I picked up my new SCAR (purchased from West Coast Armory) today and was able to put about 150 rounds through it. Interestingly with the gas valve (accidentally) placed on the adverse setting, I was getting failures to feed. The bolt was not picking up a new round from the magazine, leaving the bolt closed on an empty chamber. I changed the gas setting and this no longer happened. I think the adverse setting was running the bolt group at a velocity that was faster than that of the magazine spring’s ability to introduce another round up for feeding. Has anyone else had this occurrence?
I really like the way the SCAR handles. I have read the reports from others that it is deceptively light weight and this is absolutely true. Pictures don’t do this rifle any justice; it looks bulky and ungainly in photos. It is actually very ergonomic, well balanced, and handles well. Recoil is basically a straight push back in line with the bore; the dot of my Aimpoint barely bounced with rapid fire double and triple taps.
The downsides:
The handguard gets very hot during rapid fire. The charging handle also is somewhat cumbersome in that it interferes with standard LaRue mounts and if you are not careful with your support hand it can interfere with the charging handle’s movement (which is either only annoying or which may cause a malfunction).
Overall, I am very pleased with this rifle. It is well made, easy to field strip, handles/shoots well, and is a very interesting design. I look forward to putting this through its paces.
You need to check out TangoDowns new SCAR accessory package. They have a newly designed ALL STEEL charging handle, aluminum side rails (not that the stock polymer rails need replacing, as they are TOUGH), and they also have a totally revamped, and improved front sight, which looks just like their standard front BUIS.
They are really doing good things for the SCAR.
The only thing I have yet to determine is just what the new all steel CH looks like, or how it is designed. The pics I saw in a recent magazine ad did not show it up close.
Their new SCAR front sight is a MUST however, as it folds BACK to the rail, and isn’t as prone to breaking off the front of the gun as it hangs out in the open…
I wonder why FN couldn’t make the charging handle like the FAL?
Because otherwise it will not be ambidextrous.
I find it stupid(for a right hander). There’s no need for an ambi charging handle. It needs to be kept on the left side. If you’re firing it left handed and run out of ammo, you replace the mag and hit the ambi mag release. If you’re firing it left handed and have a malfunction, you get to cover, switch the weapon to your strong (right) hand and fix the weapon with your supporting (left) hand because it’s the most natural way.
Makes sense? Or does this constitute early morning mumbling?
MY MISTAKE guys! I got TD mixed up with TROY!
It is TROY who is now making the SCAR-Mk16 Upgrade kit!
However, a few weeks ago, I too searched the net for the Troy accessory package, but found nothing. There MIGHT be something online now, will have to check again.
The recent ad I saw for these items (with a pic of the items) was in the most recent issue (July I think?) of “Special Weapons” magazine.
Page 67. Here is the exact list of items:
-T-6 Side Rails
-Tritium Folding Battlesights (I would definitely pick up at least the FRONT sight)
-Troy Rail Covers
-2-pt Combat Sling
-Modular Combat VFG
-CQB Flash Suppressor
-Steel Charging Handle (might pick this one up too, depending on it’s design)
-T-6 Folding stock button (this is another item I would definitely pick up)
EDIT: I just noticed at the bottom of the article it says " http://www.troyind.com/SCAR/ "
The webpage I just linked states “Coming Soon”, but the magazine article clearly states “AVAILABLE NOW”.
I agree, the SCAR is truly impressive. As far as handling, ease of keeping on target, and follow-up shots, I think it has a very large edge over the M4 and SIG 55x series (and this is coming from an absolute die-hard proponent of both). Time and a great deal of rounds downrange will tell if this becomes my favorite carbine, but I have the feeling it will be my go to rifle.
