View Full Version : FN SCAR 16S
Out of the box, it is a really good looking weapon. I like the fact that it is all earth tone and doesn’t require much if anything in the way of additional painting to get it ready to go into the field. The SCAR 16S ships with one 30 round aluminum magazine painted in FDE, a trigger lock, and owners manual.
Getting the rifle set up for use was pretty straightforward with the exception of sling mounting. As a guy who touches slings every day for a living, it would appear as if there was little thought put into attaching the sling to the weapon. I don’t like using HK Style hooks for mounting and would prefer a simple 1.25” loop at the front and at the rear or even push button sockets at the front and rear. I used the horizontal loop on the buttstock and added one of our RMFL adapters to the rail section at the front. This set up works and keeps the front hand from trying to drift back towards the reciprocating charging handle. Lights, lasers, Aimpoint, etc. were all attached without issue with the exception that your optic base really should have rounded corners so that it doesn’t interfere when charging the rifle. I used a file to take the edge of my Larue LT660 mount on the leading corner of the left hand side. I also added a rail ladder on the top rail in that stretch for the same reason. I don’t care for the full hood over the folding front sight, but I understand why it was done that way. In the up position, the sight really clutters the field of view in the optic (I guess that’s why it is a folding sight…). The rear sight is a work of art although I wish the detents for the adjustment knobs were a little more positive. The folding stock locks up solidly and is very adjustable for comfortable shooting.
I took it out to group it and zero the optic and found that I was barely on paper. I had to adjust up 50 clicks on the T-1 to get it on target. Windage was pretty close. With the T-1 I shot a ~1” group at 50 meters from magazine monopod prone and at 100 I was easily able to hit the 6” plate from the same position. This part is important as I have already sent off the Form 1 and plan to chop the barrel down to the 10” CQC length as soon as it’s approved. Due to the tapered bore design of the hammer forged barrel I want to find out if there is an appreciable accuracy loss after the cut job.
Reliability was perfect; on par with what one should expect from the most heavily developed small arm in the history of man. The gun runs and runs and my only complaint in this department is that PMAGs and ARC mags don’t drop free. I plan on using some sanding sticks in the mag well to try and fix that as I have a LOT of PMAGs these days and it would be a shame not to use them. I fired exactly 448 rounds over 3 hours including 60 rounds in the suppressed setting with my Gemtech G5 attached. As mentioned, no malfunctions of any kind occurred.
The carbine has a peculiar recoil impulse that is neither good nor bad, but just different from an M4; almost as though it recoils in 2 stages. The operating components weigh about 50% more than the same parts pulled from an M4 and that may be part of it. As mentioned accuracy was excellent for a semi-automatic military grade rifle. I really like the 45 degree throw of the selector. It was fast and positive in its engagement. At some point before shooting the SCAR I installed the Magpul SCAR Selector and it is a notable improvement over the factory paddle style lever. The reciprocating charging handle is a non-issue. If you are a magwell hold kind of guy, shame on you, but you may have issue with it. I am finding I prefer it over the rear mounted T handle of the M4 for two main reasons. The first is that malfunction clearance, should they occur, is MUCH easier and more positive. The second is that you have a visual indicator when the bolt is locked to the rear on an empty magazine.
All in all, I am somewhat enamored with my new blaster. I think it makes some notable improvements over the M4 and other modern weapons. I plan on running it in all the shooting courses I attend this year and see what shakes loose.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/DSC05082.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/DSC04992.jpg
Bevel job on the Aimpoint
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/DSC05017.jpg
Group is right at 1 inch center to center. Without the flyer it’s under ¾”.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/DSC05073-1.jpg
Enjoying the spring weather.
I thought I read here somewhere or maybe I asked one of the FN gurus about chopping the barrel and it was advised not to do this. Have you done any research to find out if it will still function correctly?
I thought I read here somewhere or maybe I asked one of the FN gurus about chopping the barrel and it was advised not to do this. Have you done any research to find out if it will still function correctly?
A member on the fn forum, did chop his barrel and had a drastic reduction in accuracy from the chipping chrome.
Nice review, I have been amazed at the accuracy my scar has been capable of. I haven't shot it with any quality ammo, but with privi m193, 1" or so at 50 yards is easy. Maybe one day I'll try it out with a quality scope to see how she really shoots.
I thought I read here somewhere or maybe I asked one of the FN gurus about chopping the barrel and it was advised not to do this. Have you done any research to find out if it will still function correctly?
