The US eventually purchased a quantity of what they call the MK16, the 5.56mm version of the SCAR. In a slightly baffling set of events, the deliveries were eventually halted and the MK16's replaced. The authorities suggested the order cancellation was a funding issue.
However, the American forces have since continued with the Mk17 which is the 7.62mm SCAR variant and there is even talk of a mod kit which allows the MK17 to handle both calibre's of ammunition.
The SSR or MK20 Sniper Support Rifle is a derivative of the Mk17 and is capable of a sub-minute angular accuracy out to and beyond 1,000 yards. The Real Steel SSR features an extended receiver rail for mounting in-line night vision and thermal devices with standard/sniper optics. It also has an enhanced adjustment-free trigger that is rugged enough for field use but precise enough for long-range target engagement.
The cosmetics of the SCAR seem to make it something of a Marmite rifle amongst Airsofters - you either love it or hate it.
Often an initial weapons choice for "softing" is based on looks or perceptions and the appearance of the SCAR could be considered to be an acquired taste.
A number of manufacturers produce a SCAR replica and these include varied offerings from G&G, Umarex/VFC, WE, D-Boys, Tokyo Marui and CA.
As you can see above, VFC also produce a replica of the SSR.
Certainly the ergonomic benefits of the SCAR make it a winner in my book. I particularly like the side mounted charging handle as opposed to the rear mounted one on the M4. While VFC have added reality by designing their weapon to strip down like real steel, all makers offer the elephantine SCAR signature stock with its extendability and adjustable cheek rest. Some models also provide the facility to switch the charging handle to the opposite side, just like the real thing.
It's interesting that some like the G&G allow the stock to be swung to the side and locked into position, which is added reality.
Despite the bitter-sweet tale with US SOCOM, FN have sold their rifle to the military users of a number of other nations which includes the French and Belgian special forces, the Chilean Marines, the Peruvian and New Zealand armies and even the German Police in the back yard of messrs Heckler and Koch.
From an Airsofting perspective, it must be said that the SCAR poses a viable combat assault rifle alternative for those players who like M4 and HK416 loadouts.
Now its just a question of choosing which Airsoft maker ??
Who said "softing" was easy..........
