FN SCAR 17S: A Reliable and Accurate 7.62x51mm Carbine
As a shooting enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the FN SCAR 17S, a 7.62x51mm cartridge-firing carbine that promises to deliver exceptional performance in a compact package. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and providing a thorough evaluation of its features and performance.
First Impressions
As I unboxed the SCAR 17S, I was struck by its sleek and rugged design. The gun’s matte black finish and angular lines give it a distinctly tactical appearance, making it perfect for military, law enforcement, or civilian use. The 7.62x51mm cartridge is typically associated with larger, heavier rifles, but the SCAR 17S is remarkably lightweight, weighing in at just 7.25 lbs (3.3 kg).
Magazine and Ammunition
The SCAR 17S comes with a 20-round factory steel magazine, which is a bonus for those who value reliability and durability. The magazine accepts 7.62x51mm cartridges, offering a great balance between power and manageability. The rifle also features a fast magazine change lever, allowing for swift magazine swaps during intense engagements.
- Magazine features:
- 20-round capacity
- Steel construction
- Fast magazine change lever
- Ammunition:
- 7.62x51mm caliber
- Utilizes chrome-lined bore and chamber for increased durability
Ergonomics and Handling
The SCAR 17S boasts an ergonomic design, with a contoured stock and pistol grip that fits comfortably in my hand. The rifle’s grip is textured and tacky, providing a secure hold even in wet or slippery conditions. The rifle’s overall length is 32.5 inches (82.55 cm), with a compact 16.5-inch (41.9 cm) barrel.
- Ergonomic features:
- Contoured stock
- Textured and tacky pistol grip
- Ambidextrous controls
- Handling:
- Compact overall length
- 16.5-inch (41.9 cm) barrel
Fire Control Group (FCG) and Optics
The SCAR 17S features a folding/collapsible stock and a proprietary fire control group (FCG) that is easy to operate. The FCG is designed for right-handed shooters, but it is reversible for left-handed operators. I found the FCG to be smooth and reliable, with a crisp trigger and a well-defined reset.
- Fire Control Group (FCG) features:
- Right-handed, reversible for left-handed shooters
- Crisp trigger with defined reset
- Smooth operation
- Optics:
- No scope or sights included (optic-ready)
Performance
I had the opportunity to test the SCAR 17S at the range, and I was impressed by its accuracy and reliability. Shooting at 100 yards, I achieved consistently tight groups, and the rifle performed well with both full-metal-jacketed (FMJ) and hollow-point ammunition.
- Accuracy:
- Consistently tight groups at 100 yards
- Performed well with FMJ and hollow-point ammunition
- Reliability:
- No malfunctions or jamming during testing
Conclusion
The FN SCAR 17S is a superb 7.62x51mm carbine, offering a perfect balance between power, accuracy, and portability. Its ergonomic design, smooth fire control group, and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. However, it does have some minor drawbacks:
Pros:
- Light and compact
- Accurate and reliable
- Easy to operate
- Ambidextrous controls
- Steel magazine
- Reversible FCG
Cons:
- No scope or sights included
- No quick-detachable sling attachment
- Higher price point compared to other 7.62x51mm carbines
Overall, I highly recommend the FN SCAR 17S to anyone seeking a reliable and accurate 7.62x51mm carbine for various purposes, including self-defense, competition, or recreational shooting.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
I would like to thank GunMagWarehouse for providing me with the opportunity to review the SCAR 17S. This rifle has left a lasting impression on me, and I’m confident it will do the same for many others.