Lots. There is a lot of internet speculation and rumor on this, but to my knowledge no one has actually done it (cutting the 16" SCAR 16S barrel to the 10" CQC length). This is probably due to the lack of spare barrels and parts. After speaking to one of their senior designers at GREAT length about this I don't believe there will be any issues. If there are function issues, I have the proper gas port sizes for the CQC and a set of hand reamers. The SCAR is actually unique (as far as I know) in that all the barrel lengths get the same gas port hole drilled in them and then there is a threaded insert in the gas block that regulates the amount of gas needed for each of the configurations. You can see this insert when you pull the gas plug and piston for cleaning/inspection.
Stephen
A member on the fn forum, did chop his barrel and had a drastic reduction in accuracy from the chipping chrome.
If I had to bet, they didn't cut and/or crown the barrel properly. Adco has chopped thousands of chrome lined barrels without reported issue. It's also possible to lose some accuracy because of the tapered bore.
Stephen
Paging Paul at BCM for a new product development opportunity. You know, the 12" hammer forged variety????
If I had to bet, he didn't cut and/or crown the barrel properly. It's possible to lose some accuracy because of the tapered bore.
Stephen
Not sure if it is permitted to link to other forums, but if it is I'll post a link to the threads concerning the cut barrel.
Stephen well done and you've just about covered all the bases;
However can you speak more to the Magpul lever? are these available for sale? In a previous thread you mentioned a Tango Down grip replacement? is this on the market? Thanks
joshua79109
03-19-10, 09:24
Nice write up - Thanks
I have had nothing but good experiences with my SCAR so far.
Did you try all of your pmags? Some of mine drop free and some don't.
I too am a fan of the charging handle. I believe it will be thought of as an advantage by many serious users.
I too have read a lot about the fella that cut his barrel down and would only suggest that you speak with the folks at FN before you cut the barrel. It is possible that their lining is a little different than what the smiths are use to.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t210/rapfoto/P1000584-1.jpg
Wow, seriously. I am an old fart who HATES anything new. But the SCAR runs pretty smoothly!
Got my Form 1 back. Gun runs great suppressed, but will not cycle properly without the can mounted. Got a reamer set in and plan to get the gun modified and test fired by Sunday afternoon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-1.jpg
Glad you finally got it all back and put together Stephen. Looks great!
Once you get the gas port to size it should be as reliable as the gun was stock.
Found out mine didnt ship until today:rolleyes: I wont get it for a while now. Ill be on vacation next week.:mad:
buddyhoohaw
07-03-10, 07:48
Good write-up. Only thing I disagree with you about is the looks. Its a 2/10 in that department regardless of all the fanboys.:rolleyes:
Just looks horrific IMO, thus I would never own this rifle.
The $1999 pricetag is also way way to much.
So you have an issue with the aesthetics of the SCAR yet you own a KRISS? I suppose beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. ;)
Cheers
crazymoose
07-03-10, 14:58
Good write-up. Only thing I disagree with you about is the looks. Its a 2/10 in that department regardless of all the fanboys.:rolleyes:
Just looks horrific IMO, thus I would never own this rifle.
The $1999 pricetag is also way way to much.
Looks were not a design criterion. As for the price tag, it's in line with other high-end semi autos. A Noveske or LaRue with similar capabilities costs a similar amount, and I believe the SCAR has the much superior operating system (for general use, not in something like a DMR role).
crazymoose
07-06-10, 04:50
The fs2000 is a neat weapon, in my opinion is more of a novelty gun than a battle rifle. The fs has way to many moving parts, and too many of those are cheap looking plastics. I havent personally fired one, but got to feel one up and break one down at a gun shop. I would personally prefer a SCAR over an FS2000 any day.
How is the noise on the FS2000? I heard it was loud as heck, is this true?
The FS2000 doesn't seem any louder than any other 5.56mm rifle to me. Durability has been fine so far. The AUG has been using an almost totally plastic fire control group for over 30 years now, without an uncommon rate of problems. Would I take the FS2000 over the SCAR? Tough call, so I bought both.
buddyhoohaw
07-07-10, 19:46
Just a heads up that I ran an additional 150 rds. of surplus M193 thru my SCAR CQC today and it ran like a sewing machine with no malfunctions and bolt locked back on every spent magazine. Accuracy wise, I was consistently smashing 4" clays at 100 yds using my 4X Spectre DR. All in all I amvery happy with the project. I'll keep reporting back as I get more rounds through it.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/buddyhoohaw/FN%20SCAR/SCAR003.jpg
Cheers
Hey Buds good stuff!
I recognize your handle from the FN forums, did you open up the gas port to the same dimension as Stephen?
Looking forward to getting my SCAR!
Hey Buds good stuff!
I recognize your handle from the FN forums, did you open up the gas port to the same dimension as Stephen?
