FN SCAR-L
FN Herstal · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2009
Also known as: Mk 16 Mod 0, SCAR Light, Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle - Light
Overview
The FN SCAR-L is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by FN Herstal since 2009.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3990 g (140.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 850 mm (33.46") |
| Folded Length | 620 mm (24.41") |
| Barrel Length | 355 mm (13.98") |
| Height | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Width | 70 mm (2.76") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 875 m/s (2871 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1530 J (1128 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hardcoat Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
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, Stanag Magazine Compatible
Variants
- FN SCAR-L CQC — Short Barrel
- FN SCAR-L Standard — Standard
- FN SCAR-L LB — Long Barrel
- FN SCAR-L PDW — Compact
- Mk 16 Mod 0 — Military Designation
- FN SCAR 16S — Civilian Semi Auto
- FN SCAR-L Mk 2 — Updated Production
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Special Operations Command · adopted 2009 · as Mk 16 Mod 0
- U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment · adopted 2009 · as Mk 16
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 2012 · as SCAR-L
- Portuguese Armed Forces · adopted 2014 · as SCAR-L
- Indian Armed Forces · as SCAR-L
- Polish Armed Forces · as SCAR-L
- French Armed Forces · as SCAR-L
- Lithuanian Armed Forces · as SCAR-L
- Philippine Armed Forces · as SCAR-L
- Georgian Armed Forces · as SCAR-L
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 2007-present
Exact production numbers undisclosed. In service with over 20 countries. Military production ongoing alongside the newer Mk 2 variant.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
Although USSOCOM cancelled its Mk 16 acquisition in June 2010, citing insufficient performance improvement over the M4A1 to justify the cost, the SCAR-L has achieved significant international success. Over 20 countries have adopted the platform for military and law enforcement use. The Belgian Army selected it as a standard-issue service rifle, and it remains in production alongside the newer SCAR-L Mk 2 variant introduced in 2019. In 2024, FN America discontinued civilian SCAR models (SCAR 16S) for the commercial market, though military production continues. A PDW variant with a 172mm barrel was introduced in 2014 for close-protection and vehicle crew roles.
Background
USSOCOM dropped the SCAR-L (Mk 16) in 2010, concluding the 5.56mm variant offered insufficient improvement over the M4A1 to justify its significantly higher cost. The irony is that the SCAR-L went on to become a major international export success, adopted by the Belgian military as a standard-issue rifle and fielded by special operations forces across more than 20 nations.