The First FN SCAR

by
posted on November 10, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
KeefeReportSCAR1.jpg

I was filming an episode of American Rifleman Television at the offices of FN USA recently, when they broke out one of the most important American military rifles of the past 25 years: the very first SCAR Light. The U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) required a 7.62x51 mm selective-fire rifle that would give them increased range and knockdown power. The engineers at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium, responded with the gun that would become the Special Operations Command Combat Assault Rifle, the SCAR in both 7.62 and 5.56. The rifle shown here was the 5.56 rifle fabricated by FN and sent to SOCOM. It has fired literally tens of thousands of rounds, and it performed so well that the gun was adopted by SOCOM. Though there are no active SCAR Light contracts, it remains an important part of the SCAR family.

FN's engineers were very proud of the futuristic F2000. They thought it was the modern solution for infantry soldiers on the battlefield. But the operators in SOCOM wanted something more akin to a conventional infantry rifle. What they wanted was the SCAR. Because of this prototype and its 7.62 brethren, U.S. SOCOM troops and Army Rangers have one of the most effective rifles ever produced.

One of the best feature of the SCAR is its piston system, which changed little from the prototype

On the prototype, you can clearly see how the final folding and collapsible buttstock would look and function on the SCAR.

The prototype of the SCAR shows the reciprocating operating handle and ambidextrous selector switch as incorporated in the design adopted by SOCOM.

American Rifleman's Mark Keefe was able to handle the original prototype of the rifle that would become the SCAR Heavy. This rifle was submitted to SOCOM and was extensively tested.

Latest

smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range
smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Ruger Buys Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger announced on July 1 it has acquired all assets of Anderson Manufacturing, a recent top 10 producer of firearms in the U.S.

Favorite Firearms: Anticipating Answers

Everyone has a favorite gun, but not many have a story quite like the one from NRA member Jim Schollhammer.

Rifleman Report: Safe Passage

While the phrase “tools of the trade” may refer to specific items that a worker uses to ply his or her vocation, it could just as easily be a reference to the firearms, knives and other everyday carry, or EDC, gear that the average citizen uses to ensure his or her safe passage through the course of an uncertain, sometimes dangerous, daily existence.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model 1914 Auto Pistol

The Spanish/Basque city of Eibar is one of Europe’s great arms-manufacturing centers, with a history in gunmaking dating back to the 1500s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.