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

Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1
Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

First Breach Ammunition Factory Tour

An ambitious and technically savvy startup embarks on the goal to bring match-grade cartridges to the market at an enviable price—all made in America.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.