FN SCAR-H
FN Herstal · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2009
Also known as: Mk 17 Mod 0, SCAR Heavy, Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle - Heavy, Mk 20 SSR
Overview
The FN SCAR-H is a select-fire 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) | 3583 g (126.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4080 g (143.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Folded Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Height | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Width | 70 mm (2.76") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 875 m/s (2871 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3640 J (2685 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3800 m (4156 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 625 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 | Hardcoat Anodized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full 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, Adjustable Folding Stock, Ambidextrous Controls, Picatinny Rail System, Quick Change Barrel, Modular Design, Side Folding Stock
Variants
- FN SCAR-H CQC — Short Barrel
- FN SCAR-H Standard — Standard
- FN SCAR-H LB — Long Barrel
- Mk 17 Mod 0 — Military Designation
- Mk 20 SSR — Sniper Support
- FN SCAR 17S — Civilian Semi Auto
- FN SCAR-H PR — Precision Rifle
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Special Operations Command · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17 Mod 0
- U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17
- U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment · adopted 2009 · as Mk 17
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 2010 · as SCAR-H
- Portuguese Armed Forces · adopted 2012 · as SCAR-H
- French Armed Forces · as SCAR-H
- Polish Armed Forces · as SCAR-H
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 2022 · as SCAR-H
- Kenyan Defence Forces · as SCAR-H
- Mauritius Police Force · as SCAR-H
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 2009-present
Exact production numbers classified/undisclosed. In service with over 20 countries. Military production ongoing.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
The SCAR-H was designed to replace multiple weapon systems including the M4A1, Mk 11, and Mk 12 in special operations service. The Mk 20 SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) variant features a longer barrel and enhanced precision capabilities. Unlike the SCAR-L (Mk 16) which was eventually phased out by USSOCOM, the SCAR-H remains in widespread service due to its superior performance with 7.62mm NATO ammunition. The weapon's quick-change barrel system allows operators to swap between different barrel lengths in the field. In 2024, FN America discontinued all civilian SCAR models (SCAR 17S) for the commercial market, though military and law enforcement production continues. The SCAR-H is currently fielded in over 20 countries worldwide.
Background
USSOCOM dropped the SCAR-L (Mk 16) in 5.56mm in 2010, concluding it offered insufficient improvement over the M4A1. But the SCAR-H in 7.62mm was retained because no existing weapon matched its combination of modularity, accuracy, and reliability for the long-range engagements common in Afghanistan.