Comments on: SCAR-H seen in Afghanistan http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/ Firearms not Politics Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:24:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sterling http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-81938 Sterling Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:07:21 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-81938 The scar has one, the charging handle works as a forward assist also The scar has one, the charging handle works as a forward assist also

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]]> By: Sterling http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-81936 Sterling Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:44:35 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-81936 My buddy was in a ranger bat when they tested them. He said they had problems with failing to eject and that when they started beating On them they started breaking. You can beat the shit out of an m4 and it will work, as long as its lubed and kinda clean. 7.62 x 51 is much better suited for Afganistan though. My buddy was in a ranger bat when they tested them. He said they had problems with failing to eject and that when they started beating On them they started breaking. You can beat the shit out of an m4 and it will work, as long as its lubed and kinda clean. 7.62 x 51 is much better suited for Afganistan though.

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]]> By: cptbadass http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-64632 cptbadass Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:56:08 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-64632 Lance, lets be specific, did they drop the program before testing was complete like the term "abandon" implies, or did it pass the tests and is ready for orders, but with budgets shrinking faster than Obama's poll numbers, nobody sees the sense in replacing one 5.56 with another 5.56, so everybody will take the cheaper option? The need right now, at least for special people, and I mean that affectionately, is for a 7.62 that can reach out and touch Johnny Chimpo on his mountain peak while he's filming the next installment of the Afghanistanimation version of the headless horseman. If the mission set requires the Mk16, all the command needs to do is order some. So... its in the store, but no one has taken it to the register yet. At least that is what the FN rep has assured me of at the NRA convention. Devil Dog... you are cold blooded, I mean, everybody was thinking it, but no one wanted to say it, then you came along. I mean it was like this unspoken rule, he lost credibility the minute he said he was in the coast guard so everyone kind of let him go, but not you my friend, take no prisoners and flatten the town, Marine Corps style! In other news, it looks like the Govt is looking for a new new rifle... http://online.wsj.com/article/AP598defc7e9ee44e4b0b27317973fd7ae.html?KEYWORDS=army+search+new+rifle Lance, lets be specific, did they drop the program before testing was complete like the term “abandon” implies, or did it pass the tests and is ready for orders, but with budgets shrinking faster than Obama’s poll numbers, nobody sees the sense in replacing one 5.56 with another 5.56, so everybody will take the cheaper option?
The need right now, at least for special people, and I mean that affectionately, is for a 7.62 that can reach out and touch Johnny Chimpo on his mountain peak while he’s filming the next installment of the Afghanistanimation version of the headless horseman. If the mission set requires the Mk16, all the command needs to do is order some. So… its in the store, but no one has taken it to the register yet. At least that is what the FN rep has assured me of at the NRA convention.
Devil Dog… you are cold blooded, I mean, everybody was thinking it, but no one wanted to say it, then you came along. I mean it was like this unspoken rule, he lost credibility the minute he said he was in the coast guard so everyone kind of let him go, but not you my friend, take no prisoners and flatten the town, Marine Corps style!
In other news, it looks like the Govt is looking for a new new rifle… http://online.wsj.com/article/AP598defc7e9ee44e4b0b27317973fd7ae.html?KEYWORDS=army+search+new+rifle

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]]> By: Devil Dog http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-64624 Devil Dog Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:03:20 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-64624 Someone please ask those of us who are either ignorant or just plain misinformed, to refrain from posting. I've been on three different posts here and a certain poster (trying not to call Lance out...LOL) displays all of the above. The standards of the CG are really becoming suspect. The sad thing is he doesn't even realize it. I apologize if any of my statements have offended, but it had to be done. Someone please ask those of us who are either ignorant or just plain misinformed, to refrain from posting. I’ve been on three different posts here and a certain poster (trying not to call Lance out…LOL) displays all of the above. The standards of the CG are really becoming suspect. The sad thing is he doesn’t even realize it.
I apologize if any of my statements have offended, but it had to be done.

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]]> By: LT http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-60560 LT Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:40:29 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-60560 I see Rangers wearing multi-cams here all the time. That pic looks legit to me. I see Rangers wearing multi-cams here all the time. That pic looks legit to me.

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]]> By: Lance http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-51357 Lance Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:05:45 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-51357 @Buck Adams Yeah but the SOCOM aboandoned the Mk-16for the M-4A1 SOPMOD 2 pakage. So the Mk-17 is the only version in service. @Buck Adams
Yeah but the SOCOM aboandoned the Mk-16for the M-4A1 SOPMOD 2 pakage. So the Mk-17 is the only version in service.