He did; I did the shade tree gunsmithing on both of these.
Stephen
militarymoron
07-08-10, 22:49
I'll keep reporting back as I get more rounds through it.
please don't post anymore. i'm jealous enough as is, already :p
j/k - nice SBRs, guys. that short barrel really looks good. i'll just have to live vicariously through you fellas.
buddyhoohaw
07-09-10, 08:31
please don't post anymore. i'm jealous enough as is, already :p
LOL. You shouldn't have said that; now I plan on posting pics for sport!
Cheers
N.Franklin
07-10-10, 02:57
Forget pics, how about youtube video?:D
John Bonham
07-10-10, 06:41
Very good write-up. Makes me want to get one even more.
Thank you for the info!! :)
Stephen,
Great right up. I'm looking forward to the long term feedback on these. Im taking one of my guys to pick a SCAR up monday then we are gonna start a T&E on it for future approval in our patrol rifle program.
I'm at just over 1K since the barrel chop. Accuracy is still as good or better than at 16" and gun was 100% reliable at a recent LMS Defense Low/No Light Class with the suppressor mounted (~500 rounds).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-6.jpg
Regarding that last part: It's HIS thread and if YOU don't agree YOU could just realize YOU don't have to agree and stay out and not stir the pot over something as stupid as looks.
BTW: IMHO the KRISS satisfies those who want a "cool" looking range fun gun. Nothing more... You don't have to agree :cool:
You need performance and looks in my book or you dont get a sale, period. The SCAR looks horrible. Sorry it just does. So thats half the pie and does not get a sale from me now or ever. I want both. Thats me. Nobody has to agree. Performance first and looks second, but it HAS TO HAVE BOTH! ;) Its not stupid at all as I can guarntee 10,000,000 gun owners want the gun to look somewhat decent/good. Geez...
This is not a bash post just an observation.
VooDoo6Actual
07-20-10, 01:03
Endless,
Saw you sig line and noticed a KRISS listed.
I'm curious as to what the performance criteria are/were for your decision to get a SBR/Pistol weapon w/ .45 ACP given it's devastating ballistic velocities & intermediate barrier penetration capability etc. ?
or something I missed ?
TIA
Endless,
Saw you sig line and noticed a KRISS listed.
I'm curious as to what the performance criteria are/were for your decision to get a SBR/Pistol weapon w/ .45 ACP given it's devastating ballistic velocities & intermediate barrier penetration capability etc. ?
or something I missed ?
TIA
Yeah you missed something. I own two of them. One for home defense which is more than adequate and also one as a Gun Collector.
Need I explain more? I dont think so... ;)
I have many weapons that the average gun enthusiast wont own due to being a collector. ;)
This is not about the KRISS which 3 of you already posted. Who cares about the KRISS, this is about the SCAR, so keep it on track. I am not here to argue either. It was just a simple observation. Dont get all bent. We have way to many SCAR fanboys and I am one that is not a fan. ;)
ColdDeadHands
07-20-10, 01:48
We have way to many SCAR fanboys and I am one that is not a fan. ;)
:sarcastic:
Endless,
Stop posting in my SCAR thread. Your personal opinions on the aesthetics of the weapon are not germane.
Stephen
Took my SCAR 16s to a week long Tactical Firearms Instructor Course. Ran 1200 flawless rounds through it. Ergonomics of the rifle were fantastic. A few of the other guys in the class tried it and all the comments afterwards were "for its "preceived" size and beefiness, it handles great, love the ergos on it."
Sorry no pictures but here is a description of my SCAR 16s:
Black 16s
Larue fore grip
Aimpoint H1 + Larue Po'Boy Flip magnifer
Vicker's Blue Force 2 Point Sling
Surefire Scout light with tape switch in Tango Down SCAR Panel
While the SCAR MAY not be the prom queen because of looks, it ended up the "belle of the bell" because it was reliable, accurate, handled great and great ergonomics. :D
For me, my SCAR is a big mean black dog that knows its business.
You need performance and looks in my book or you dont get a sale, period. The SCAR looks horrible. Sorry it just does. So thats half the pie and does not get a sale from me now or ever. I want both. Thats me. Nobody has to agree. Performance first and looks second, but it HAS TO HAVE BOTH! ;) Its not stupid at all as I can guarntee 10,000,000 gun owners want the gun to look somewhat decent/good. Geez...
This is not a bash post just an observation.
Sure looks matter (to safe queen admistrator's). What matters for a defensive/combat weapon is:
1. Reliability
2. Accuracy
3. Functionality/Ergonomics
4. Longevity
100. "Looks"
If you do not like the way it "looks" that is fine, but keep your personal issues with "fit and finish" to yourself as the rest of us are not interested.
