FN Launches SCAR 20S in 6.5

When the FN SCAR MK20 was released last year in 7.62N, many were excited solely because they could finally own one. Admittedly, we were skeptical; while we weren’t able to purchase one before, adding to the novelty, there was also a current crop of AR-type rifles shooting the same cartridge. And yet, it performed admirably and could easily out-hang much of the competition while looking pretty good to boot.

Of course, we had our own spin and updated some of the now-demoded layout. But there was that lingering question: Why the hell isn’t this chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor?

There have been some conversion barrels over the years (we first shot a .260 Remington MK17 five years ago), but a factory option would’ve been nice. And yes, that’s finally what FN has available for purchase. There aren’t many surprises to be found here, and the performance is exemplary.

OUTFITTING
With the first 7.62N version of the MK20, we spent a lot of time upgrading it to 2019 standards. This involved swapping the lower for a Handl Defense, which accepts common SR25 magazines, removing rails to slim down the forend, and swapping out the buttstock and controls. We didn’t do any of that here; you’ve already read the other article.

But what we did do was add the minimum of accessories to take this 50-shades-of-baby-poop 6.5 Creedmoor to the range. We added a Leupold VX3i 6.5-20x in a Vortex QD mount, removed the factory muzzle device and immediately replaced it with a Griffin Armament flash hider, and finished it off with an Atlas PSR bipod.

Though the Griffin Armament silencer is designed with bigger bores in mind than a 6.5, we enjoyed the MK20 each range day with no additional hearing protection required (please, no one report us to OSHA), and the larger diameter also made for even less gas pressure on the suppressed position.

AT THE RANGE
We loaded up with Hornady 140-grain ELD match ammunition, and shortly after zeroing at 100 yards we were banging a 0.6 MOA plate at 550 yards at will. Then we went 4 for 5 at one mile. We have zero complaints about the capabilities of this rifle. However, the fact the MK20 only ships with one 10-round magazine, just like its 7.62N baby brother, was a tad annoying. Thankfully, we had some spare SCAR-H magazines on hand.

LOOSE ROUNDS
Our complaints about the 6.5 Creedmoor FN MK20 SCAR are the very same as the 7.62N — there’s some updating that we wish were done at the factory, but there are ample options out there regardless. If we were impressed with the 7.62N model, then we’re absolutely elated with the (finally available) 6.5 Creedmoor model.

Last year, we ended the article on the Mk20 asking FN to make one in 6.5 —and they delivered. So in that tradition, with the hopes FN will listen again, can we get a SCAR PDW next?

FN USA SCAR MK20

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 41.5 inches (stock folded)
Weight: 11.1 pounds (unloaded)
Capacity: 10-20
URL: fnamerica.com

Accessories
Leupold VX3i 6.5-20x50mm $1,235
Vortex Mount $330
Atlas BT46-LW17 PSR Bipod $320
Griffin Armament Bushwhacker 46 $999

MSRP
$4,499

Price as featured
$7,383

Here's what FN had to say about it:

For 2020, FN announces new advancements in the legendary FN SCAR® 20S – now chambered in the superb long range cartridge: 6.5 Creedmoor. Perfectly calibrated for long-range precision fire, the FN SCAR® 20S in 6.5 Creedmoor gives you the ability to engage targets exceeding 1,000 yards with ease. The chrome lined barrel of new FN SCAR® 20S will deliver precision accuracy with improved barrel life. The gas-operated piston design and Surefire ProComp 762 muzzle device manage recoil efficiently to improve follow-up shots and maintain target acquisition. Lending further aid is the match-grade, two-stage trigger that breaks crisply at 3.5-4.5 pounds, full-length MIL-STD 1913 rail at 12 o’clock position, and fixed buttstock providing adaptability to fit to each user’s needs through adjustable length of pull and cheek rest height. Now also available in black.

More from FN:

• The FN Scar 20S: The Space Force Sniper.
• A new Subcompact by FN: Any Optic, Any Light.