FN SCAR 16S

[Stephen_H]

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.




Bevel job on the Aimpoint


Group is right at 1 inch center to center. Without the flyer it’s under ¾”.


Enjoying the spring weather.

[Iraqgunz]

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?

[m1ajunkie]

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

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.

[m1ajunkie]

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.

[Stephen_H]

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

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

[Stephen_H]

Originally Posted by m1ajunkie

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

[Boss Hogg]

Paging Paul at BCM for a new product development opportunity. You know, the 12" hammer forged variety????

[m1ajunkie]

Originally Posted by Stephen_H

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.

[mildot]

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]

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.

[Rated21R]

nice write up.

[5Bshooter]

Wow, seriously. I am an old fart who HATES anything new. But the SCAR runs pretty smoothly!

[Stephen_H]

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.

[SRT-M4]

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 I wont get it for a while now. Ill be on vacation next week.

[buddyhoohaw]

Originally Posted by Endless

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.
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]

Originally Posted by Endless

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.
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]

Originally Posted by OTO27

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]

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.



Cheers

[mildot]

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!

[Stephen_H]

Originally Posted by mildot

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