It is said in The Jane’s Defence Weekly that Finland’s Special Forces have selected the Belgian FN SCAR-L assault rifle as a new standard firearm. The FN SCAR-L will be the first 5.56×45 mm NATO calibre firearm introduced to the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF). It will supplement the current RK 95 TP assault rifle chambered in the Russian 7.62×39 mm cartridge. Both weapons will be used in parallel by Finnish soldiers.
«We decided that the rifle for the Special Forces should be compatible with other nations for use in crisis management and national defence», said infantry inspector Colonel Jukka Valkeajärvi.
The weapon was approved after field tests. A contract for FN SCAR-L rifles and FN40GL-L under-barrel grenade launchers is to be signed in March. The Special Forces units are also seeking a new light machine gun chambered in 5.56×45 mm. The FN Minimi and the H&K MG4 are being tested at the Finnish Army training centre (Utin Jääkärirykmentti).
Finland launched its ‘reconnaissance weapon system’ for the Special Forces in March 2014. Under it, the country was looking for 200-300 rifles chambered in 5.56×45 mm and 50-75 grenade launchers chambered in 40×46 mm low velocity ammunition. Rifles are set to be equipped with additional accessories, including the tactical light and laser pointer Insight Model 7500 (AN/PEQ-2A). The contract is estimated to be worth €750,000 ($851,378) with all weapons to be delivered in 2015.
FN SCAR-L
Early 2004, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) issued a solicitation for a family of Special Forces Combat Assault Rifles, the so-called SCAR, designed around two different calibers but featuring high commonality of parts and identical ergonomics.
FN Herstal took part in the full and open competition and released prototypes of a brand new family of weapons within timeframe taking advantage of our long-standing firearms know-how.
From the first pre-selection tests, the FN SCAR system developed by FN Herstal has remained the first and only choice of USSOCOM.
Modular
The FN SCAR-L STD assault rifle is chambered in 5.56×45 mm NATO caliber and is fitted with a standard 14.5″ barrel.
The operator can replace the standard barrel with a short 10″ barrel for close quarter combat in less than five minutes. The rifle is then called FN SCAR-L CQC.
The FN SCAR-L STD assault rifle can be fitted with a FN40GL-L grenade launcher mounted on the lower rail of the rifle, for additional firepower.
Adaptable
The FN SCAR assault rifle features a foldable buttstock, an adjustable cheek piece (2 positions) and an adjustable length of pull (6 positions) to adapt to any operators.
Ambidextrous
The FN SCAR assault rifle features a reversible charging handle and an ambidextrous safety/firing selector and magazine release.
Right- and left-handed operators are at ease with any FN SCAR® assault rifle.
Compact
The FN SCAR-L STD weighs no more than 3.545 kg (without magazine) and does not exceed 653 mm in length with folded buttstock.
Accuracy
The FN SCAR assault rifle fires semi-automatic or full automatic maintaining high firing accuracy in either mode.
Wide range of Accessories
The FN SCAR assault rifle features an upper Picatinny rail for optional day or night sighting systems (in-line mounting possible) and lower and side rails for optional accessories (e.g. light, laser, foregrip).
Further accessories are available, such as sling, bipod, carrying bag and blank firing system.
Easy Field Stripping
The FN SCAR assault rifle consists of 5 major assemblies:
- Buttstock;
- Receiver;
- Bolt carrier;
- Trigger module;
- Magazine.
Technical data
| Calibre | 5.56×45 mm NATO |
| Operating principle | Gas operated, rotating bolt |
| Overall length | 655 mm |
| Buttstock unfolded maximum overall length | 903 mm |
| Buttstock unfolded minimum overall length | 840 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (without magazine) |
| Barrel type | Standard |
| Barrel length | 14.5″ |
| Buttstock type | Foldable, adjustable for length of pull |
| Design type | Traditional |
| Feed | M16 type magazine |
| Firing mode | Semi-auto, full auto |
| Length of pull | 6 positions adjustable |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Rate of fire | 550-650 rounds/min |
| Sighting system | Co-witnessed flip-up sights |
