FN SCAR 16S
FN Herstal · Rifle · In Production · 2026
Also known as: SCAR 16S Gen 2, FN SCAR 16, SCAR-L 16S, FN SCAR 16S Next Generation
Overview
The FN SCAR 16S is the 2026 next-generation reboot of FN's civilian 5.56x45mm NATO SCAR-L carbine, a semi-automatic rifle reworked with over two dozen upgrades aimed at recoil reduction and modern suppressor compatibility. The headline change is a hydraulically buffered two-piece bolt carrier developed with KynSHOT: the hydraulic buffer slows rearward bolt velocity while the split carrier dampens the forward return, noticeably smoothing the SCAR's recoil impulse and directly addressing the long-standing reputation for optic-rattling recoil. The reboot adds an extended receiver with an integrated M-LOK rail system, fully ambidextrous controls, an AR-15-compatible pistol grip, an updated trigger, and a refined gas system tuned for forward-venting suppressors. FN also abandoned the previous shoulder-less barrel profile in favor of a standard 1/2x28 muzzle thread, eliminating the jam nut previously needed for muzzle devices. The rifle retains the SCAR's short-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, cold-hammer-forged barrel, and side-folding telescoping stock.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3946 g (139.2 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 413 mm (16.26") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Hydraulic Buffer, Two Piece Bolt Carrier, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, Extended Receiver, M Lok Rail, Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls, Folding Stock, Telescoping Stock, Ar15 Compatible Grip, Threaded Muzzle, Enhanced Trigger, Suppressor Ready
Production
Production years: 2026-present
Next-generation reboot replacing the earlier civilian SCAR 16S, which had been discontinued.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
MSRP roughly $3,799; offered in black, FDE, and gray. Weight about 8.7 lb (3946 g); 16.25-inch (413 mm) cold-hammer-forged barrel; 1/2x28 muzzle thread. FN validated the redesign to 16,000 rounds without major component failure. Availability Q2 2026. Overall and folded lengths for the new model were not published at announcement; the rifle retains a side-folding stock.
Background
FN finally answered the SCAR's most persistent complaint - a sharp, optic-jarring recoil impulse - by co-developing a hydraulic two-piece bolt carrier with KynSHOT for the 2026 reboot, turning the long-standing 'SCAR breaks optics' urban legend into the centerpiece fix of the rifle's relaunch.