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]]> By: Buck Adams http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-51306 Buck Adams Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:51:06 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-51306 Just saw an episode of Tactical Arms and the host said the FN SCAR Heavy was well received in the Special Operations community as a "Sniper Support Rifle". The Rambo-types are going to continue using it. The show's guest, a US Navy SeAL stated that the ultimate goal was to replace the Stoner weapon system with the FN SCAR. That's the most credible information I have seen on it. Just saw an episode of Tactical Arms and the host said the FN SCAR Heavy was well received in the Special Operations community as a “Sniper Support Rifle”. The Rambo-types are going to continue using it. The show’s guest, a US Navy SeAL stated that the ultimate goal was to replace the Stoner weapon system with the FN SCAR. That’s the most credible information I have seen on it.

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]]> By: cptbadass http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-50135 cptbadass Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:58:11 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-50135 HK 416 No compromise baby! Same ergonomics as the M4, better sights, better performance, and I have definately seen them overseas with my special friends, unlike the elusive, however undoubtably used SCAR. Though, personally, I don't see any problems with the M4 for regular Joes. I mistreated the crap out of my M4 (I was a bad Soldier), but when I fired her, she didn't let me down. Besides, I've seen plenty of SF guys still using the shorty M4's. The SCAR gets a lot of crap because there are so many people out there who believe that if they defy the wisdom held by others, like those involved in making the procurement decisions, it means they are smarter, much like liberals. Fact is, it passed testing, and turned out to be the best bargin. If the gun goes bang bang, and is cheap, who could complain?So whats the fuss? Can't we all just get along, like China and North Korea? P.S. SPC Reeves needs to take better photos. HK 416 No compromise baby! Same ergonomics as the M4, better sights, better performance, and I have definately seen them overseas with my special friends, unlike the elusive, however undoubtably used SCAR. Though, personally, I don’t see any problems with the M4 for regular Joes. I mistreated the crap out of my M4 (I was a bad Soldier), but when I fired her, she didn’t let me down. Besides, I’ve seen plenty of SF guys still using the shorty M4′s.

The SCAR gets a lot of crap because there are so many people out there who believe that if they defy the wisdom held by others, like those involved in making the procurement decisions, it means they are smarter, much like liberals. Fact is, it passed testing, and turned out to be the best bargin. If the gun goes bang bang, and is cheap, who could complain?So whats the fuss? Can’t we all just get along, like China and North Korea?

P.S. SPC Reeves needs to take better photos.

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]]> By: Chris http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-42919 Chris Fri, 17 Sep 2010 01:46:33 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-42919 I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. I have a FN SCAR and the use of the ACR. I prefer the SCAR. Out of 400 rounds fired no misfire. I prefer it over the M-4 and the M-14. The ACR and M-14 are too heavy. These heavy weapons are more suited for fixed positions and not for running and gunning. When your lugging this around for 12 hour days every ounce counts. You will be out of the fight if you have to run with all this weight. I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. I have a FN SCAR and the use of the ACR. I prefer the SCAR.

Out of 400 rounds fired no misfire. I prefer it over the M-4 and the M-14. The ACR and M-14 are too heavy. These heavy weapons are more suited for fixed positions and not for running and gunning.
When your lugging this around for 12 hour days every ounce counts. You will be out of the fight if you have to run with all this weight.

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]]> By: Tom http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-37311 Tom Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:33:42 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-37311 Regardless of how good the SCAR is, adoption is unlikely in the current fiscal environment. They are looking at ways to take hundreds of billions out of the long term defense budget, so small ticket items like rifles or handguns aren’t going to make the cut. With it perhaps seeing duty in the sandbox, I would still like to see some after-action reports on how well it did. All I am hearing is rumors about how it is like/disliked by the Rangers who have them. It does look like they like the SCAR 17 for the heavier mission in .308. It will probably supplement rather than replace the M4. I don’t know what formal requirements paperwork they need to make this acquisition work. It will be interesting to see what they do. With the SCAR currently on the civilian market, it will be interesting to see what happens to price and availability. Regardless of how good the SCAR is, adoption is unlikely in the current fiscal environment. They are looking at ways to take hundreds of billions out of the long term defense budget, so small ticket items like rifles or handguns aren’t going to make the cut. With it perhaps seeing duty in the sandbox, I would still like to see some after-action reports on how well it did. All I am hearing is rumors about how it is like/disliked by the Rangers who have them.

It does look like they like the SCAR 17 for the heavier mission in .308. It will probably supplement rather than replace the M4. I don’t know what formal requirements paperwork they need to make this acquisition work. It will be interesting to see what they do.

With the SCAR currently on the civilian market, it will be interesting to see what happens to price and availability.

