FN SCAR-H
Country: 
BelgiumManufacturer: FN Herstal
Heavy variant of the FN SCAR family chambered in 7.62×51 mm NATO, developed for USSOCOM as the Mk 17: shares the SCAR-L's modular layout with interchangeable barrels and a folding/adjustable stock.
FN SCAR-H
Community
Data trust
- Reliability
- Unverified
- Sources
- Sources pending review
Identity
- Designation
- FN SCAR-H
- Alias
- Mk 17 Mod 0
- Manufacturer
- FN Herstal
- Country
- Belgium
- Year
- 2009
- Category
- Assault rifle
- Status
- In service
Ballistics
- Caliber
- 7.62×51 mm NATO
- Muzzle velocity
- 870 m/s
- Rate of fire
- ~625 rpm
- Effective range
- 600 m
- Maximum range
- 800 m
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 400 mm
- Overall length
- 715 / 965 mm
- Empty weight
- 3.72 kg
Mechanics
- Operating system
- Gas-operated, short-stroke piston
- Bolt / action
- Rotating bolt
Feed
- System
- Caricatore amovibile FN SCAR-H 20 colpi
- Standard capacity
- 20 rounds
Fire modes
Historical profile
Origins and Development of the SCAR Program
The genesis of the Heavy variant dates back to January 2004, when USSOCOM issued requirements for a new modular weapon system designed for extreme operational environments. FN Herstal prevailed during the selection trials by outperforming major competitors with a platform that ensured over 90% parts commonality between the 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm calibers.
The refinement process led to the second-generation prototype in 2006, focusing on weight reduction and the improvement of long-range precision. Following a series of intense environmental and ballistic tests conducted by American special operations forces, the design was finalized with serial production starting between 2008 and 2009 to satisfy the initial order of several thousand units.
Technical Architecture and Modularity
The weapon's core is a short-stroke gas piston system operating within a monolithic extruded aluminum upper receiver, ensuring significant structural durability. The trigger group and magazine well are constructed from high-strength polymers, a solution that balances the weapon's center of gravity and improves handling despite the heavy NATO caliber.
Technical versatility is showcased through the ability to quickly swap barrels between the 13-inch CQC, 16-inch Standard, and 20-inch Long configurations. The firearm employs a side-folding, adjustable buttstock, while the top MIL-STD-1913 rail allows for the installation of day and night optics without losing zero during field stripping.
Operational Employment and Global Deployment
In 2010, USSOCOM announced the decision to halt the procurement of the Mk 16 (SCAR-L) to concentrate resources exclusively on the Mk 17, which was deemed more effective and necessary in the field. Since then, the weapon has become the standard for Navy SEALs and Army Rangers in Afghanistan and Iraq, excelling particularly in mid-range firefights where the 5.56 mm round showed lethality limitations.
Beyond the United States and Belgium, the SCAR-H has found use with elite units worldwide, including special forces from France, Italy, and Portugal. Compared to traditional designs such as the M14 EBR or the SR-25, the FN platform demonstrated superior reliability in the presence of fine sand and extreme temperatures, solidifying its reputation as a modern battle rifle.
Platform Evolution and Legacy
The Mk 17 architecture gave birth to specialized variants such as the Sniper Support Rifle (SSR), officially adopted as the Mk 20 Mod 0 Sniper Support System. This evolution transformed the assault rifle into a semi-automatic precision weapon featuring an extended receiver and match-grade trigger, extending operational effectiveness well beyond 800 meters with specific ammunition.
The influence of the SCAR-H on the modern market is evident in the adoption of similar construction standards by many new Western designs. Despite competition from more recent AR-10 platforms, the FN system remains the benchmark for integrating heavy calibers into multi-role packages, maintaining active orders for security agencies and global counter-terrorism units.
Variants
Main users
United States (USSOCOM) · Belgium · France · Peru · Norway · Lithuania
Key components
- ●Stock — Calcio pieghevole con poggiaguancia regolabile.
- ●Receiver — Upper monolitico in alluminio con full-length rail.
- ●Grip — Grip in polimero stile A2.
- ●Magazine — Caricatore amovibile 7.62 NATO 20 colpi.
- ●Barrel — Canna quick-change con freno di bocca.
