Handl Defense–Caliber Conversions and More

Handl Defense is no stranger to the SCAR. Earlier this year at SOFIC, I fondled a shiny prototype Handl Defense SCAR47 and we also covered Handl at SHOT. As luck would have it, while in Arkansas for a completely unrelated training course, I had the opportunity to shoot a production model.

Controls and layout were exactly the same as the prototype. Common among 7.62×39 rifles that eat from standard AK mags, the Handl Defense SCAR47 doesn't have an automatic bolt-hold-open (BHO). To perform that feat it would require either modified magazines or an extremely complicated and complex internal mechanism. I personally don't miss that feature, but you might.

I didn't shoot it very much (I didn't want to chew through ammunition meant for another event) but cycling and ejection was robust. With the OSS Suppressor on the end it was hearing safe. Immediately I wished I had one of my modernized Kalashnikov's to compare. I did not, but Nate Bliss (a sworn enemy OPFOR in the course I was attending), did.

Like Handl's SCAR25 SR-25 magazine compatible lower, the SCAR47 is based off the 7.62N Mk17/SCAR-H. And so are all of their other caliber conversions. We've heard a lot of talk about testing of universal receivers but nothing really on the market so far, except for Handl, that is.

Others? Oh yes. 5.56, 5.45, .300blk, .260 Remington, and 6.5 Creedmoor in the works.

You might think that a 5.56/.300blk lower would look a tad wonky on the larger SCAR-H receiver, but it doesn't at all.

The .260 Remington was housed in the Handl Defense SSR lower receiver. One of the unique design features of that receiver is a cutout on the left side of the magwell for ease of loading in the prone position, immediately bringing the Lancer Systems L30 to mind.

As far as barrels, Handl is.. errrr… ‘handling' that end. Regarding internals, like the bolt carrier group (BCG), there's a big clue (with no further information, unfortunately) on their homepage.

Lastly, there was also a beautifully camo'd 7.62N SCAR25 with all of the Handl trimmings.

Here's to looking for more from Handl Defense and the further fleshing out of the SCAR.

You can visit Handl Defense's webpage here, or give them a follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.