FN SCAR

The FN SCAR is one of the latest in the line of automatic assault rifles developed by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal of Belgium. It is an absolutely new design marking a departure for FN from its earlier weapons in this class. The SCAR meaning Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle or Special Forces Capable Assault Rifle is a weapon specifically developed and designed for the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM). Special Forces have special requirements; this is the rationale behind the demand for a completely original, new generation modular assault rifle. Keeping in mind the particular and distinctive needs of the present and evolving international scenario, SOCOM decided to solicit bids in late 2003 for the development and production of the SCAR. An extensive and exhaustive competition was held and the results for the winner were declared in late 2004. The design submitted by FN won the contract over its main rival the Robinson Arms XCR. The SCAR is still considered to be in its testing stages.

The FN SCAR is a short stroke, gas operated assault rifle, which is modular and thus highly flexible and adaptable. It is extremely lightweight and highly reliable and is very easy to maintain. Barrels are quickly changeable and do not require too many tools to accomplish the switch. The FN SCAR comes in two main types, the SCAR Light Mk 16 (3.5kg) and the SCAR Heavy Mk 17 (3.86 kg) and the two also come in variants like Sniper and CQC (close quarters combat). There is 90% compatibility of components between all SCAR variants and the modularity of the parts, especially the barrel and calibration make for an efficient transition to suit particular needs. The SCAR Light version is chambered for use with 5.66 x 45 mm NATO magazines and the Heavy version fires 7.62 x 51 mm NATO rounds. There is talk of the SCAR being produced in a version compatible with 7.62 x 39 mm Russian ammunitions as well so that units are able to operate behind enemy lines using ammunition picked up from the battlefield.

The FN SCAR with a rotating bolt lock, multi-bolt lock and plunger type ejector, is a sturdy and robust weapon, resistant to dust, sand and any other matter which could mess up the receiver. The upper and lower parts of the receiver are separate and are connected by means of cross-pins. The materials used to make the two parts are different, with the upper receiver made of aluminum and the lower one of synthetic polymer. Both the SCAR L & H use the same upper receiver but taken into consideration that the two use different calibers of ammunition, the ejection ports are of different sizes.

The FN SCAR does not allow for selective fire options and can only switch between single shot and full automatic mode of operation. This is accomplished by means of the characteristic FN ambidextrous selector switch located on top of the trigger group. Even the charging handle can be installed on either side of the upper receiver, which has slots on both sides for it. The upper receiver also has a full length Picatinny rail integrated into it. Rails are also mounted on both sides and under the handgaurds. The FN SCAR has a foldable polymer butt-stock that is adjustable for pull and equipped with adjustable cheek support. It features fully detachable and adjustable iron sights with folding diopter rear sight and folding front sight. Any other kind of sighting can also be installed on it using MIL-STD 1913 compatible mounts.