{"id":3592,"date":"2025-08-22T11:39:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T11:39:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/wiki\/fn-scar-h-power-and-precision-in-7-62-mm\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T11:50:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T11:50:37","slug":"fn-scar-h-power-and-precision-in-7-62-mm","status":"publish","type":"wiki","link":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wiki\/fn-scar-h-power-and-precision-in-7-62-mm\/","title":{"rendered":"FN SCAR-H | Power and precision in 7.62 mm"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Introduction<\/h2>

The FN SCAR-H<\/strong> (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle – Heavy) is a 7.62\u00d751 mm NATO-caliber<\/strong> combat rifle developed by FN Herstal<\/strong> to meet the specific needs of modern special forces. A heavy version of the well-known SCAR-L chambered in 5.56 mm, the SCAR-H offers extended range, increased stopping power and exceptional modularity, making it an ideal platform for precision shooting, fire support or long-range assault missions. <\/p>

Adopted by elite units around the world, the SCAR-H combines the advantages of precision rifles with the speed and flexibility of an assault rifle.<\/p>

Development context<\/h2>

In the early 2000s, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) wanted to replace several existing weapons with a single modular platform<\/strong> capable of adapting to a variety of calibers and configurations.<\/p>

FN Herstal is responding to this demand with the SCAR project, which is available in two main versions:<\/p>

  • SCAR-L<\/strong>: “Light”, in 5.56\u00d745 mm NATO<\/p><\/li>

  • SCAR-H<\/strong>: Heavy, 7.62\u00d751 mm NATO<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    The SCAR-H is specifically designed for situations where firepower and long-range precision take precedence over compactness. In 2007, it entered service with several US special units. <\/p>

    Technical specifications<\/h2>
    Element<\/th>Detail<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Calibre<\/td>7.62\u00d751 mm NATO<\/td><\/tr>
    Capacity<\/td>20 shots (detachable magazine)<\/td><\/tr>
    Overall length<\/td>730 to 1,020 mm (depending on configuration)<\/td><\/tr>
    Barrel length<\/td>330 to 508 mm (interchangeable)<\/td><\/tr>
    Weight<\/td>3.9 to 4.1 kg (without accessories)<\/td><\/tr>
    Shooting modes<\/td>Semi-auto \/ full-auto<\/td><\/tr>
    Mechanism<\/td>Gas borrowing, short piston<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

    Modularity and ergonomics<\/h2>

    Like the SCAR-L, the SCAR-H benefits from advanced modularity<\/strong>, enabling the user to adapt the weapon to the mission:<\/p>

    • Interchangeable barrels<\/strong>: available in standard, short (CQC) or long-range (DMR) versions.<\/p><\/li>

    • Integral Picatinny rail<\/strong>: for optics, handles, lamps, etc.<\/p><\/li>

    • Adjustable stock<\/strong>: folding, telescopic, with adjustable cheek rest.<\/p><\/li>

    • Fully ambidextrous<\/strong>: reversible firing selector, breech stop and cocking lever.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      The SCAR-H’s recoil<\/strong> is well controlled thanks to an efficient piston system and a stock designed to absorb impact. It offers a good compromise between power and maneuverability. <\/p>

      Military use<\/h2>

      The SCAR-H is used by many elite units, including :<\/p>

      • US Navy SEALs<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

      • US Army Rangers<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

      • French, Belgian, Norwegian special forces, etc.<\/strong><\/p><\/li><\/ul>

        Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in a variety of environments:<\/p>

        • Fighting in open terrain<\/strong>, where the 7.62 mm’s range is an asset.<\/p><\/li>

        • Precision support<\/strong> for sniper missions.<\/p><\/li>

        • Urban engagement<\/strong>, with short barrel and compact configuration.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

          Main variants<\/h2>

          • SCAR-H Standard<\/strong>: 16-inch barrel, multi-purpose role.<\/p><\/li>

          • SCAR-H CQC (Close Quarters Combat)<\/strong>: 13-inch barrel, more compact.<\/p><\/li>

          • SCAR-H SV (Sniper Variant)<\/strong>: 20-inch gun, optical, bipod, used as a DMR.<\/p><\/li>

          • SCAR 17S<\/strong>: semi-automatic civilian version, very popular in the United States.<\/p><\/li>

          • SCAR-H PR (Precision Rifle)<\/strong>: optimized version for long-range precision shooting.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

            Comparison with other battle rifles<\/h2>
            Model<\/th>Caliber<\/th>Main use<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
            FN SCAR-H<\/td>7.62\u00d751 mm<\/td>Elite rifle \/ DMR<\/td><\/tr>
            HK417<\/td>7.62\u00d751 mm<\/td>Assault rifle \/ DMR<\/td><\/tr>
            M110 SASS<\/td>7.62\u00d751 mm<\/td>Precision rifle<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

            The SCAR-H stands out for its extreme versatility<\/strong>: it can be configured as an assault rifle, short carbine or DMR with consistent effectiveness. Less heavy than an M110 and more robust than some alternatives, it combines rare tactical qualities. <\/p>

            Civil use and reputation<\/h2>

            The SCAR-H is available in a semi-automatic civilian version under the name SCAR 17S<\/strong>. Very popular in the United States for long-range shooting, it is appreciated for : <\/p>

            • Precision<\/strong> right out of the box<\/p><\/li>

            • Robust construction<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

            • Compatible<\/strong> with a wide range of accessories<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

              Its high price limits its distribution, but it is considered a benchmark in the high-end semi-automatic rifle category.<\/p>

              Conclusion<\/h2>

              The FN SCAR-H<\/strong> is one of the most accomplished rifles of its generation. It combines power, reliability and unrivalled adaptability in its class. <\/p>

              Whether it’s precision shooting, assault missions or special operations, it’s a proven, versatile solution. For modern armed forces, it represents an ideal compromise between today’s operational requirements and the need for robustness in the field. <\/p>

              Both modern and durable, the SCAR-H has established itself as the standard for 7.62 mm rifles, able to rival the best in its class.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"featured_media":3564,"template":"elementor_theme","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-3592","wiki","type-wiki","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki\/3592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/wiki"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki\/3592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3593,"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki\/3592\/revisions\/3593"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3564"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}