Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

SOCOM SCAR Enters Service
Strategy Page ^ | July 21, 2005

Posted on 07/21/2005 3:32:57 PM PDT by spetznaz

July 21, 2005: SCAR (Special operations forces Combat Assault Rifle) has begun field testing with American commandoes. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) did not want to wait for the U.S. Army to finish work on their similar XM-8 rifle. SOCOM has the money, and authority to develop their own weapons. In this case, SOCOM wanted a weapon that did everything the XM-8 did, and a little more. Some 22 months ago, SOCOM asked rifle manufacturers to submit proposals, and FN (a Belgian firm) came up with the best ideas. One advantage FN has was it’s ability to quickly implement requests for design changes. FN’s rapid prototyping shop was often able to turn out a new part in hours. This, and FNs long history of good weapons design, gave them the edge.

There are two basic models of the weapon. The 5.56mm SCAR-L weighs 7.7 pounds (empty), while the 7.62mm SCAR-H weighs 8.5 pounds (empty). A 30 round 5.56mm magazine weighs a little under a pound, while a 20 round magazine of 7.62mm ammo weighs a little over a pound. Special sights can weigh a pound or two, so a fully loaded SCAR won't weigh much more than ten pounds. FN also came up with a grenade launcher for SCAR.

Both models operate the same way, and have many interchangeable parts. SCAR-L is basically a replacement for the M4, which was designed (with a shorter barrel) as a “close combat” version of the M16. The SCAR-H will replace the M14, a 1950s era 7.62mm weapon (a replacement for the World War II M1) that is still favored for long range and sniper work.

The current SCAR design is the result of much feedback from the field. For example, the rate of fire was lowered to 600 RPM (rounds per minute) from the 800 typical with the M14 and M16. This makes SCAR easier to hold on target when firing full auto.

SCAR-H can be quickly converted to fire AK-47 ammo (the 7.62x39 round) with a changeout of the barrel and receiver. This also makes it easy for SOCOM to adopt the new 6.8mm round. Both models can be fitted with a longer and heavier sniper barrel. SCAR is built to be more rugged than the M-16. The barrel is good for some 36,000 rounds, twice as many as the M-16. Barrels may be switched by users without special tools. Both models of SCAR take all the special sights and other accessories SOCOM troops favor. SCAR is meant to be easily modified and personalized for each user. It’s expected that SOCOM experience with SCAR will influence the next generation of U.S. Army and Marine Corps small arms.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: banglist; rifle; scar; socom; specialforces; weapon; weapons
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-37 next last

1 posted on 07/21/2005 3:32:58 PM PDT by spetznaz
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

It definitely passes the coolness test.
I've read several other articles about this and believe its an idea that is past due. The M16 is just too fragile.
My opinion based on what I hear, and owning one.
They are fun to shoot and accurate, but hard to maintain.


2 posted on 07/21/2005 3:36:55 PM PDT by ottersnot (Kill a commie for your mommie....Johnnie Ramone. American Rocker and patriot)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

One wonders why the capability to change out the barrel and fire Ak47 rounds?

What are the chances of having the barrels on hand when only AK rounds are available.

This seems more like an option to sell it to foreign armys, which seems inadvisable these days.


3 posted on 07/21/2005 3:38:06 PM PDT by konaice
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

SWEET

Where can I get one....

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

4 posted on 07/21/2005 3:39:21 PM PDT by Nat Turner (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

SCAR has been reopened for re trials...

Leitner-Wise
MGI
Robinson Arms
and my favorite POF

Among others have weapon systems as good if not better than
FN entry..not the politcal clout but privately owned American companies with some great ideals


5 posted on 07/21/2005 3:39:25 PM PDT by joesnuffy (The state always has solutions to the problems it creates...more freedom will never be a solution)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: konaice

I want one!!!!


6 posted on 07/21/2005 3:41:15 PM PDT by GRRRRR (I've Had it with the Islamofascists...time to put em away for good!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz
The 'Operators' wanted the side-folding stock to cover the ejection port and charging handle when folded?

Whatever. Looks like a updated slab-side FN-FNC.

I say 'Meh'.

7 posted on 07/21/2005 3:42:17 PM PDT by The KG9 Kid (Semper Fi!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: konaice

It might be for spec ops guys deep behind enemy lines and maybe short on ammo, and thus may need the ability to scavenge and use Kalashnikov rounds from neutralized enemies. I doubt that separate barrels would be issued to all and sundry, and thus it would only be a factor for a small cadre of users that might need such capability.


