...I've been asked a number of times on several forums about spare parts for the FN SCAR 16/17. Namely where I get them and what to I keep on hand as a SCAR owner.
First, where to get parts. While the conventional word on the internet is that parts are impossible to get, there are multiple sources. The most obvious is to call FN directly, which I have heard of people doing with some success. There are other vendors as well - the three I have used multiple times with success are Midwest Gun Works, Stryker Enterprises, and Hi-Desert dog. Each place has goods / others when it comes to buying FN SCAR parts.
- MGW has a great online real time inventory but seems to have a minimum part cost of $5, even for super small parts, pins, and springs. But shipping is fast, they have loads of stuff, and if it's out of stock you can sign up for email notification. They also have an online schematic for the SCAR so you can get an idea of what parts are called and what you need.
- Stryker Enterprises is a vendor at FN Forum and is often able to acquire interesting FN SCAR parts such as operator tool kits, upgraded lower rail, etc. They also make a replacement charging handle called the "EACH", which I like a lot. Downside is all ordering has to be done via email or PM, and for someone who isn't knowledgable about what parts are in a SCAR, or what they are called, this can be a barrier to getting what you want. I'm told they are working on a website, so hopefully that will improve.
- Hi-Desert Dog does a lot of custom work and threading on all sorts of weapons, the SCAR included. They also make some replacement parts, barrels, conversion, etc - lots of which has a wide variety of acceptance in the shooting community. Regardless, they stock a good amount of SCAR parts and while not super fast in shipping, they do have more realistic prices for some of the really small parts, pins, and springs for the SCAR. While it may sound trivial between paying $5 from MGW and $2.99 from HDD for a part, when you get serious about parts and add that up over 10, 15, 20+ little pieces it adds up.
---- Please note I'm not affiliated with the above mentioned vendors, only that is where I've purchased parts for my SCARs, YMMV----
Ok, now what to keep on hand. Well, that depends. As a firm believer in the SCAR rifles, I want to have every possible part on hand in case it should break in 1, 5, or 20+ years. So for me, it's easier to tell you what I DON'T have. I don't have a spare upper, BCG, barrel assembly, lower, or sights - although I have stripped lowers on order and plan to get barrels eventually.
So yes, I have at least one each of the little random screws, pins, parts, springs, plastic thingys, etc. 1 spare stock, multiple spare firing pins, gas pistons, rings, trigger components (helps when you get the SUPER SCAR trigger, your original is a nice spare), etc, etc. It adds up but if you do a little over time, every month or every 3-6 months, whatever works, eventually you get a decent amount. I store the parts in this dual level Plano case.
Now maybe you say hey Rhino, that's cool but I don't want to get all that stuff - however what would be your "must haves?" for parts? Ok.
- Complete Bolt
- Bolt cam pin
- Firing Pin
- Firing Pin retaining pin & O-ring
- Gas Piston
- Gas regulator
- Charging handle
- Trigger return spring
- Hammer spring
- Sear spring
Now all of those parts aren't one likely to break, as the SCAR (like most modern firearms) is extremely durable. However, those parts (aside from the spring mentioned) are typically removed for cleaning and when you think of cleaning at the range, in the field, etc, they could easily be lost and render the weapon useless. In fact, now that I have the VLTOR stocks on both my SCARs, all those parts easily fit in the buttstock. My 17 is set up similar with spares but with different optics batteries.
It can also be noted that instead of getting a full bolt and complete gas piston, why not just get the extractor, ejector, and replacement gas ring components? Well in short I have those as well, however I feel that it's better to have a complete bolt to out if should I experience an extractor problem, etc. It gets me back shooting and I can deal with the repair when in a more suitable location. It should also be noted that the SCAR bolt is more involved to take apart and reassemble than a standard AR bolt. I haven't taken mine apart yet but from what I've gleaned, it's not an easy process and not one that I want to be doing anywhere but my home or another suitable maintenance location.
Now you'll note that the trigger, hammer, and sear springs aren't quick repair items, but I have them on hand. I included these because they are relatively easy to replace and given time and tools, something I could do in the field if I had to. They're small, cheap, and simple piece of mind to have with the weapon
Lastly, I'm not a uber high speed .mil / .leo type, just a guy who like shooting with the SCAR. My methodology above is my own and I don't pretend that its perfect, so while I put this out to answer some questions, I welcome any constructive feedback anyone might have.
ETA - another good part to have is a return spring assembly or the pieces to make it. As it's a large part it won't fit in the rifle as a spare, but I would also consider this a good spare to have - at a minimum a replacement spring.
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