Posted on 07/21/2005 3:32:57 PM PDT by spetznaz
July 21, 2005: SCAR (Special operations forces Combat Assault Rifle) has begun field testing with American commandoes. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) did not want to wait for the U.S. Army to finish work on their similar XM-8 rifle. SOCOM has the money, and authority to develop their own weapons. In this case, SOCOM wanted a weapon that did everything the XM-8 did, and a little more. Some 22 months ago, SOCOM asked rifle manufacturers to submit proposals, and FN (a Belgian firm) came up with the best ideas. One advantage FN has was it’s ability to quickly implement requests for design changes. FN’s rapid prototyping shop was often able to turn out a new part in hours. This, and FNs long history of good weapons design, gave them the edge.
There are two basic models of the weapon. The 5.56mm SCAR-L weighs 7.7 pounds (empty), while the 7.62mm SCAR-H weighs 8.5 pounds (empty). A 30 round 5.56mm magazine weighs a little under a pound, while a 20 round magazine of 7.62mm ammo weighs a little over a pound. Special sights can weigh a pound or two, so a fully loaded SCAR won't weigh much more than ten pounds. FN also came up with a grenade launcher for SCAR.
Both models operate the same way, and have many interchangeable parts. SCAR-L is basically a replacement for the M4, which was designed (with a shorter barrel) as a “close combat” version of the M16. The SCAR-H will replace the M14, a 1950s era 7.62mm weapon (a replacement for the World War II M1) that is still favored for long range and sniper work.
The current SCAR design is the result of much feedback from the field. For example, the rate of fire was lowered to 600 RPM (rounds per minute) from the 800 typical with the M14 and M16. This makes SCAR easier to hold on target when firing full auto.
SCAR-H can be quickly converted to fire AK-47 ammo (the 7.62x39 round) with a changeout of the barrel and receiver. This also makes it easy for SOCOM to adopt the new 6.8mm round. Both models can be fitted with a longer and heavier sniper barrel. SCAR is built to be more rugged than the M-16. The barrel is good for some 36,000 rounds, twice as many as the M-16. Barrels may be switched by users without special tools. Both models of SCAR take all the special sights and other accessories SOCOM troops favor. SCAR is meant to be easily modified and personalized for each user. It’s expected that SOCOM experience with SCAR will influence the next generation of U.S. Army and Marine Corps small arms.
Sorry, not for the peasants! Lords only!
Doh! Domestic armies use the AK round, as well as cops, shooting enthusiasts, allies and militias.
Incidentally, re: .223, it's illegal to hunt deer with .223 in many states. "You don't need to be loaded for bear to go to war, but you should at least be loaded for whitetail."
Domestic Armies? Since when? Name one!
And just what chance does this military weapon have of getting into the hands of "shooting enthusiasts"?
You may have scrolled past this item in the story:
"SCAR-H can be quickly converted to fire AK-47 ammo (the 7.62x39 round) with a changeout of the barrel and receiver. "
interesting
Don't forget this is a SOCOM initiative. If you are a Special Forces operator behind enemy lines, you don't want to be carrying 5.56MM or a rifle chambered for it. You might be living off what you can pilfer or take of an enemy corpse. Makes a lot of sense when you look at it that way.
Well ... I suppose that with a change out of the barrel and receiver, my Ruger 10/22 could in theory fire a five inch naval round.
Oops I guess I should have written "action" so as to include at least the bolt [which is what I suspect the author of this article really meant.] Yes indeed the stock and trigger group might be interchangeable. Be still my heart.
I agree with you 100%... But next time how's about posting a little smaller photo for the FReeper who have dailup?
No bayonet lug.
Depends on whether they make a semi-auto only variant. If I were the manufacturer, I would.
I would like to see a picture of the 7.62 x 39 variant of the SCAR.
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