Fn scar
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Broken11b
Member
What do you want to know about it? What mistake did you make with the mini14? What is it going to be used for? If you make your questions a bit more specific then you will probably get answers youre seeking.
I own one, so if you have any particular questions that can be answered I'd love to try to help.
I own one, so if you have any particular questions that can be answered I'd love to try to help.
I left it wide open to get as much first hand info as possible. I'm looking for the pros and cons. Is it worth the money? Is it more accurate than a Colt AR? Do you see it replacing the AR in 5 years? Is it a better rifle than a piston AR? After how many rounds would one have to clean it before it started to malfunction? I have tried to find reports about the operator's opinions are who use it, but haven't been able to locate much.
Broken11b
Member
Is it worth the money? That depends, and will be different for everyone ... For casual use or even some competition, a DI AR will still run fine. The SCAR is supposed to be very reliable, but I havent seen it outgun anything else in my collection (unless youre trying to pass the over the beach test, then it would beat a few).
It is slightly more accurate than my Colt Hbar, but that might just be because its a shorter barrel with a shorter sight plane and iron sights. Its slightly better than your average AR, but not as good as your extra fancy match grade. (of course this is just my anecdotal account, others might be better or worse)
It will probably not be replacing the M16 in the next few years, although it does stand a chance. I personally think that an upgraded M16/M4 will be selected. I dont think it will overcome the AR in the civilian world either, I can get parts for my AR's, not too many for the SCAR. Until its costs go down, it will continue to be a niche platform.
Is it better than a piston AR? depends on who makes it, HK's 416 is statistically about even with the SCAR on reliability, "better" is a subjective term. Better by accuracy, reliability, lighter by weight, compactness, performance at distance, ability to handle differing 5.56 loads, ability to change calibers... What kind of better are you looking for?
I dont know how many rounds it will take before a failure without a cleaning, with the amount I paid for it, I take care of it. I clean all of my weapons after each use, if im in a class or at the range, I'll clean during a break. In my old job, weapons maintenance took priority over sleeping and eating, old habits are die hard. I would expect that with its operating system, it would go longer than a DI AR (assuming it hasnt been lubed during its firing) about the same as some of the more reputable piston systems, and a bit less than an AK.
Most of the reports you get are going to be from civilian users, as I dont think too many rangers or guys from 10th group are going to publish end item user reports. The internet will be full of rumors and half truths, some for some against.
Its a lightweight piston system that takes stanag magazines and theoretically has the ability to swap calibers, SOCOM wanted this specific ability so they could minimize the training on the platform in an attempt to find a way to reduce their logistical load. Many of the advantages it offers is lost on civilian users.
It's expensive, with limited after market additions, and I wouldnt buttstroke anyone with it. But its got a reliable operating system and has some interesting features.
I bought it because I like collecting new and different operating systems, and it intrigued me, but I had the money to spare and could afford it. If its going to strain your budget, dont bother, get an AR and spend the extra money on ammo and be happy with it. If you can afford it,along with the optic of your choice with it(I hate seeing scars with $30 knockoff red dots on top of them) and a good shooting school to help you learn how to use it, than by all means go for it.
It is slightly more accurate than my Colt Hbar, but that might just be because its a shorter barrel with a shorter sight plane and iron sights. Its slightly better than your average AR, but not as good as your extra fancy match grade. (of course this is just my anecdotal account, others might be better or worse)
It will probably not be replacing the M16 in the next few years, although it does stand a chance. I personally think that an upgraded M16/M4 will be selected. I dont think it will overcome the AR in the civilian world either, I can get parts for my AR's, not too many for the SCAR. Until its costs go down, it will continue to be a niche platform.
Is it better than a piston AR? depends on who makes it, HK's 416 is statistically about even with the SCAR on reliability, "better" is a subjective term. Better by accuracy, reliability, lighter by weight, compactness, performance at distance, ability to handle differing 5.56 loads, ability to change calibers... What kind of better are you looking for?
I dont know how many rounds it will take before a failure without a cleaning, with the amount I paid for it, I take care of it. I clean all of my weapons after each use, if im in a class or at the range, I'll clean during a break. In my old job, weapons maintenance took priority over sleeping and eating, old habits are die hard. I would expect that with its operating system, it would go longer than a DI AR (assuming it hasnt been lubed during its firing) about the same as some of the more reputable piston systems, and a bit less than an AK.
Most of the reports you get are going to be from civilian users, as I dont think too many rangers or guys from 10th group are going to publish end item user reports. The internet will be full of rumors and half truths, some for some against.
Its a lightweight piston system that takes stanag magazines and theoretically has the ability to swap calibers, SOCOM wanted this specific ability so they could minimize the training on the platform in an attempt to find a way to reduce their logistical load. Many of the advantages it offers is lost on civilian users.
It's expensive, with limited after market additions, and I wouldnt buttstroke anyone with it. But its got a reliable operating system and has some interesting features.
I bought it because I like collecting new and different operating systems, and it intrigued me, but I had the money to spare and could afford it. If its going to strain your budget, dont bother, get an AR and spend the extra money on ammo and be happy with it. If you can afford it,along with the optic of your choice with it(I hate seeing scars with $30 knockoff red dots on top of them) and a good shooting school to help you learn how to use it, than by all means go for it.
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HorseSoldier
Member
+1 what broken11b said. What are you planning on using it for? For pretty much any conceivable civilian user, as well as for LE patrol carbines, I'd be inclined to say no, it's not, unless you are comfortable spending the money for the cool factor.
