Introduction

The SCAR-L is a modern assault rifle of Belgian origin. The SCAR-L was developed by Fabrique Nationale alongside the larger caliber SCAR-H in response to a United States Special Operations Command requirement.

Design

The FN SCAR is a gas operated assault rifle and uses a short stroke gas piston to cycle the action. The design is modular and allows for different barrel lengths and a variety of accessories. Some ergonomics, such as pistol grip and fire selector, are similar to the AR-15. The monolithic upper receiver has a long Picatinny accessory rail to mount one or more optical sights.

Firepower

The SCAR-L fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from a 30 round STANAG compatible detachable magazine. It is a select fire rifle with a rather low cyclic rate of fire of 625 rpm. Effective range, depending on barrel length, ranges from 300 m to over 400 m. An FN40GL 40mm low velocity grenade launcher can be mounted under the forearm.

Users

The SCAR-L was adopted by USSOCOM in 2009 as the Mk 16 Mod 0. Number of SCAR-L acquired were limited, since it offered limited value over the less cumbersome M4 already in service. Instead larger numbers of SCAR-H were acquired. The SCAR-L has been adopted by several nations as standard issue service rifle. Most notably by Belgium and Portugal. Various special forces and law enforcement units around the globe acquired the SCAR-L in limited quantity.

The SCAR-L is available in black or tan. Three barrel lengths were developed. The Close Quarter Combat (CQC) length is the shortest. The Standard (STD) length is comparable to the M4 carbine. A Long Barrel (LB) was available, but seems no longer offered.