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FN SCAR-L


Mk 16 Mod 0


Overview


FN SCAR-L

Right side view of black FN SCAR-L with short CQC barrel.
Source: FN Herstal - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Belgium
Type
Assault rifle
Entered service
2009
Status
In service
Development
2003 - 2007
Developer
Belgium - Fabrique Nationale
Production
2009 - present
Producer
Belgium - Fabrique Nationale
United States - FN Manufacturing
Designations
SCAR-L / SCAR Light
Mk 16 Mod 0 (US military service)
SCAR 16S (civilian sales)
Notable users
Belgium

Description


Introduction

The SCAR-L is a modern assault rifle of Belgian origin. The SCAR-L was developed by Fabrique Nationale alongside the larger caliber SCAR-H in response to a United States Special Operations Command requirement.

Design

The FN SCAR is a gas operated assault rifle and uses a short stroke gas piston to cycle the action. The design is modular and allows for different barrel lengths and a variety of accessories. Some ergonomics, such as pistol grip and fire selector, are similar to the AR-15. The monolithic upper receiver has a long Picatinny accessory rail to mount one or more optical sights.

Firepower

The SCAR-L fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from a 30 round STANAG compatible detachable magazine. It is a select fire rifle with a rather low cyclic rate of fire of 625 rpm. Effective range, depending on barrel length, ranges from 300 m to over 400 m. An FN40GL 40mm low velocity grenade launcher can be mounted under the forearm.

Users

The SCAR-L was adopted by USSOCOM in 2009 as the Mk 16 Mod 0. Number of SCAR-L acquired were limited, since it offered limited value over the less cumbersome M4 already in service. Instead larger numbers of SCAR-H were acquired. The SCAR-L has been adopted by several nations as standard issue service rifle. Most notably by Belgium and Portugal. Various special forces and law enforcement units around the globe acquired the SCAR-L in limited quantity.

Variants


FN SCAR-L

Right side view of tan FN SCAR-L with short CQC barrel.
Source: FN Herstal - © Copyright lies with original owner

The SCAR-L is available in black or tan. Three barrel lengths were developed. The Close Quarter Combat (CQC) length is the shortest. The Standard (STD) length is comparable to the M4 carbine. A Long Barrel (LB) was available, but seems no longer offered.

Variants of the SCAR-L

SCAR-L CQC
Variant with 254mm barrel in black or tan color.
SCAR-L STD
Variant with 368mm barrel in black or tan color.
Mk 16 Mod 0
SCAR-L in US military service. Tan model with CQC or STD barrel.
SCAR 16S
US civilian sales model with 413mm barrel, semi-automatic only.

Details


Facts SCAR-L CQC SCAR-L STD
General
Origin
Belgium
Type
Assault rifle
Caliber
Caliber
5.56x45mm NATO
Feed system
30 round detachable box
Barrel length
254 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, 178 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
730 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, short stroke gas piston
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - F
Rate of fire
550 - 650 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Side folding retractable stock
Length
788 mm stock extended
724 mm stock retracted
540 mm stock folded
Weight
3.3 kg empty
Sights
Optics
Various types can be mounted onto Picatinny accessory rail
Mechanical
Flip-up iron sights
Accessories
Accessories
Optional on quad Picatinny rails
Grenade launcher
Optional 40mm FN40GL
Suppressor
Optional

Media


Related articles


FN SCAR-H

The SCAR-H is the 7.62mm NATO battle rifle counterpart of the SCAR-L.