HISTORY
In 2004, the United States Special Operations Command (SOC) issued a request for a new SCAR in light and heavy configurations. FN stepped up to the plate with this 5.56 NATO light rifle that its designers imagined would meet all requirements. I think they got it right.
By 2007, 600 units were issued to the 75th Ranger Regiment for testing. In 2013, the order was canceled by the US SOC for the 5.56 version. However, as of 2022, there are at least 20 countries worldwide that employ the FN in their military units.
Related: Modular Rifle Champ – What Makes the FN SCAR So Special?
MY IMPRESSIONS
Hefting the SCAR tells me it means business. Its 7.25-pound empty weight enables it to be a primary firearm of choice, not a backup. Despite the weight, it is pointable. Once I have adjusted the length of pull to around 14 inches to fit me, it comes up naturally. Its center of gravity is mid-point, as it should be to balance beautifully.
The AR-style pistol grip gives the control I need to point with confidence. The forearm is covered in Picatinny rails, which allow accessory attachments and afford a solid, non-slip grip as I pull the rifle into my shoulder. I like that.
Wow! Look at that top Picatinny rail – it measures 14 inches long. It is conveniently numbered to allow precise re-attachment of a given sight. I can imagine many different sights to attach that would dial in the accuracy of this FN. For testing purposes, I have selected my TruGlo high-rise red dot sight with quick removable base. Mounted midway on the receiver, it projects a fine dot on my targets.
Check out the included adjustable folding battle sights. They are target tactical peep sights meant for precise shooting. The rear is adjustable for windage and elevation. The shrouded front sight is also adjustable for elevation only. Both iron sights co-witness on my TruGlo sight’s red dot, which is a good accuracy feature.
FN builds the SCAR around its 16.25-inch cold-hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel. It is not only strong, but very accurate for a battle rifle. Notice the flash-hiding compensator, which effectively levels the barrel while firing. Rapid fire is easily controlled and more accurate.
Related: Select-Fire FN Factory Tour to see how M240s, SCARs and 509s are Born
Controls
Controls are intuitive. If you have handled an AR-15, you can adapt easily to the SCAR. One major difference is the charging bolt handle located on the right side. This can be reversed to the left side if desired by the shooter. I like the ambidextrous features.
The safety and magazine release are accessible from either side of the receiver. The stock cheekpiece can be released with the touch of a button to allow it to rise. This gives me a nice cheek weld, allowing a good sight picture with a high-rise sight. With either sight option, the rifle feels accurate.
Related: FN Updates SCARs with Dual, Non-reciprocating Charging Handles
SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall Length: Adjustable from 34.5 to 37 inches
- Weight: 7.25 pounds
- Height: 8 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Receiver: Anodized hard aluminum
- Barrel: 16.25 inches; cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined
- Operation: Short-stroke gas piston
- Trigger: 8-pound pull; single stage with no creep
- Sights: Adjustable and removable folding tactical peep sights
- Ambidextrous: Safety, magazine release and bolt handle are reversible
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MSRP: $3,839 (not a misprint)
RANGE TIME
Those aliens departed for Jupiter but left many targets of opportunity! This is a good place to test the FN SCAR at closer and longer ranges. The rifle uses conventional AR-15 magazines. I have aluminum 30-round and Magpul polymer magazines to test. Note that the high-rise sight is about 3.5 inches above the barrel, so I must hold it a bit high at close range.
Starting at my center steel gong at 45 yards, I fire a few shots into a nice center group. The rifle barely rises between shots. It is smooth in operation due to the muzzle deflector and over-barrel gas piston system. Moving to 65 yards, I engage my steel “milk bottle” gong and hit it easily with resounding “dings” to confirm each hit. Nice offhand accuracy is the mark of a good rifle.
Close-range 2-liter root beer jugs are next – my favorite. Despite firing full metal jacket bullets, they explode when hit. Firing rapidly and moving from one to the next, six root beer jugs bite the dust and water the desert. This is fun! Soda cans can be a challenge for some guns, but the SCAR is right on and blows them to vapor.
Although I later weighed the trigger at 8 pounds, it feels more like 4 pounds with a crisp single-stage break. This is the confidence I need to take out a 2-liter root beer jug at 70 yards with one shot. What a nice offhand rifle!
Switching Sights
The tactical peep sights are due to be tested now. With the red dot sight removed and the peep sights folded up, I am ready. Notice how the rear peep naturally lines up with the shrouded post front sight. All I need to do is put the front post on the steel gong at 65 yards to hit it.
Folding the rear stock shortens the overall length to 27 inches. This is a big advantage while traveling in a vehicle or for storage. Firing from the hip, I empty the remainder of the magazine on a boulder close by to test reliability. The bolt always locks open after the last shot of the magazine. No jams, failures to fire, or failure to eject were noted on any test today. That is reliability!
PROS & CONS