C4
ForTehNguyen
07-20-10, 19:13
magpul SCAR selector switch is now shipping
http://www.magpul.com/ssg-selectors-now-shipping.html#commentsAnchor
Endless - stop jumping in the thread with your commentary unless you have something valuable to add
Stephen and other users,
Any issues with excessive heating up unsupressed during rapdi fire, etc?
Stephen and other users,
Any issues with excessive heating up unsupressed during rapdi fire, etc?
I could feel the heat building up when I ran rapid fire drills with the Magpul RVG foregrip; but for me with that foregrip, I was touching the rails. I switched to a LaRue foregrip and had no problems. I know I wouldn't want to handle flipping the front sight up without gloves on right after doing rapid fire. One thing I noticed was that the barrel and block cooled down rather quickly.
magpul SCAR selector switch is now shipping
http://www.magpul.com/ssg-selectors-now-shipping.html#commentsAnchor
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Magpul%20V/868W0182-1024-Stick.jpg
Thats what I ws wondering about. I put 2 mags thru rapid fire. The upper receiver was really hot to the touch, no gloves.
ForTehNguyen
07-21-10, 14:57
I could feel the heat building up when I ran rapid fire drills with the Magpul RVG foregrip; but for me with that foregrip, I was touching the rails. I switched to a LaRue foregrip and had no problems. I know I wouldn't want to handle flipping the front sight up without gloves on right after doing rapid fire. One thing I noticed was that the barrel and block cooled down rather quickly.
the SCAR barrel has a pencil profile so it will heat up quicker, but that also means it cools down quicker
The other funny thing was the 1st mag, had 4 failures to cycle, the 1st 4 rounds fired(Hornady 55g FMJ). The gas setting was at 12. Then it fired 10 rounds fine (wolf and Hornady fmj mix) then had 2 failure to feeds. Proceeded to a 2nd mag, same thing, it shot 3 rounds then failure to feed. I grab a magazine of Hornady TAP 55 grain. It cycles and fired fine, all 28. Went back to the 2nd mag, it worked fine. Same with the first. Put 280 rounds thru. No issues except for the ones already mentioned. I like the feel of it for sure. Recoil impulse is different but in a good way.
I don't notice that it heats up any faster than an M4 style weapon, but I have all the gripping surfaces covered with Tango Down SCAR panels.
Stephen
ColdDeadHands
07-23-10, 07:20
The gun runs and runs and my only complaint in this department is that PMAGs and ARC mags don’t drop free. I plan on using some sanding sticks in the mag well to try and fix that as I have a LOT of PMAGs these days and it would be a shame not to use them.
Did you do that? Did it help?
Did you do that? Did it help?
I did and now everything except early model PMAGs (and even most of them) drop free.
Stephen
Stephen, what sticks did you use and what dimensions (fore-aft or side-to-side) did you change? Thanks.
ColdDeadHands
07-24-10, 07:07
I did and now everything except early model PMAGs (and even most of them) drop free.
Stephen
Cool, thanks!
GermanSynergy
07-24-10, 11:11
OP,
Great write up & review. A few questions regarding the SCAR:
-How much lube does a SCAR require, compared to an M4?
-Have you fired any M856 / MK 262 thru the SCAR?
-Have you experienced any ergonomic issues associated with the reciprocating charging handle?
Many thanks.
RAM Engineer
07-24-10, 14:04
Stephen, what sticks did you use and what dimensions (fore-aft or side-to-side) did you change? Thanks.
I'd like to know this as well, since my SCAR 16S won't drop anything except aluminum mags and the OEM mags.
Stephen, what sticks did you use and what dimensions (fore-aft or side-to-side) did you change? Thanks.
I removed a couple of thousandths at the front and at the rear. I believe I used a set of metal files and cleaned it up with a Sctoh-Brite pad.
Stephen
jonconsiglio
07-28-10, 13:14
Not to answer for the OP, but my experience with the SCAR has been that all of my PMAGs drop free without issue. As for lube, I just use a thin layer of Tetra Gun Grease on any metal-on-metal parts, but really just a little on the bolt - Also, if I'm just throwing some oil on it and not cleaning it, I'll lock the bolt back and put a couple drops on the rail that you can see inside the gun when the bolt is open. I've also used gun butter that came with my Nighthawk and it worked great... I've not needed to pay as much attention to lube as my gas ARs, and treat it the same as the piston AR. I've ran about 500 rounds through it a little while back after a few other range trips with no cleaning or adding oil. It always runs well.
Thanks for the write up, I've been thinking about SBR'ing it as well, so this has been great.