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]]> By: Blade http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-37256 Blade Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:22:59 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-37256 All interesting discussions - I am a fan of the SCAR - as Destroyer points out, every new weapon recieves some initial criticism, and will go through some growing pains. The M4/M-16 has been evolving for 40 years now and it's not perfect, so give me a break. I am not an FN-nazi, I simply like their products - I like the SCAR a lot. I haven't had any issues with mine, but then, I haven't taken it to combat yet so all I can comment on are its handling characteristics and shooting qualities - both of which are superb. It's reliable, comfortable, handles well, functions flawlessly, and is easy to clean. It's a clean and cool running rifle. And Milgeek get's the prize, the issue is ammo - 5.56mm is a varmint round, not a man-stopper - it was a compromise when it was adopted, and it still is. I don't think there's any grand conspiracy by "them" working for Colt to keep the M4 in service - it's simply financial and logistical inertia. It would take BILLIONS to replace all of the service rifles and ammo in stock if we move from 5.56mm. Not justifying it, I think it's time to start the gradual change (and sell off all the surplus rounds at dirt cheap prices...) - I just understand the realities of the world we live in, and unfortunately $$ often trump best wishes. This isn't a new problem, look at the Allen conversion after the Civil War - turning muskets to breech-loading cartrige guns. Enjoying the discussion, however! All interesting discussions – I am a fan of the SCAR – as Destroyer points out, every new weapon recieves some initial criticism, and will go through some growing pains. The M4/M-16 has been evolving for 40 years now and it’s not perfect, so give me a break. I am not an FN-nazi, I simply like their products – I like the SCAR a lot. I haven’t had any issues with mine, but then, I haven’t taken it to combat yet so all I can comment on are its handling characteristics and shooting qualities – both of which are superb. It’s reliable, comfortable, handles well, functions flawlessly, and is easy to clean. It’s a clean and cool running rifle. And Milgeek get’s the prize, the issue is ammo – 5.56mm is a varmint round, not a man-stopper – it was a compromise when it was adopted, and it still is. I don’t think there’s any grand conspiracy by “them” working for Colt to keep the M4 in service – it’s simply financial and logistical inertia. It would take BILLIONS to replace all of the service rifles and ammo in stock if we move from 5.56mm. Not justifying it, I think it’s time to start the gradual change (and sell off all the surplus rounds at dirt cheap prices…) – I just understand the realities of the world we live in, and unfortunately $$ often trump best wishes. This isn’t a new problem, look at the Allen conversion after the Civil War – turning muskets to breech-loading cartrige guns. Enjoying the discussion, however!

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]]> By: IKEWarrior04 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-30754 IKEWarrior04 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:48:05 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-30754 ....Im not gonna sit here and pretend i know the status of the SCAR program cause i dont....they never tell us anything untill they think we need to know..which is last minute most of the time...so lets all be friends and lets wait untill the After Action Reports come out in the Mil times....i know ittl be published there....is the gun prob. having operational problems...sure....i dont doubt it....the idiots upstairs cut the F-22....so theyll cut anything...gas impingment designs need to go plain and simple..it doesnt take a decade to replace the POS...we wont see a new service rifle for another decade..probably when we are out of afganistan....is it strange that there isnt more pictures of the scar in action...not really..OPSEC...remember....im sure the commanders dont want the insurgents seeing exactly what the SCAR equipped Soliers are carrying its a weapon designed for SOCOM remember and socom doesnt go out ad publish a whole lot of pictures...especially of it is of new gear and equipment.....thats my 2 cents on the matter. ….Im not gonna sit here and pretend i know the status of the SCAR program cause i dont….they never tell us anything untill they think we need to know..which is last minute most of the time…so lets all be friends and lets wait untill the After Action Reports come out in the Mil times….i know ittl be published there….is the gun prob. having operational problems…sure….i dont doubt it….the idiots upstairs cut the F-22….so theyll cut anything…gas impingment designs need to go plain and simple..it doesnt take a decade to replace the POS…we wont see a new service rifle for another decade..probably when we are out of afganistan….is it strange that there isnt more pictures of the scar in action…not really..OPSEC…remember….im sure the commanders dont want the insurgents seeing exactly what the SCAR equipped Soliers are carrying its a weapon designed for SOCOM remember and socom doesnt go out ad publish a whole lot of pictures…especially of it is of new gear and equipment…..thats my 2 cents on the matter.

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]]> By: Lance http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-30658 Lance Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:41:09 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-30658 IKEWorrier I work for the coast guard and yes I lack spell checker. There are many who question the SCAr and half of these FN lover are just as armchair as some who complain about me. IKEWorrier I work for the coast guard and yes I lack spell checker. There are many who question the SCAr and half of these FN lover are just as armchair as some who complain about me.

