was the “heavy” 7.62NATO version, dubbed the SCAR 17S, that won everyone’s hearts. Over time, various precision-oriented Mk20 models, submachine gun-variant PDWs, and 6.5 Creedmoor and .300 Blackout alternatives were introduced. Yet despite various improvements to its design, many of its idiosyncrasiesespecially its charging handle and lack of suppressor friendlinessare still part of its DNA.
This is addressed by the new generation. FN’s engineers have been working for five years to optimize all the major subsystems, beginning with the very center of the rifle: the bolt carrier group. FN’s new Gen 3 carrier is now modular and has a pinned-in hydraulic buffer. This internal shock absorber stops the movement at the moment when the recoil is at its highest. It also retains the charging handle design that came out in 2021 and allows for truly ambidextrous use and the use of dual charging handles. It is also backwards-compatible with older SCAR models by simply changing out the front receiver plate.
On the outside, there is a cleaner silhouette. The blocky quad rail fore-end has been replaced by a more svelte hand-guard with M-LOK holes at various angles. The top Picatinny rail now goes past the gas block, which is protected by a low-profile gas block cover to shield the shooter’s hand, particularly with suppressed weapons. The barrel shoulder has also been redesigned by FN to improve its fit with various muzzle devices, including its own QD line of suppressors.
Ergonomics and adaptability have been improved with changes to the controls. Extended magazine release buttons and a right-side bolt catch/release facilitate manipulations. Swappable selector levers come with three different sizes for a potential 16 different configurations. AR-style grips can be directly mounted to the trigger module, with single-stage triggers on 16S/17S models and two-stage triggers on 20S models designed for optimal performance on all rifles.
Even the smallest details have been thought about. All screws are now Torx resistant and less prone to stripping. QD sling cups are found on both sides of the receiver and buttstock, and comes with an M-LOK QD sling mount and vertical foregrip. The buttstocks have been expanded from just the traditional ‘Ugg’ folding design and now come in styles for AR and Picatinny rails.
In the field, the differences are easy to notice. The SCAR-H is still a powerful 7.62mm rifle but is slightly lighter and easier to control. The SCAR 16S has always had the best control and now has the quickness and follow-up shots of a well-tuned match rifle. The 20S remains the accuracy specialist and is good to sub-MOA at extended ranges. The hydraulic buffer helps the aiming point settle quickly.
Optic pairing has also developed. The Nightforce NX6 2-12x, seen atop the demo guns, provides a useable magnification range, first focal plane reticles, and the FieldSet turret system, making zeroing fast and easy with minimal use of tools. This optic matches well with a rifle line that combines hard-use toughness with a new level of accuracy capability. FN’s refresh retains the essential character of the SCAR but removes the trade-offs that have long been inherent in the design. Starting with the carrier and extending through the controls, the suppression system integration, and the accessory rail system, the gun is simply better all without sacrificing the rugged reliability that helped the SCAR earn its reputation in the first place.
