FN Mk 20 SSR
FN Herstal · Sniper Rifle · In Service · 2010
Also known as: Mk 20 Mod 0, Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle, SCAR-H SSR, SCAR-H PR, SSR
Overview
The FN Mk 20 SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) is the U.S. Special Operations Command designated-marksman variant of the SCAR-H platform, adopted in 2010 to fill the precision support role out to 800 meters. Built on the proven short-stroke gas piston SCAR-H receiver, the Mk 20 SSR features a 508mm (20-inch) match-grade cold hammer-forged heavy barrel, a factory Geissele Super SCAR two-stage trigger, an extended monolithic upper receiver with a continuous full-length Picatinny rail, and a precision stock with adjustable cheek piece and length of pull. The side-folding stock preserves the SCAR family's compact transport profile while purpose-built precision features deliver sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition. Feeding from 20-round SR-25/M110 pattern magazines and designed to integrate suppressors, night-vision optics, and day scopes on the continuous rail, the Mk 20 SSR was purpose-built to give special operations designated marksmen a single rifle capable of transitioning between close-quarters engagements and the long-range work common in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4850 g (171.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5350 g (188.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1080 mm (42.52") |
| Folded Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Height | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Width | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 17 N (3.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 790 m/s (2592 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3535 J (2607 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Chrome Lined Bore, Match Grade Barrel, Heavy Barrel, Monolithic Upper Receiver, Extended Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Side Folding Stock, Geissele Super Scar Trigger, Suppressor Ready, Ambidextrous Controls, Sr25 Pattern Magazines
Variants
- FN SCAR-H PR — Precision Rifle
- FN SCAR 20S — Civilian Semi Auto
- FN SCAR 20S NRCH — Non Reciprocating Charging Handle
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Special Operations Command · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command (Navy SEALs) · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- U.S. Army Special Forces · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- Marine Raider Regiment (MARSOC) · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (insurgency phase) (2010-2011)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 2009-present
Military production of the Mk 20 SSR for USSOCOM began in 2009-2010. Exact numbers classified/undisclosed. Produced by FN America in Columbia, South Carolina for U.S. military contracts.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
USSOCOM adopted the Mk 20 SSR in 2010 as part of the SCAR family, selecting the FN design over the competing HK417-derived Mk 25 (M110K1) which was judged less ergonomic in testing. The Mk 20 SSR replaced the Mk 11 Mod 0 (KAC SR-25) in the special operations designated-marksman role and was fielded alongside the Mk 17 Mod 0 (SCAR-H). The civilian-legal SCAR 20S variant was released in 2017 and remained legal in California under CA-compliant stock configurations until restrictions tightened in 2023. A later NRCH (Non-Reciprocating Charging Handle) variant addressed the most common operator complaint about the original design - the reciprocating charging handle.
Background
USSOCOM adopted the Mk 20 SSR in 2010 after evaluating it against the HK417-derived Mk 25 (M110K1), judging the FN platform more ergonomic and better suited to the designated-marksman role. With its 20-inch heavy match barrel and adjustable precision stock, operators used it to extend the reach of SOF patrols out to 800 meters in the mountains of Afghanistan - often carrying a single weapon that could transition from room clearing to ridgeline counter-sniping.