I eventually got a chance to play with one on the range (.mil version), and came away from it pretty impressed, though as far as accuracy goes I was doing combat marksmanship drills, not benchresting it, so can only say it worked fine for various up drills.
Maybe, but I'm not holding my breath.
Based on my experience with piston ARs (.mil issued HK uppers), I feel that DI AR uppers are better than piston ARs. So is the SCAR.
I don't know, personally. The one I played with ran fine all day without a hiccup and had a bunch of magazines go through it. Not sure of the round count, but it was comparable to the DI carbine I was using the same day, which also didn't have a hiccup.
We didn't have them in the SF unit I was in as a support guy by the time I got out (though we'd been scheduled to get them three times in the couple of years prior to that), so I can't give you any info on how team guys who took them down range feel about them, etc.
I do know that most of the comments I heard about the SCARs from team guys whenever the topic came up was generally head scratching about why they were spending money to replace the M4A1. Most of the 18 series guys I worked with were very happy with the M4, and were generally skeptical of a replacement for it. The guys we shipped off to one of the USASFC or SOCOM (can't remember which) conferences on new equipment did come back pretty impressed about the SCAR as a total package, though I think that was based on powerpoint and handling them, not putting them through their paces on the range.
Broken11b
Member
Well, the Crane powerpoint was very impressive HorseSoldier
HorseSoldier
Member
They do seem to have a flair for PowerPoint. I never saw the SCAR one, but when we did NETT training for Mk 13s and .300 Win Mag they had me wanting to go out and buy the stuff to build one for myself. As soon as the PowerPoint was done and I started totaling up what it would cost to actually do that, I came back to reality pretty quick 
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.Hatterasguy
Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2010
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- 1,604
I'm waiting for the Scar heavy to pull the trigger on one, I want the 7.62 version. I havn't shot one yet, but did fondle the first CT legal one I saw. If it shoots as good as it feels its a winner. Quality seemed very high, on par with the top notch AR's, like LWRC and Noveske.
I was tempted to buy it but they wanted $2,800 and it was a dealer demo. I don't buy dealer demo's or used guns for that kind of money.
Although I still think the ski boot stock is ugly as sin.
I was tempted to buy it but they wanted $2,800 and it was a dealer demo. I don't buy dealer demo's or used guns for that kind of money.
Although I still think the ski boot stock is ugly as sin.
Zerodefect
member
FN Scar
pros:
reliable
durable
side charging handle
its an FN
proper ambidextrous controls
not a mini 14
cons:
heavier than an AR15
ambi safety needs improvement, it's slower feeling than an AR15 ambi safety
deos allmost nothing better than a good AR15
only looks good in black
ever tried getting spare parts or replacement parts for a FN FS2000,PS90, SCAR????
Wish the rails were longer, more REESE like for mounting a Magpul AFG.
5.56 only, no 6.8spc like the AR15
stock has questionable durabilty of the locking notch
expensive
Overall, I'd wait until the ACR and SCAR get longer REESE rails and a bit more evolved before investing in one. The ACR allmost seems redesigned to require improvments (like a Ford Mustang).
pros:
reliable
durable
side charging handle
its an FN
proper ambidextrous controls
not a mini 14
cons:
heavier than an AR15
ambi safety needs improvement, it's slower feeling than an AR15 ambi safety
deos allmost nothing better than a good AR15
only looks good in black
ever tried getting spare parts or replacement parts for a FN FS2000,PS90, SCAR????
Wish the rails were longer, more REESE like for mounting a Magpul AFG.
5.56 only, no 6.8spc like the AR15
stock has questionable durabilty of the locking notch
expensive
Overall, I'd wait until the ACR and SCAR get longer REESE rails and a bit more evolved before investing in one. The ACR allmost seems redesigned to require improvments (like a Ford Mustang).
Owen
Moderator Emeritus
Flair for PowerPoint? Heck, I've got a PowerPoint Tab!
Broken11b
Member
I've actually seen powerpoint tabs... and to keep it on topic
Con, (for some people anyway) the reciprocating charging handle is in the perfect place... to catch your thumb and have an operator induced failure. The Sig556 and AK's charging handle are in a fine location, never got bit by either of them, but the SCAR's is in just the right place, made me go back to a VFG just to keep my hand away from it.
Con, (for some people anyway) the reciprocating charging handle is in the perfect place... to catch your thumb and have an operator induced failure. The Sig556 and AK's charging handle are in a fine location, never got bit by either of them, but the SCAR's is in just the right place, made me go back to a VFG just to keep my hand away from it.
DougW
Member
I read in the Army Times and Military.com that SOCOM has rejected the SCAR. The article was around January or February sometime. Article said all SCAR's were returned to FN due to field failures in the lower/trigger group. I can't find the article, but my soldier son saw the same article. I don't have more specific info right now.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Did a search and did not find that article on the AT website. There are several very flattering reports by end users (supposedly) of the SCAR. The guys at FN actually like the SCAR H better than the L.
Owen
Moderator Emeritus
It wouldn't be the first time that either of those sources are wrong. there are certain units returning weapons to the depot, not to FN, but it has nothing to do with the weapon, and everything to do with funding and color of money issues.
DougW
Member
My son get's the print copy of Army Times, and I will look for the Military.com article I read. Not trying to cause a ruccus though. I am traveling this week and don't have my resourses with me (work computer, not my lap top).
HorseSoldier
Member
Plus some Army Times writers just seem to run a translation program on H&K press releases and call it news . . .
DougW
Member
Can't find it, so I retract the statement. I was hesitant when I first posted, so I'll call it wrong.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
It is funny because it is true...
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