Finland selects FN SCAR-L for its special forces

IHS Jane's — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 11:54:21 -0500

Finland's special forces have selected the Belgian FN SCAR-L assault rifle. Pictured here is the FN SCAR L 5.56 mm armour rifle with 40 mm EGLM. Credit: FNH USA

From: IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

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 5.56x45 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 7.62x39 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 5.56x45 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 5.56x45 mm and 50-75 grenade launchers chambered in 40x46 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 EUR750,000 (USD851,378) with all weapons to be delivered in 2015.

http://www.janes.com/article/49545/finland-selects-fn-scar-l-for-its-special-forces

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 12:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:11:21 -0500

It reminds me of the battle rifle from Halo a bit. Looks bulky and heavy, but I like the 44mm EGLM.

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Feb 26 at 2015 12:11 PM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:11:53 -0500

I really enjoy this weapon while playing COD...

Response by SSG Rob Cline made Feb 26 at 2015 12:13 PM

SSG Rob Cline — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:13:00 -0500

SCAR has been around for quite some time. I saw SMU's carrying it in Iraq in '03

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 2:04 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 14:04:59 -0500

I own a SCAR 16S, the civilian version of the military SCAR-L, chambered in the 5.56. i LOVE it. It's smooth, fires very cleanly, and being able to break the stock down for carry is a definite plus.

One of the things i like best about it is the variable switch for gas blowback, which you can increase or decrease the amount of gas that is redirected to the piston to charge the rifle. On mine, i have a complete EO Tech set up, (yes, i went money crazy after taxes) and I wouldn't trade it for an AR.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 26 at 2015 3:25 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:25:37 -0500

I suppose I can do without the EGLM.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 26 at 2015 5:14 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:14:06 -0500

Free samples due out by.........???

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 26 at 2015 5:35 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:35:47 -0500

What I find semi-amusing is that if you really look at it, the SCAR is nothing more than a modified AR lower with a new upper featuring a FN style operating system.

Response by SMSgt John Bennett made Feb 26 at 2015 7:04 PM

SMSgt John Bennett — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:04:57 -0500

I would have preferred the MK17 over the MK16... about the same weight to carry and a lot more bang for the buck....