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]]> By: Mang http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27953 Mang Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:06:16 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27953 Nothing to contribute about the veracity of this photo, but if it's a screencap from a video game, it's certainly from Modern Warfare 2. Nothing to contribute about the veracity of this photo, but if it’s a screencap from a video game, it’s certainly from Modern Warfare 2.

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]]> By: Destroyer http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27790 Destroyer Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:26:32 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27790 I have never dealt with coast guard units (thank god) but i wouldnt be surprised if they carried M16A1s. Many air force units carried them in the early 2000s. Not surprisingly, the M16/M4 will remain in service for a while. I have never dealt with coast guard units (thank god) but i wouldnt be surprised if they carried M16A1s. Many air force units carried them in the early 2000s. Not surprisingly, the M16/M4 will remain in service for a while.

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]]> By: Lance http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27628 Lance Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:31:53 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27628 Not just the M-4 Destroyer there still Coast guard units with M-16A1s! Not just the M-4 Destroyer there still Coast guard units with M-16A1s!

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]]> By: Destroyer http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27608 Destroyer Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:19:26 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27608 no problem milgeek. I generally live by the mantra, "lies, damned lies, and statistics". I am vehemently opposed to the idea of the US military adopting another 5.56mm rifle because it has been proven time and time again the round is inadequate when it is needed the most: in direct combat. Yes the M4 will indeed be around a long time. It is not because there aren't drastically more effective weapons out there, but it is merely because of politics. my opinion is that the 6.5x39mm grendel round is superior to anything that is set to replace the 5.56 right now. The 6.8 SPR is roughly equal too. These two rounds have immense potential because not only are they superior to 5.56, but also 7.62 NATO as well. Since there are no longer NATO standard ammunition (each country has different loaded ammo) or magazines (M16 magazines versus G36 magazines), there is no point adhering to NATO standards because the member countries aren't either. no problem milgeek. I generally live by the mantra, “lies, damned lies, and statistics”. I am vehemently opposed to the idea of the US military adopting another 5.56mm rifle because it has been proven time and time again the round is inadequate when it is needed the most: in direct combat.

Yes the M4 will indeed be around a long time. It is not because there aren’t drastically more effective weapons out there, but it is merely because of politics.

my opinion is that the 6.5x39mm grendel round is superior to anything that is set to replace the 5.56 right now. The 6.8 SPR is roughly equal too. These two rounds have immense potential because not only are they superior to 5.56, but also 7.62 NATO as well. Since there are no longer NATO standard ammunition (each country has different loaded ammo) or magazines (M16 magazines versus G36 magazines), there is no point adhering to NATO standards because the member countries aren’t either.

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]]> By: Milgeek http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27547 Milgeek Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:49:00 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27547 @Destroyer Thanks for that mate... There reason I was confused is because I haven't read any bad things on any of the respected military technology sites. I agree with the posters who say that the M4 will be arround for a long time, but there again it perhaps deserves to be - there have been several 'M4 killers' developed now and none of them have seemed to have shown themselves to be significantly and undeniably an superior weapon (each has it's own set of quirks)... My opinion - and it is just mine - is that we are still putting the cart before the horse... Whether SCAR or M4 it is the ammunition issue that seriously needs to be tackled, not which rifle shoots it. I am a 6.8mm SPR advocate myself....There, I've said it - hang me! ;) @Destroyer

Thanks for that mate… There reason I was confused is because I haven’t read any bad things on any of the respected military technology sites.

I agree with the posters who say that the M4 will be arround for a long time, but there again it perhaps deserves to be – there have been several ‘M4 killers’ developed now and none of them have seemed to have shown themselves to be significantly and undeniably an superior weapon (each has it’s own set of quirks)…

My opinion – and it is just mine – is that we are still putting the cart before the horse… Whether SCAR or M4 it is the ammunition issue that seriously needs to be tackled, not which rifle shoots it.

I am a 6.8mm SPR advocate myself….There, I’ve said it – hang me! ;)

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]]> By: Destroyer http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27529 Destroyer Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:44:39 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27529 Milgeek, there is no such publications. The only place i heard of the supposed issues with the SCAR were unverifiable reports and blogs. Milgeek, there is no such publications. The only place i heard of the supposed issues with the SCAR were unverifiable reports and blogs.

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]]> By: SM http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/26/scar-h-seen-in-afghanistan/comment-page-1/#comment-27467 SM Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:02:35 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=9595#comment-27467 The M4 will never go away as the US military's rifle of choice as long as retired military generals are working for manufactures like Colt Defense. It has nothing to do with performance or reliability. It's politics and money. The M4 will never go away as the US military’s rifle of choice as long as retired military generals are working for manufactures like Colt Defense. It has nothing to do with performance or reliability. It’s politics and money.

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