FN SCAR 20S
FN Herstal · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2010
Also known as: Mk 20 SSR, SCAR-H PR, SCAR 20S NRCH, FN Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle
Overview
The FN SCAR 20S is the semi-automatic civilian variant of the Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle (SSR), developed by FN Herstal for the United States Special Operations Command's precision rifle requirement. Built on the proven SCAR-H platform with a short-stroke gas piston system, the SCAR 20S features a 508mm (20-inch) match-grade cold hammer-forged barrel, factory-installed Geissele Super SCAR two-stage trigger, and an extended monolithic upper receiver with full-length Picatinny rail. The precision-oriented stock includes an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull, while the side-folding capability allows compact transport. Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition, the SCAR 20S represents one of the most advanced semi-automatic precision rifle platforms available, combining the SCAR family's legendary reliability with dedicated long-range accuracy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5080 g (179.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5600 g (197.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1031 mm (40.59") |
| Folded Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 17 N (3.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 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 Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm 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, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Match Grade Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Stock, Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail, Suppressor Ready, Geissele Trigger, Monolithic Upper Receiver, Ambidextrous Controls
Variants
- FN Mk 20 SSR — Military
- FN SCAR 20S NRCH — Non Reciprocating Charging Handle
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- United States Navy SEALs · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- United States Army Special Forces · adopted 2010 · as Mk 20 SSR
- Belgian Special Forces Group
- Australian Special Operations Command
- Lithuanian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Military Mk 20 SSR production from 2010; civilian SCAR 20S from 2017. Exact numbers not disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
The Mk 20 SSR was adopted by USSOCOM in 2010 as a replacement for the Mk 11 Mod 0 (SR-25) in the precision support role. The SCAR 20S civilian variant was released in 2017 with the factory Geissele trigger. The NRCH (Non-Reciprocating Charging Handle) variant was introduced later to eliminate the reciprocating charging handle, which was a common complaint among operators. The rifle accepts standard SR-25/M110 pattern magazines. FN guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition from the factory.
Background
The Mk 20 SSR was developed as part of the SCAR program that aimed to give US Special Operations a single modular family of weapons. While the SCAR-L (Mk 16) was controversially dropped by SOCOM, the SCAR-H variants including the Mk 20 SSR remain in widespread SOF service, with operators praising its ability to transition between close-quarters and precision engagements.