My FN SCAR "collectors item"

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iamkris

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Well, just as SOCOM decides to cancel the FN Mk16 SCAR, I picked mine up. I thought I might as well post some pictures of my "collectors item" (just a joke...I'm sure they will continue to produce these for the civilian market as long as people will buy them) and some initial thoughts.

I originally handled one of these at the NRA show in St Louis a couple of years ago. I wasn't impressed as I thought it was "fat" compared to my ARs. The FN rep that field stripped it for me fumbled through the process so it came across as less than intuitive. That said, sometimes I get and itch and have to scratch it. Was waiting on a 1:7 barreled RobArms XCR but they seem to have forgotten me. I found a good deal on a SCAR with 60 round through it.

dw6qu9.jpg

Initial impressions
+ I don't know what I was thinking when I first saw it...this rifle is trim
+ Light and handy, feels lighter than my ARs...maybe it is a center of gravity thing
+ Controls are all familiar to any AR shooter - most are ambidexterous...don't know why they kept the stupid ping pong paddle bolt release of the AR, though
+ Reciprocating charging handle doesn't bother me but its placement is poor...my hand hits the optics all the time
+ The adjustable cheek piece is nice...really well placed. Feels a little flimsy though...not sure how it will stand up to long term use.
+ Folding stock is a huge plus...seems well made but I think the early ones had a cracking issue at the hinge
+ Trigger is similar to a stock AR but less creep and crisp let off...I'd say 6 lbs or so
+ BUIS sights are well made and positive
+ Field stripping is much different than an AR but very straightforward
+ I put 20 quick rounds through it at my FFLs range behind his house when I first got it...shot to shot recovery was very quick with the comp on it. *No accuracy testing yet.

211u6p.jpg

OK here's my modest FN collection and yes I'm stretching the definition a bit. *Starting from the bottom

+ FN SCAR Mk16S
+ FN PBR in .308
+ FN HiPower 9x19mm
+ DSA StG58A (hey, it's BASED on a FN design!!!)
+ FN49, Egyptian, 7.92x57mm
+ DSA SA58 Para (again, BASED on an FN)
+ bet this one has you guessing...a stupid sporterizing job I did back in the 1980's...an FN manufactured Israeli Mauser 98 in .308. *I turned what is now a $500 milsurp into a $250-300 sporter. *Ah well, live and learn.
 
wow, that's a pretty well-rounded FN collection. looks like all you're missing is the 248 :)
 
I knew the SCAR was never going to make in the military despite the fanfare it received. It was just another flavor of the month. Believe me though FN does not need that contract. They have plenty of others.
 
I knew the SCAR was never going to make in the military despite the fanfare it received. It was just another flavor of the month. Believe me though FN does not need that contract. They have plenty of others.
Click to expand...
Not so fast...the SCAR light model in 5.56 was rejected, but the 7.62 NATO models are still out there, and have a good shot at being adopted as Designated Marksman Rifles.

I have no particular passion either way for the SCAR, but I really doubt our military's strategy for DMRs in the future will continue to involve reworked 50-year old M14s.
 
Actually, FN has lost the M240 contract, and there are no M16 orders on the horizon. FN Manufacturing laid off nearly 20% of their workforce a few months ago.
 
In regards to the demise of the SCAR-L...

Posted on another forum by FNH USA Marketing Director Gabe Bailey on 07-01-2010.

Note part in bold (my emphasis). :scrutiny:
Gabe Bailey said:
I would like to direct everyone to our website below. We have posted a release. Before you read it, please understand that, as a professional, ethical organization doing business with a myriad of highly respected customers, we are bound to release facts...not conjecture, rumor, and/or hearsay. Our beliefs and opinions are rooted in discussion with officials, official test report results, and official decisions that some of the general public do not have access to.

Understand that the MK 16 has not been 'cancelled' and is not 'dead' as some overly sensationalistic journalists have reported. We have not received any official information from our customer that the SCAR contract has been changed or modified in any way, shape, or form. The MK 16 remains a part of the SCAR contract.

In regards to the performance advantage of the MK 16 and limited funds, I offer the following. The MK 16 has met all requirements. These requirements are well above and beyond that of the current system being employed. The entire suite of SCAR weapons (MK 16, MK 17, MK 13, and MK 20) must be procured with 'specific' funding. That funding is also alloted to buy other things like body armor, lasers, helicopters, etc. The customer has a right and rightfully does prioritize how to spend that funding. Equipment that is 'service common' (and the O&M funding to maintain it) is not procured with 'specific' funding; it is provided.

We intend to release more as time permits and with approval. Thanks to those who take what they read on the internet with a grain of salt and to those who know and appreciate the value of this program.

http://www.fnhusa.com/mil/press/detail.asp?id=87
Click to expand...
 
no, FN is not publicly traded. FN is owned mainly by the Walloon region of Belgium, which is similar to a state.
 
We'll see what happens, but I'd look for a possible dip in price for more appeal to the civilian market if a large .gov contract ends up going unfulfilled.
 
Well as a civilian I hope thats the case, I want a Scar.

I'm a buyer around $2k when they make CT legal versions.
 
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