The FN SCAR® L MK2 (with "L" denoting Light) is a modular 5.56×45 mm NATO assault rifle developed for both close-quarters battle and general-purpose infantry roles. It is available with two interchangeable cold hammer-forged barrels: a compact 254 mmm (10 inch) Close Quarters Combat (CQC) version and a standard 368 mm (14.5 inch) configuration. Both barrels can be swapped in the field without requiring a re-zero of the optics. The rifle operates with a short-stroke gas piston system and a rotating bolt, providing
Description
The FN SCAR® L MK2 (with "L" denoting Light) is a modular 5.56×45 mm NATO assault rifle developed for both close-quarters battle and general-purpose infantry roles. It is available with two interchangeable cold hammer-forged barrels: a compact 254 mmm (10 inch) Close Quarters Combat (CQC) version and a standard 368 mm (14.5 inch) configuration. Both barrels can be swapped in the field without requiring a re-zero of the optics. The rifle operates with a short-stroke gas piston system and a rotating bolt, providing reliable function under demanding operational conditions. It is fed by standard 30-round STANAG-compatible magazines. The FN SCAR® L MK2 variant maintains the core ergonomic features of the SCAR family, including a folding and adjustable buttstock, a curved charging handle that can be reversed or configured to be non-reciprocating, and MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions for versatile accessory mounting. Compatible systems include the FN 40GL® L MK2 under-barrel 40×46 mm low-velocity grenade launcher and the FN® FCU Mk3 Fire Control Unit, enhancing the weapon’s lethality and adaptability across combat scenarios.
FN SCAR® L MK2 variants:
- FN SCAR® L STD 368.3 mm - 14.5 in barrel
- FN SCAR® L CQC 254 mm / 10 in barrel
Technical Data
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Design
The FN SCAR® L MK2 is built with a focus on modularity, durability, and ergonomic efficiency, offering combat forces a rifle that adapts seamlessly to various operational roles. Its upper receiver is machined from a single block of aluminum alloy, ensuring rigidity and structural integrity under battlefield conditions. This is paired with a high-strength polymer lower receiver that reduces the weapon’s weight without sacrificing robustness.
Designed for true ambidextrous operation, the FN SCAR® L MK2 includes duplicated fire controls and a reversible charging handle, enabling smooth handling for both left- and right-handed users. At the heart of its operating system is a short-stroke gas piston mechanism combined with a rotating bolt. This configuration is known for reliable cycling and reduced fouling, which is essential for sustained operations in harsh environments.
The rifle’s cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel is built for both accuracy and longevity. It can be quickly interchanged in the field to suit mission needs. Barrel options include standard lengths of 254 mm (10 inches), and 368 mm (14.5 inches), allowing operators to tailor the weapon for close-quarters or extended engagements.
For mounting optics and tactical accessories, the FN SCAR® L MK2 is equipped with a continuous MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail along the top, complemented by additional rails on the sides and bottom at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. This versatile rail setup supports a wide array of attachments, from optical sights to illumination and laser targeting devices.
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Ammunition and Magazine
The FN SCAR® L MK2 is chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, a standard intermediate rifle round widely adopted by NATO and allied forces. Designed to offer a balance between manageable recoil and effective lethality, this cartridge provides consistent ballistic performance for both close-quarters engagements and extended-range operations. The FN SCAR® L MK2 is compatible with standard NATO STANAG 4179 magazines, which ensures logistical interoperability across allied units. It typically utilizes 30-round detachable box magazines. The rifle’s robust magazine well and reliable feeding system are engineered to maintain operational integrity in adverse environmental conditions, ensuring consistent chambering and ejection cycles during sustained fire.
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Key Features
The FN SCAR® L MK2 is equipped with user-selectable firing modes, offering either a selective-fire configuration with semi-automatic and fully automatic options, or a semi-automatic-only variant, depending on operational requirements. One of the platform’s key strengths is its ability to rapidly switch barrels between standard and short lengths, enhancing mission adaptability without compromising accuracy. Ergonomically, the rifle features a side-folding buttstock adjustable for length of pull across six positions and cheek height in two positions. These settings are retained even when the stock is folded, ensuring a consistent shooter interface. The curved charging handle can be configure for reciprocating or non-reciprocating operation according to customer requirements, catering to individual operator preferences and mission profiles.
To support integration of tactical systems, the FN SCAR® L MK2 is fitted with four MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails located at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. These allow mounting of a wide range of optics, aiming lasers, lights, and foregrips. The rifle is fully compatible with the FN 40GL® L MK2 under-barrel 40×46 mm low-velocity grenade launcher, which attaches directly beneath the barrel without increasing the weapon’s overall length. It can also be deployed in a standalone configuration with its own buttstock assembly. The 40×46 mm low-velocity ammunition is designed for a muzzle velocity of 76 metres per second and is optimized for use with the FN® FCU Mk3 Fire Control Unit, which provides accurate firing solutions in both day and night conditions.
For fleet and maintenance management, the FN SCAR® L MK2 can be equipped with the FN SmartCore® shot counter, which records usage data to support lifecycle tracking and logistics planning.
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