(Oh, and yes I have both eyes open there, I'm just squinting since it was somewhere around 12 to 2pm and insanely hot here in South Texas!)
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/IMG_8253.jpg
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/IMG_8023-Edit.jpg
Misc Ex-Member
08-17-10, 11:27
FN SCAR™ systems approved for full-rate production (http://www.fnhusa.com/mil/press/detail.asp?id=92)
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Magpul%20V/868W0182-1024-Stick.jpg
Stickman,
Do you know if magpul will be shipping that grip for the SCAR in the near future?
Stickman,
Do you know if magpul will be shipping that grip for the SCAR in the near future?
Thats just the Magpul MIAD grip with the smallest backstrap installed. Been out for a while.
Thats just the Magpul MIAD grip with the smallest backstrap installed. Been out for a while.
Ahh. So this will fit? I was looking at a thread and they where cuting away at the grip and all to get a fit. Good deal, Thanks!
No problem dude, I believe you still have to modify the area where the grip attaches to.
Shot another 257 rounds through it today. No issues. Total round count is 2095; more than half of those since the barrel was cut (1423 rounds).
Checked for accuracy first thing. Below 5 shot group was fired off a bipod rest at 50m with Aimpoint T1; ammo was Mk262Mod1.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-9.jpg
For those of you that haven't shot a SCAR16, I highly recommend trying one out side-by-side with a comparably equipped M4. It is absolutely amazing how smooth the SCAR is. There is no noticable recoil; just muzzle blast. When I throw the can on it's like shooting a BB gun. I shot my buddy's M4 (10.5" DI Noveske) during the same trip and it felt like I was shooting an M14...
I painted most of the black parts with Aervoe "Light Coyote" a few days ago before the range trip. I attended an LMS Defense Low/No Light class a few weeks ago and noticed that the black components were the only bits that stuck out under NODS. Everything else melted away. Here's what it looks like now. Nothing drastic; just making it even less observable.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-10.jpg
Stephen
dammit, I really shouldnt have opened this thread haha. Ive been on the fence about a Scar for awhile.... Im pretty sure I just fell off the fence, and Im gonna have a.....SCAR from the fall.... lol
Stephen,
I read back through the thread and couldn't find it. So could you post who cut the barrel and what method they used?
Great looking weapon by they way!:D
Stephen,
I read back through the thread and couldn't find it. So could you post who cut the barrel and what method they used?
Great looking weapon by they way!:D
Thanks very much! Marvin Pitts at nefariousarms@live.com did the work for me and a friend. He's done several others since.
Here's a thread on TOS where he shows some photos of the work: "http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=24&t=315821"
Stephen
Chris17404
08-20-10, 10:15
Stephen H,
Thank you for the range report. I'd really like to know how people are setting up their slings on the SCAR. Is there a good way to attach a single-point sling near the rear of the receiver? Perhaps a pic of the other side of your gun showing your sling setup? Thanks for your time.
Chris
Stephen H,
Thank you for the range report. I'd really like to know how people are setting up their slings on the SCAR. Is there a good way to attach a single-point sling near the rear of the receiver? Perhaps a pic of the other side of your gun showing your sling setup? Thanks for your time.
Chris
I've found this works best for me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-7.jpg
Chris17404
08-20-10, 10:52
Interesting... thanks, Stephen.
Moose-Knuckle
08-20-10, 16:51
I've found this works best for me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/stephen_101st/Gear/SCARCQC-7.jpg
Man that rifle is just tits!
I like how you drilled out the rail covers to have access to the barrel take down screws. Smart thinking! :)
I like how you drilled out the rail covers to have access to the barrel take down screws. Smart thinking! :)
Thanks! I can now pull the barrel assembly without taking anything off the rails.
Stephen
Stephen, could you tell me a little about the dual function pressure switch you've got going on? Product number, perhaps?
SR07-D-IT I believe
I have used one the past 5-6 months and its excellent. The forward button for my M300 and the rear for the PEQ-15.
Rick
SR07-D-IT I believe
That is correct. I trimmed off the rail grabbers and used sticky back Hook & Loop Velcro to attach it. Another excellent Surefire product!
Stephen
Trying to get one of those Gear Sector sling mounts is difficult?
Anyone know where else to get one?
buddyhoohaw
09-29-10, 10:31
Trying to get one of those Gear Sector sling mounts is difficult?
Anyone know where else to get one?
Brownell's carries them.
Cheers
Thanks bud!
I see now that the folks at Rainer Arms have them.
There GTG, so I'm taken care of.
Cheers
With threads like this I find myself wanting a SCAR more and more.
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