Shut up and take my money!
Over the last couple of years FN has been pushing their line of AR-15 rifles hard, but the firearm they’re best known for is their SCAR line of rifles. Intended as a replacement front-line battle rifle for the military, the SCAR has seen some success with special forces groups, but less widespread adoption by the general gun-buying public. Word comes today that FN is releasing a new, more compact version of their SCAR rifle, possibly in an attempt to lean into that special forces niche.
I know what you’re thinking: doesn’t FN already have a SCAR PDW? That’s technically correct. I’ve even fired one (and reviewed it), but it never went into full scale production. There apparently wasn’t enough of a market, and it was too costly to produce to have sit on the shelves.
The new SCAR-SC seems to fill that same niche and use some of the same engineering we saw in the PDW design. For example, the B&T style buttstock with the paddle release on the bottom and the non-reciprocating charging handle. The bad news: FN has no plans to import the SCAR-SC into the US, so you won’t be seeing one any time soon.
Here’s the FN Herstal press release:
New FN SCAR-SC Subcompact Carbine
At Milipol Paris 2017 FN Herstal, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of small arms, will unveil an innovative addition to its renowned FN SCAR® family: The FN SCAR®-SC subcompact carbine.
FN SCAR rifles have a proud tradition of usage by US Special Forces. The 5.56x45mm (.223) caliber FN SCAR-SC builds on this heritage with an extremely compact design that’s ideal for homeland security operations.
Specifically adapted for mobility and flexibility, the FN SCAR-SC has semi-auto only or selective fire capabilities, non-reciprocating charging handle and a wide range of add-ons.
This includes a red dot sight, tactical light, a variety of foregrips and a sound suppressor. All of these add-ons have been tested and certified by FN Herstal as providing reliable, durable performance in even the toughest circumstances.
The FN SCAR®-SC comes with a telescopic buttstock as standard. Optional buttstocks include fixed, foldable, adjustable (length and height) with either concave or convex butt plate and a foldable offset buttstock for aiming and shooting with anti-riot or bulletproof helmet visor. Existing users of FN SCAR® will already be familiar with how to operate this rifle, minimizing training time.
Technical data (with telescopic buttstock):
● Length: 536mm (21.10”) when fully retracted / 653mm (25.71”) when fully extended
● Weight: approx. 3.150 kg (approx. 6.94 lb)
● Barrel length: 190.5mm (7.5”)
● Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
● Cyclic rate of fire: 550-650 rounds per