Firearm enthusiasts haven't seen a new model of the famous FN America SCAR since the release of the company's 17S eight years ago. However, FN made it clear that the company wasn't done with the .30-caliber battle rifle and launched its all-new SCAR 20S precision rifle, built to offer enhanced accuracy and designed for use as a long-range precision rifle.
"The FN SCAR 20S is the latest addition to our battle-proven line-up of FN SCAR products and the first commercial SCAR release since we launched the 17S in 2010," said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America, LLC. "Customers will notice that the FN SCAR 20S shares more commonalities than differences with the MK20 SSR and reaffirms our commitment to producing commercial versions of our iconic military firearms."
The MK20 Sniper Support Rifle (SSR), chambered in 7.62 NATO, is currently serving with elements of the United States Special Operations Command, and many firearm fans clamored for a civilian variant in order to take advantage of the many enhancements found on this precision-oriented rifle and not included in the company's other SCAR variants.
To enhance long-range accuracy and precision, FN America outfitted the SCAR 20S with a heavy-profile barrel along with a thicker barrel extension. This reduces barrel whip during firing, providing the extra rigidity that provides improved accuracy. The barrel measures 20 inches long and features a 1:12-inch twist rate designed to stabilize most match-grade 7.62 NATO ammunition.
Surrounding the FN SCAR 20S rifle's heavy barrel is a lengthened receiver, which adds weight and also contributes to the rigidity needed for a stable shooting platform. An added benefit of this design is the extended Picatinny rail running along the top of the receiver, offering added real estate for mounting optics and other accessories. The upper receiver also features Picatinny-rail segments at the 3-, 9- and 6-o'clock positions, providing extra flexibility in mounting accessories like bipods, grips, lights, lasers and more. Near the muzzle-end of the handguard, a cutout on both the left and right sides of the receiver enable access to the multi-position gas piston, allowing users to fine-tune their gun's semi-automatic operation.
One of the other highlights found on the FN SCAR 20S is the inclusion of the same buttstock used on the USSOCOM-issued MK20 SSR. This custom stock can be adjusted for a custom length-of-pull and comb height. The stock is fixed into position, unlike the folding design found on the SCAR 17S, and a section of Picatinny rail on the underside of the adjustable unit allows for the attachment of a monopod for a more-stable shooting platform.
Other features on the SCAR 20S include the installation of a two-stage Geissele Super SCAR trigger, which provides a 3.5- to 4.5-pound trigger pull, as well as the gun's FDE finish. Overall length is adjustable between 40.6 to 42.5 inches and the overall weight on the gun is 11.2 pounds. Each SCAR 20S is compatible with all SCAR 17S 10- and 20-round magazines, and the rifle ships with a single 10-round mag. The suggested retail price on the gun is $4,499.
A full review of the FN America SCAR 20S precision rifle will be available in the January 2019 issue of Shooting Illustrated magazine. To sign up for the print magazine, sign up at the National Rifle Association membership page here and select Shooting Illustrated as your NRA official journal.
"The FN SCAR 20S is the latest addition to our battle-proven line-up of FN SCAR products and the first commercial SCAR release since we launched the 17S in 2010," said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America, LLC. "Customers will notice that the FN SCAR 20S shares more commonalities than differences with the MK20 SSR and reaffirms our commitment to producing commercial versions of our iconic military firearms."
The MK20 Sniper Support Rifle (SSR), chambered in 7.62 NATO, is currently serving with elements of the United States Special Operations Command, and many firearm fans clamored for a civilian variant in order to take advantage of the many enhancements found on this precision-oriented rifle and not included in the company's other SCAR variants.
To enhance long-range accuracy and precision, FN America outfitted the SCAR 20S with a heavy-profile barrel along with a thicker barrel extension. This reduces barrel whip during firing, providing the extra rigidity that provides improved accuracy. The barrel measures 20 inches long and features a 1:12-inch twist rate designed to stabilize most match-grade 7.62 NATO ammunition.
Surrounding the FN SCAR 20S rifle's heavy barrel is a lengthened receiver, which adds weight and also contributes to the rigidity needed for a stable shooting platform. An added benefit of this design is the extended Picatinny rail running along the top of the receiver, offering added real estate for mounting optics and other accessories. The upper receiver also features Picatinny-rail segments at the 3-, 9- and 6-o'clock positions, providing extra flexibility in mounting accessories like bipods, grips, lights, lasers and more. Near the muzzle-end of the handguard, a cutout on both the left and right sides of the receiver enable access to the multi-position gas piston, allowing users to fine-tune their gun's semi-automatic operation.
One of the other highlights found on the FN SCAR 20S is the inclusion of the same buttstock used on the USSOCOM-issued MK20 SSR. This custom stock can be adjusted for a custom length-of-pull and comb height. The stock is fixed into position, unlike the folding design found on the SCAR 17S, and a section of Picatinny rail on the underside of the adjustable unit allows for the attachment of a monopod for a more-stable shooting platform.
Other features on the SCAR 20S include the installation of a two-stage Geissele Super SCAR trigger, which provides a 3.5- to 4.5-pound trigger pull, as well as the gun's FDE finish. Overall length is adjustable between 40.6 to 42.5 inches and the overall weight on the gun is 11.2 pounds. Each SCAR 20S is compatible with all SCAR 17S 10- and 20-round magazines, and the rifle ships with a single 10-round mag. The suggested retail price on the gun is $4,499.
A full review of the FN America SCAR 20S precision rifle will be available in the January 2019 issue of Shooting Illustrated magazine. To sign up for the print magazine, sign up at the National Rifle Association membership page here and select Shooting Illustrated as your NRA official journal.
