FN SCAR 17S
FN Herstal · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2009
Also known as: Mk 17 Mod 0, SCAR-H, SCAR Heavy, Mk 20 SSR, SCAR 20S
Overview
The FN SCAR 17S is a semi-automatic battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by FN Herstal since 2009. Featuring a 20-round magazine capacity, this battle rifle offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3629 g (128.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4029 g (142.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 978 mm (38.50") |
| Folded Length | 673 mm (26.50") |
| Barrel Length | 413 mm (16.26") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3463 J (2554 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3820 m (4178 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Folding Stock, Telescoping Stock, Ambidextrous Controls, Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Quick Change Barrel, Select Fire
Variants
- FN SCAR 17S CQC — Short Barrel
- Mk 17 Mod 0 — Military Select Fire
- Mk 17 CQC — Short Barrel
- SCAR-H LB — Long Barrel
- Mk 20 SSR — Precision Rifle
- SCAR-H PR — Precision Rifle
- SCAR 20S — Precision Semi Auto
Service history
Operators
- US Special Operations Command · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17 Mod 0
- US Navy SEALs · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17
- US Army Special Forces · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17
- US Army Rangers · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17
- Marine Forces Special Operations Command · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17
- Belgian Armed Forces · as SCAR-H
- French Armed Forces · adopted 2019 · as SCAR-H PR
- Portuguese Armed Forces · adopted 2019 · as SCAR-H
- Polish Armed Forces · as SCAR-H
Production
Production years: 2009-present
The civilian SCAR 17S was discontinued by FN America in 2024. Military SCAR-H/Mk 17 production continues. Adopted by over 20 countries.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
The SCAR-H comes in three main military variants: CQC (Close Quarters Combat) with 330mm barrel, STD (Standard) with 406mm barrel, and LB (Long Barrel) with 508mm barrel. The civilian SCAR 17S is semi-automatic only with a 16.25-inch (413mm) barrel. The Mk 20 SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) is an accurized precision variant adopted by SOCOM in 2011. The SCAR's modularity allows rapid barrel changes to adapt the weapon from CQB to designated marksman roles. Over 20 countries have adopted the SCAR platform for military and law enforcement use. The original 1:12 inch twist rate has been updated to 1:10 inch in newer precision variants like the SCAR 20S for improved performance with heavier projectiles.
Background
The SCAR 17S is the civilian version of the battle rifle that replaced multiple weapon systems in U.S. Special Operations Command service. Unlike the SCAR-L (Mk 16) which USSOCOM dropped, the SCAR-H remained in service because operators found its 7.62mm stopping power invaluable in the long-range engagements of Afghanistan.