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Key Points and Summary: The Mk17 Mod 0 SCAR, developed by FN Herstal, is a modular, versatile combat rifle favored by SOCOM for its reliability and long-range performance.

-Chambered for the 7.62x51mm cartridge, it outperformed the M4 in rigorous testing, including Afghanistan‘s mountainous terrain where longer engagement distances proved critical.

-With a short-stroke gas piston system reducing fouling, ambidextrous controls, and a monolithic rail for advanced optics, the SCAR is ideal for diverse mission requirements.

-While its cost prevented widespread adoption in the U.S. Army, the SCAR remains popular among Special Operations Forces and over 25 nations globally for its adaptability and firepower.

Why the Mk17 Mod 0 SCAR Outperforms the M4 Carbine in Combat

The Special Operations Command (SOCOM) held a competition for the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR). FN Herstal developed the rifle, which began testing in 2007, and the SCAR-H, which underwent testing in 2008. 

SOCOM purchased the SCAR-H and dubbed it the Mk17 Mod 0. The military intended to replace the M4/M14 rifles. The mountains of Afghanistan had proved that the distances required for targets made the standard M4 rifle incapable of engaging targets at a distance. SOCOM wanted its operators to have a better-range and lethal weapon. 

The MK 17 Mod 0 SCAR is a long-range variant of the FN SCAR program that uses a 7.62x51mm cartridge. A big selling point was that it is modular and adaptable to various mission requirements using the 5.56mm cartridge.

In early 2008, the 75th Ranger Regiment was the first unit in SOCOM to use the Mk17 Mod 0 SCAR. One battalion was issued 600 Mk17 Mod 0 SCAR rifles. During the testing, the SCAR outperformed the M4 carbine in the “Dust Test” while firing over 6,000 rounds. 

Specs of the Mk17 Mod 0 SCAR

The SCAR’s lower receiver is made of a polymer and designed with an M16/M4 compatible pistol grip, flared magazine well, and raised area around the magazine and bolt release buttons.

The upper receiver is a one-piece aluminum design with a Picatinny rail on top, two removable side rails, and a bottom rail to handle any optics and accessories. 

FN SCAR 16S. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

The gas-operated, short-stroke piston system reduces fouling for greater reliability even in harsh conditions, with less carbon buildup compared to traditional direct impingement systems in the M4. The SCAR also has a conversion kit, with which troops can easily switch the rifle from 7.62x51mm to 5.56mm in the field.

Specs:

Caliber: 7.62x51mm

Operation: Short-stroke gas piston

Mag Capacity: 20 Round Magazine

Weight: 7.9 lb.

Barrel Length: 16”

Overall Length: 28″ – 38″

Effective Range: 700m point target

Rate of Fire: 600 RPM

Color: Flat Dark Earth

Why is the Mk17 Mod 0 SCAR Popular?

The SCAR remains popular within the Special Operations Forces community for several reasons. The lightweight design and added firepower of the 7.62x51mm contributes to its greater success on Afghanistan’s spacious battlefields. 

The modular design allows for different barrel lengths, calibers, optics, stocks, and other accessories to customize, depending on the mission. The gas piston system was more reliable, with fewer stoppages. 

FN SCAR 17S

FN SCAR 17S. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

The ergonomics are superior to the M4, with ambidextrous controls and a reversible charging handle. Also, the rifle’s stock can be collapsed and folded to make it more compact, an essential factor in CQC (Close Quarters Combat). Further, the SCAR had a monolithic rail system, which allowed for a much longer optics rail than the M4.

Due to the free-floating barrel, the rifle is very accurate. 

Many question why the Army did not entirely replace the M4 and issue the SCAR instead of just issuing it to Special Operations Forces. The cost of the SCAR is prohibitive compared to the M4. The Army decided that since the SCAR was somewhat better than the M4, the price didn’t justify switching the entire force. 

It should be noted that all of the services in SOCOM use SCAR. It is currently in the inventory of over 25 countries. 

About the Author: Steve Balesteieri 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.