The FN SCAR 16S 5.56 NRCH 16" is a premium firearm, designed with user comfort and versatility in mind. The FN SCAR 16S boasts some significant upgrades, including Non-Reciprocating Charging Handles, which makes it well-suited to any shooting position, grip style, or optic choice. Whether you're braced or in barrier-contact position, this weapon guarantees flawless performance.
The monolithic upper receiver, hard-anodized and constructed from aluminum, is rugged to withstand intense use. It is equipped with a MIL-STD-1913 rail for easy mounting of accessories. For user comfort, the firearm features a folding buttstock, with adjustable length of pull and cheek rest height, ensuring a custom fit for any shooter.
Built for semi-automatic operation, the FN SCAR 16S operates on a short-stroke gas piston system with a rotating, locking bolt, providing reliable functioning. The barrel features a compensator and is hammer-forged, chrome-lined, and fully free-floating for superior durability and accuracy.
This firearm is also user-friendly, with features such as an adjustable folding front and removable rear iron sights, providing optimal targeting capabilities. It has MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions for added versatility.
The controls of the FN SCAR 16S have been designed with the operator in mind. The composite polymer trigger module, ambidextrous safety lever, and magazine release allow for seamless operation, regardless of handedness. The charging handle can be mounted on either side, according to preference. An enlarged trigger guard makes access easy, even when wearing gloves.
The magazine is built for longevity, with a low-friction follower and a body constructed from either steel or aluminum. The FN SCAR 16S 5.56 NRCH 16" has been available in both Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and black color options for a while. Now it is finally available in Crye MultiCam.
In summary, the FN SCAR 16S 5.56 NRCH 16" is a firearm that combines robust construction, user-friendly features, and reliable performance, making it a versatile choice for any shooting needs.
Since its adoption of the AR15 by the U.S. Air Force in 1962, and by the U.S. Army in 1964, the basic individual military weapon of the United States has demonstrated certain compromises inherent in its design and cycle of operation.
Foremost among these compromises is the direct-gas impingement operating system. During the firing and ejection cycles, substantial amounts of carbon and other by-products of cartridge combustion are routed directly into the bolt and receiver areas, causing increased fouling. Naturally, this increased fouling results in reduced operating reliability and requires greater frequency of cleaning and other maintenance by the weapon operator.
Responding to concerns from special operators in combat regarding the reliability, accuracy, safety and ergonomics of the current platform, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, began an investigation of potential improvements. In the years that followed the U.S. Government conducted an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to determine if enhancements or upgrades could be made to the existing platform, or if a new weapon was needed. It was determined that a new, more reliable and more adaptable individual weapon was required.
In late 2003, the Joint Operational Requirements Document for a new combat assault rifle was approved and signed; the following January, a worldwide solicitation was issued to the military firearms industry.
In July 2004, in a full and open competition, nine vendors submitted twelve different designs for the three new weapon systems. Unlike the competition, FN delivered a new weapon built to the operator’s requirements—not adapted to them. The FN SCAR® submission passed all of the GO/NO-GO criteria and was unanimously chosen by the selection board composed of senior SOF operators representing every selection component. In November of the same year, FN was awarded the full FN SCAR® contract for both 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles, along with the 40mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM).
Developmental testing by FN designers, engineers and operators from various branches of the U.S. Military to evaluate the new weapons’ endurance, reliability and accuracy was conducted from August 2005 through January 2006. Four Early User Assessments were also conducted prior to, during and after the developmental testing process to integrate operator feedback into the final FN SCAR® design.
The MK16 and MK17 rifles operate on the short-stroke gas piston system. As the bullet passes the gas port in the barrel a portion of the propellant gases are routed through the gas regulator to the gas piston located below the front sight post. The gas pushes rearward against the piston, which drives the moving parts assembly rearward to eject the fired case and load a new cartridge from the magazine. Excess gases are vented forward through the gas vent hole in the front of the gas regulator. The advantage over the direct gas impingement system is that heat, soot and carbon from propellant combustion are not routed into the bolt or chamber, keeping these critical areas cooler and cleaner for greater reliability and enhanced accuracy. When compared to a direct gas impingement system that has been adapted to use a gas piston or operating rod, the FN SCAR® gas system proves to be more simple, robust and reliable. The first position on the gas regulator is for normal operation, while the second position ensures there is no increase in the cyclic rate of fire when using a sound suppressor.
Acceptance Test and Evaluations were conducted from May 2006 through June of 2007. Beginning in August 2007, the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation phase was conducted by various units of the U.S. Military community, including the U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command, U.S. Navy SEALS and U.S. Army Special Forces. These tests were carried out in a variety of operational environments including urban, maritime, jungle and winter/mountain warfare situations.
Final testing was completed in September of 2008 and the FN SCAR® and EGLM were announced as Operationally Effective/Operationally Suitable and Sustainable (OE/ OS). Initial fielding to operational units with U.S. special operators began in April 2009. The first operational units armed with the FN SCAR® system deployed for overseas duty in the summer of 2009.
In April 2010, upon successful in-theater combat assessments, the FN SCAR®(MK 16 and MK 17) and the EGLM (MK 13) were granted Milestone C (the acquisition phase associated with fielding/deployment). In August of the same year the FN SCAR® system received approval for full-rate production for the MK 16, MK 17 and MK 13.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. This item must ship to FFL holder. No civilian exceptions.
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state.
2) Find your FFL… Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to Charlie’s (Make them earn their fee!!!)
3) Be patient! You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers. Please click the “Buying a Firearm” tab at the top of this page for more information.
California residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.