First Look: Next Generation FN SCAR – Two Dozen Upgrades, Same Price

FN brought media out to Sawmill Training Complex in South Carolina back in September to show off what they've been working on, and the headline was clear. The SCAR is getting a complete overhaul. More than two dozen upgrades across the platform, suppressor capability baked in from the start, and FN claims they're holding the price at current SCAR levels. After spending a day shooting the new 16S, 17S, and 20S, the upgrades are real, but some details still need sorting.

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What's Actually New: Next Generation FN SCAR

Next Gen SCAR keeps the same silhouette and core DNA but changes a bunch under the hood. Biggest upgrade is a lighter, hydraulically buffered two-piece bolt carrier acting as a shock absorber. FN swapped to an extended receiver with integrated M-LOK rail at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, replaced the reciprocating charging handle with a non-reciprocating version, and covered the exposed gas block with a 360-degree receiver and rail heat shield.

What stays? Chrome-lined cold hammer-forged barrel, steel magazines, monolithic rail, and short-stroke gas piston system with two-position adjustable gas regulator. FN tested these to 16,000 rounds without failure of major components.

How It Shoots: Next Generation FN SCAR

The hydraulic buffer makes a real difference, especially in the 17S. The 7.62 platform felt noticeably softer than older SCARs I remember. The 16S in 5.56 was already manageable in a heavy platform, but recoil reduction was there. Follow-up shots came easier across the board. 16S was the standout. Some of the easiest, most controllable follow-ups I've had in a 5.56 rifle.

One thing I'm disappointed about: The iconic SCAR folding iron sights are gone. Marketing materials show the rifles with what look like standard Magpul-style flip-ups or similar. At the time, FN said they were still deciding what to include. I loved the old SCAR sights, and making some updated picatinny-mount versions would've been cool. M-LOK rail system is an upgrade over the old setup, even if it loses some of that nostalgic SCAR look. Function beats looks, and this is more functional.

The Variants: Next Generation FN SCAR

Three models: SCAR 16S (5.56x45mm), SCAR 17S (7.62x51mm or 6.5 Creedmoor), and SCAR 20S (7.62x51mm or 6.5 Creedmoor).

• 16S comes in at 8.7 pounds with 16.25-inch barrel.
• 17S weighs 8.9 pounds with 16.25-inch barrel.
• 20S is the heavy hitter at 10.7 pounds with 20-inch barrel.

All three come in Black, FDE, and Gray. SCAR 17S hits first in Q1 2026 with limited colors, remaining colors following in Q2. 16S and 20S both arrive in Q2. QD suppressors ship in Q2.

Caliber options include 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .300 Blackout across the lineup, plus available barrel assemblies, rear stock options, and multiple magazine capacities. Configurations are almost endless. Each rifle ships with a premium FN soft case with modular customization inserts, vertical foregrip, piston removal tool, and locking device.

Price and Value: Next Generation FN SCAR

FN says they're adding over $900 in value without increasing the price from current SCAR levels. Puts these somewhere in the $3500-4000 range depending on variant. A lot of cost savings likely comes from domestic manufacturing versus the old Belgium-made rifles. Whether they hold that price remains to be seen, we will know more when prices are on shelves, but if they pull it off, it's worth it for what you're getting if a SCAR is on the list.

What's Still Unclear: Next Generation FN SCAR

It’s been a few months since that September range day, and some details are foggy. FN mentioned backward compatibility with legacy SCAR parts and accessories, but specifics on what works and what doesn't weren't completely clear. Exact iron sight setup still seems to be in flux. Suppressor performance with the new FN cans was limited to a brief session at the end of a long day, so real-world suppressed shooting impressions will have to wait for someone who gets hands on both and some one on one time.

Based on the hydraulic buffer alone, this is worth waiting for if you're in the market for a SCAR-pattern rifle. Recoil reduction is real, controls are better, suppressor capability is baked in. If you're already sitting on a legacy SCAR, that's a different calculation, but for new buyers, Next Gen models are the ones to get.

SHOT Show and Beyond: Next Generation FN SCAR

I'll be at SHOT Show next week covering these at the FN booth. If you've got questions about the Next Gen SCAR, specific features you want more details on, concerns about compatibility, clarification on what comes in the box, or anything else I didn't cover here, drop them in the comments. I'll take your questions directly to FN and get answers.