8 posted on 07/21/2005 3:46:23 PM PDT by spetznaz (Nuclear tipped ICBMs: The Ultimate Phallic Symbol.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: ottersnot

I concure, that it passes the coolness test. I'm glad to see they aren't stuck trying to continue using a round that doesn't kill what you are shooting at.

I had no maintainence issues with the M-16A2's we had in the desert. I cleaned mine about 2x per month, not one misfire in 13 months.

The M9 is another story, but then we weren't talkin' pistols were we? lol


9 posted on 07/21/2005 3:47:41 PM PDT by SFC Chromey (IT IS A GLOBAL WAR AGAINST ISLAMO-NAZISM ...and Communists)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: joesnuffy

Might you have a link. That is quite interesting .... I thought the trials were over and FN won the golden apple. What caused the changes? Thanks.


10 posted on 07/21/2005 3:48:32 PM PDT by spetznaz (Nuclear tipped ICBMs: The Ultimate Phallic Symbol.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

The new 6.8 round seems to have respectable ballistics, superior to the 5.56. But I'm old fashioned, I still like my FN-FAL in .308.


11 posted on 07/21/2005 3:52:15 PM PDT by n230099
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: joesnuffy

POF?


12 posted on 07/21/2005 3:53:24 PM PDT by Dead Dog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

POF plus Noveske's Krink Brake..this puppy will come in 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel as well as .556 NATO

US Company and US inventors

AR15 thread

13 posted on 07/21/2005 3:54:51 PM PDT by joesnuffy (The state always has solutions to the problems it creates...more freedom will never be a solution)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

I agree with your comments. Necessity is the mother of invention. I would add that the sound or noise signature of an AK47 when fired is quite noticeable and distinct. By having the capability to convert to an AK 47 round, perhaps the sound from this FN weapon will be similar to an AK47 and which will will permit our spec ops folks to not be as detectable in a firefight. Every little bit of surprise and stealth helps.


14 posted on 07/21/2005 4:01:38 PM PDT by miele man
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: spetznaz

Some features:

Bolt locks back after the last round is fired.

Angled axis of stock pivot puts the folded stock out of the way of the ejection port, allowing firing when folded.

5.56 accepts M16 mags.

Gas operated (yecch!)


15 posted on 07/21/2005 4:01:52 PM PDT by Atlas Sneezed (Your FRiendly FReeper Patent Attorney)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: konaice
One wonders why the capability to change out the barrel and fire Ak47 rounds?

It actually fires the 7.62x51 NATO round, same as the G3, FN FAL, M240 series, M-14, and a host of other weapons. AKs fire the 7.62x39.

As for why, one can only speculate that the users wanted a round with a little more punch than 5.56.

- ThreeTracks

16 posted on 07/21/2005 4:07:33 PM PDT by ThreeTracks
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: ThreeTracks
It actually fires the 7.62x51 NATO round, same as the G3, FN FAL, M240 series, M-14, and a host of other weapons. AKs fire the 7.62x39.

From the story:

SCAR-H can be quickly converted to fire AK-47 ammo (the 7.62x39 round) with a changeout of the barrel and receiver.

Other than behind the lines use, this seems less than usefull. Even there, if it does not use AK clips the time consuming task of transfering amo from captured clips to your own clip pretty much makes that a PITA.

17 posted on 07/21/2005 4:12:17 PM PDT by konaice
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Nat Turner

And deer season is not that far off. :-)


18 posted on 07/21/2005 4:16:24 PM PDT by verity (Big Dick Durbin is still a POS)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: konaice
SCAR-H can be quickly converted to fire AK-47 ammo (the 7.62x39 round) with a changeout of the barrel and receiver.

But if you look at the picture, which was actually generated by the manufacturer, it very clearly says 7.62x51. The magazine also appears to be a 7.62x51 mag, not 7.62x39.

Perhaps there's a third variant of this weapon that does use AK ammunition, but the one pictured and described in the company literature uses NATO rounds.

- ThreeTracks

19 posted on 07/21/2005 4:17:08 PM PDT by ThreeTracks
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: ThreeTracks

Just read the story. I didn't make this up.


20 posted on 07/21/2005 4:20:52 PM PDT by konaice
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-37 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson