Posted on 02/05/2007 4:15:14 PM PST by Flavius
FN SCAR / Mk.16 (top) and Mk.17 rifle prototypes (3rd generation, mid 2006) Type Assault rifle Place of origin USA/Belgium Production history Manufacturer FNH USA, U.S. based subsidiary of FN Herstal Variants SCAR-L (Mk.16) for light SCAR-H (Mk.17) for heavy Specifications Weight SCAR L-6.9 pounds unloaded/
SCAR H-7.2 pounds unloaded Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (SCAR-H) 5.56 × 45 mm NATO (SCAR-L) Action Gas-operated, Rotating bolt Rate of fire 550 to 600 Rounds per Minute
The SCAR ("Special forces Combat Assault Rifle") is a modular rifle made by Fabrique Nationale (FN) for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types. The SCAR-L, for light, is chambered in the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge and the SCAR-H, for heavy, fires 7.62 mm NATO ammunition. Both are available in further variants such as sniper or CQB (Close Quarters Battle). Having won the competition, the FN SCAR system is, as of late 2006, in final development and testing phases.
Overview
The SCAR is available in a number of calibers and in versions for short and long range combat. It emerged as the winner of a US SOCOM competition to find a new rifle for special forces begun in 2003. It won out against the Robinson Arms XCR and others.
The SCAR will be made in two main variants; Light (SCAR-L (Mk.16)) and Heavy (SCAR-H (Mk.17)). The L version fires 5.56 mm NATO using improved M16 rifle magazines. The H fires the more powerful 7.62 NATO from an newly designed 20-round magazine. Different length barrels will be available for close quarters battle and for longer-range engagements.
Barrel lengths of the Mark 16 will be manufactured in three different lengths: 253 millimeter (9.96 inch), 351 millimeter (13.82 inch) and 457 millimeter (18 inch).
Barrel lengths of the Mark 17 will be manufactured in three different lengths: 330 millimeter (13 inch), 400 millimeter (15.75 inch) and 500 millimeters (19.68 inch).
Regardless of caliber-related parts and barrel length, controls, servicing and options (such as sights) will be the same between versions; 60% of the components for the L and H version are identical, whereas their subversions share 90% of the components. A future, common upper receiver has been announced but the status of is development is unknown.
The Mk 16 will be replacing the M4A1, the Mk-18 Close Quarters Battle Rifle (CQBR) and the Mk-12 SPR currently in SOCOM service. The Mk 17 will replace the M14 and Mk11 sniper rifles.
The SCAR features an integral, uninterrupted Picatinny rails on the top of the aluminum receiver, two removable side rails and a bottom one that can mount any MIL-STD-1913 compliant accessories. The original SCAR prototypes used the same Pistol grip and lower receiver design as the FN FNC.
Second generation SCAR prototypes no longer resemble the FNC at all, now sporting a polymer lower receiver that more resemble that of an AR-15 Rifle (compatible pistol grip included), with raised area around magazine release and bolt release buttons. The fixed, Minimi-like front sight on the gas block has ben replaced by a flippable one. The rifle uses a 'tappet' type of closed gas system much like the M1 Carbine while the bolt carrier otherwise resembles the Stoner 63 or Heckler & Koch G36.
3rd Generation Variants now have more improvements, including: Flared Magazine well, Flat Dark Earth color and a slightly redesigned butt stock. Delivery of first 1,000 out of 85,000 rifles included under the SOCOM contract are scheduled to be delivered by January 2007. The SCAR will be built at the FN Manufacturing LLC, plant in Columbia, South Carolina.
Fabrique Nationale Herstal announced plans to introduce (around 2008) a semi-automatic version of the SCAR modular rifle system, designed for the law enforcement and commercial markets.
Purchase
In 2004, US SOCOM issued a request for purchase, with following projected procurement amounts: Item/Configuration Engineering Test Units Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Production SCAR-L Standard 12 250 83,738 CQC 6 80 27,914 Sniper Variant (SV) 1 10 11,989 SCAR-H Standard 1 68 14,931 CQC 0 810 6,990 Sniper Variant (SV) 0 10 11,990 Standard (7.62x39mm) 0 68 2,932
If your agency or foreign military requires the SCAR rifle, please give Heavy Metal Armory a call at 941-741-8282 Last Updated ( Thursday, 25 January 2007 ) (barrel has silencer/not standard) 
Bump!
better not get caught with that supressor laying around...
Me likee!
I want SIX.
And a couple of scopes.
i would like to order a couple dozen of those, when the government asks what for, they're christmas gifts
civilian version in 2008
"Fabrique Nationale Herstal announced plans to introduce (around 2008) a semi-automatic version of the SCAR modular rifle system, designed for the law enforcement and commercial markets"
They better hurry up! When Hillary/Obama takes the oval office with a dem controlled Congress it's all over. Shumer, Feinstein and Pelosi in positions of power with a sympathetic president is a bad combination for anyone that would like to own a modern rifle.
Nice! Who is she?
Here are some of my favorites:
Su-weeeeet. And glad to see them in 7.62, the 5.56 is a bit light.
Given the unlikelihood of US military ever being used outside the country again, I guess they are looking at these to control us.
well, in .308 it could stand being a bit heavier. Say, a steel receiver.
I'm not so sure about that. Maybe there will be a White House affair again...
No ground troops. Just bombing from 25,000 feet. No messy US casualties to explain.
308 with a 13 barrel. Better have sunglasses.
OTOH, 308 with a 19+in barrel, well - that could reach out and touch someone. And a lot less weight than an M14.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.