The FN SCAR family of rifles has recently been surrounded by some controversy following the announcement of discontinuing further production. As it now turns out, this was merely a prelude to the introduction of the next generation of this platform, bringing with it further innovations. So what distinguishes the new generation of SCAR rifles?
Charging handle
Until now, one of the major drawbacks of the SCAR rifles was the charging handle being permanently connected to the bolt carrier, which ultimately resulted in increased recoil and the risk of injury to an improperly positioned hand. The new generation has been equipped with a redesigned bolt carrier group featuring a charging handle as a separate component.
Bolt carrier group
In addition to the charging handle being a separate part, an integrated hydraulic buffer has also been introduced, housed within the bolt carrier itself. Further changes include a reduction in the weight of the bolt carrier group by removing excess material. Good news for owners of previous generations is full compatibility, allowing the new bolt carrier group to be installed in existing rifles.
Upper receiver
FN Herstal responded to user complaints by introducing an extended upper receiver in the new generation, allowing for a longer support-hand grip. At the front of the upper receiver, an access port for the gas regulator has also been added. The previous rail concept (quite modern at the time of its introduction) has been abandoned in favor of the more popular M-LOK mounting system located on the handguard.
Controls
Keeping up with modern trends, the next generation of rifles has also received fully ambidextrous controls. In addition to the already present fire selector levers and magazine release button, a bolt release lever has now been added.
Other changes include full compatibility with AR-15 pistol grips and an expanded range of available stocks, ranging from a modernized classic stock (supplemented with QD points and a slightly revised cheek rest shape), through a fixed AR-15 buffer tube adapter, to the option of using the collapsible PDW stock from the SCAR SC rifle (aka the Baby SCAR). All of the listed components are backward compatible with previous generations.
FN QD556 and FN QD762 suppressors
A completely separate product line designed to work with the new generation of SCAR rifles are the dedicated FN QD762 and FN QD556 suppressors. As the name suggests, these are quick-detach designs intended for 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm calibers respectively.
The suppressor itself is made from an Inconel alloy (primarily composed of nickel, chromium, and iron) using 3D printing technology. Inside, there is an expansion chamber made of stainless steel, and the entire unit is additionally protected with heat-resistant C-Series Cerakote coating. The manufacturer states that the suppressors meet the USSOCOM SURG standard (firing 8 full magazines in full-auto, cooling down, and then firing another 8 magazines). The design is said to feature low back pressure and forward gas venting through dedicated chambers.
The new generation of SCAR rifles from Fabrique Nationale de Herstal is expected to include all existing models (SCAR-L/16S in 5.56x45 mm, SCAR-H/17S in 7.62x51 mm or 6.5 Creedmoor, and SCAR-20 in 7.62x51 mm or 6.5 Creedmoor) in three color variants: black, gray, and sand/FDE. Pricing is set at 3,799USD for the SCAR-L/16S, 3,999USD for the SCAR-H/17S, and 4,499USD for the SCAR-20. The new suppressors will be available exclusively in sand/FDE or black, priced at 1,299USD for the FN QD556 and 1,399USD for the FN QD762.
Photos: Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; TheFirearmBlog
