The SCAR-H, once a secondary requirement for a 7.62×51 conversion for the 5.56mm SOCOM Assault Rifle program, has now been brought to the fore as one of the primary lightweight 7.62x51mm semiautomatic rifle platforms available on both the civilian and military markets. Handl Defense, maker of aftermarket SCAR-H lower receivers, has introduced a new 7.62x39mm lower receiver for the platform, compatible with AK magazines. We reported on the lower earlier this year, but Handl has released a video of its test firing, embedded below:

Handl representative Fox33 elaborates on the timeline for the SCAR-47 lower over at m4carbine.net:

I’ve shown video of the prototype in the past. I was asked for more up to date video and pictures. I figured I’d post this without giving away the farm. This is intended for Direct UW and supporting TSCP missions. This will be available as a kit and a complete rifle. It will be the first of many variants to be offered in this way. The solution for matching and over matching is also on hand. The G level and J level f-mod guys are aware. It is my intent to provide what 18 series guys what we have needed for as long as I can remember.

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There was a few things because where Fn started, they ended up being constrained by. We started elsewhere which gave us more flexibility. When it comes to the magazines we can use chicom, soviet steel, then also bulgarian, and even magpul. All I am going to say is we have really streamlined a lot of things on this platform. I hope to have a full presentation down at 37 some time soon. This is one small part of what we are doing. We’ve been rev-engineered before so not much is shown until its about ready to sell.

I will say that since FN has seen more of what we’ve been doing they’ve been much more outgoing. I think when they see the whole package were are going to present to the J level guys they will be elated.

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The other thing is that Handl is really trying to blow the capability of the SCAR wide open. I cant go into detail but the video you saw was just one part of an entire proposal. Now I’ve actually become part of the company, OPSEC is practiced. Overall we want the SCAR to mean more to a lot more people. I know that once things scale up there can be a lot more bleed out into the civilian market. Stay tuned, we’ve been busy, really busy.

Designing firearms for AK-pattern magazines presents some unique challenges. Unlike an AR-15 lower receiver, which is essentially a straight-broached chute, a receiver designed for AK magazines requires several support tabs to properly position the magazine and prevent its movement during firing and when loads are applied. The Handl Defense graphics for the SCAR-47 lower do not appear to show any support tabs, but it’s possible they have incorporated a different solution.