FN SCAR 16S vs. AR platform magazines

G

Gigem08

Inactive
Just wondering if my magazines that I bought for my M4 will work on a FN SCAR 16S? I saw that FN has created mags for the SCAR but just wanted to know if mine will work since I'm considering buying one.
 
Not all magazines designed for the AR15 will work properly in the SCAR without modification to the magazine. As a matter of fact, you can damage your SCAR by running these mags.

The problem mags that I know of first hand are:

EMAG's
PMAG's
BETA C mags

Watch this video, it will explain in detail the issue and how to fix your magazine so you won't damage your SCAR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIFuVd7-HFs

Any magazine that adheres to the NATO standard design should be fine (most metal mags).

Let me know if you have any questions.
 
From my experience, PMags were not drop free, and occasionally, when feeding a 30rd Pmag in to the carbine with the Bolt locked back, you had to sling shot the charging handle instead of hitting the ping pong paddle to ensure proper feeding/chambering.
 
They were marketed as being designed for all "import" rifles but they are not designed specifically for the SCAR and they have the same bolt hold issue the PMAGs have.
 
For what it's worth (since the OP isn't looking at getting a .mil Mk16) the real-deal SCAR I got to play with back in the day plowed through the ammo I had in my PMags without any issues at all.

I have heard that people have had issues with the commercially available rifles and some non-USGI mags, including PMags. Apparently it's also an easy fix, from some threads I've seen elsewhere (there's a lengthy one on Lightfighter.net about it, and several on the FN board).

They were marketed as being designed for all "import" rifles but they are not designed specifically for the SCAR and they have the same bolt hold issue the PMAGs have.
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+1. EMags were designed for rifles that use STANAG mags but whose mag well dimensions don't gel well with the PMag's shape. Not exclusively limited to the British L85, but given that UK MoD just ordered a gazillion EMags to replace their H-und-K uber-trash steel mags, I suspect a specific end user may have been envisioned.
 
I have heard that people have had issues with the commercially available rifles and some non-USGI mags, including PMags. Apparently it's also an easy fix, from some threads I've seen elsewhere (there's a lengthy one on Lightfighter.net about it, and several on the FN board).
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The military Mk16 and the 16S share the same issue with the PMAG (detailed in the video link above). The rifles appear to function fine with them, the problem is that the design of the PMAG is such that it holds the bolt hold slightly up. The rifle will work (fire and cycle) but it starts to do damage to the bolt hold and to the bolt itself.

Again, it's all detailed in the video above which includes detailed images of the issue along with how to fix it.
 
While I am a FNH fan, I have to agree with HKFan9 the price point on the SCAR is way too high, two AR's would make more sense.

Jim
 
In my defense my name gives credit to the beauty of the p7 design... which I just paid $480 for in very good condition.:D

Anyways, yes I took a little stab at the SCAR, I too am an FNH fan, but the price tag on one of these... I haven't been able to justify it doing anything my AR will not... besides working in water a little better... which is a non-issue for me.

They are nice guns, you got the cash... go for it... but I find it very odd that Pmag's and Emag's will damage it, considering they are pretty much held as some if not THE best mags to use right now.:confused:

Personally for that much money for a civilian gun... I would get the PS90... for the coolness.:rolleyes: Only issue is the ammo.

To each his own I suppose, but kinda stinks on the mag issue... even if the modification to make it work is simple.
 
The SCAR was designed to use military spec magazines. The PMAG's and EMAGS's aren't military spec and aren't issued to our forces. The fact PMAG's deviate, for no apparent reason, from the specification around the cut for the bolt hold is what I blame and not the SCAR.

But in all honesty, I agree that the SCAR isn't vastly superior to a good AR and if you don't have the coin to buy one don't sweat it. Your AR is a world class rifle that I love and trust too.
 
the SCAR is twice the rifle of the best AR.
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Agreed, I own every platform of an AR15 (POF, LWRCi, RR, frankenAR and a Bushmaster) and by far the SCAR 16 & 17(the 17 is my personal favorite) are worth the extra cash.
Thank you Sturmgewehre for the info. I took the dremel to all my P-mags last night. Keep up the good work w/ the vids.
 
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