FN Scar 20S 6.5CM is a shooter

[m1ajunkie]

Finally had a chance to get to the range this weekend with the FN Scar 20S I picked up in 6.5CM a while back. Threw together a quick handload of 140 amax over 41.5 grains of H4350 which I believe is close to what the Hornady factory load used to be on the 140 amax. What an easy shooter.... trigger is great and recoil is straight back and barely noticeable.

Anyway got on my 2/3 IPSC torso at 600 yds with ease:
Youtube video shooting steel

Shot a couple of quick groups while zeroing at 100.... top group is my first 3 rd group, then I put 5 rds on the left blue tape and then put 2 more rounds into the diamond before moving out to steel. Groups have a bit of a vertical sting to them so I've got to do more work to determine if that's me, the rifle or the load but for now it's good enough.

Through the years I've had an LMT MWS with .308 barrels in 16", 18" & 20' as well as a 6.5 cm barrel and an SR25 ECC. At this point I'm thinking this might be my favorite shooter.

Hoping to stretch out further next weekend and then get an actual load developed here in the next couple of weeks.

 

[hellishot]

Nice write out! Been waiting to get some real feedback like yours.

 

[tvalks]

Thanks, I think you're the first on the internet to post anything about the recently released guns. I might end up keeping mine.

 

[m1ajunkie]

Thanks, I think you're the first on the internet to post anything about the recently released guns. I might end up keeping mine.

You ought to take yours to the range and give it a try! I had mine out to 1110 yds yesterday with awesome results. Really great shooter and I haven't even started working a load up for mine yet.

 

[SVT2NV03]

Thanks for the review. Is $3999 about the best you can expect to pay with a 6.5CM?

 

[theLBC]

thanks for sharing,
a few guys on the fn forums have had feeding issues with factory hornady ammo, so good to hear some more feedback.

 

[m1ajunkie]

SVT2NV03- I haven't paid attention to pricing since purchasing this rifle. I ended up paying MSRP for this one....

theLBC- I have right at 100 rds through the rifle at this point and I have not experienced any issues. It's worth noting, I have not fired any factory ammo yet, just my 140gr amax over 41.5grs of H4350 handloads. Very happy with the rifle so far.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Msrp is around 4400 and dealer cost is around 3500 so 4k is a good price from a dealer you dont know. They are hard to find so people are paying full retail for them.

 

[TangoSierra916]

@m1ajunkie - looks like a sweet setup with the Scar 6.5 combo. You mentioned you have owned the LMT MWS, do you notice any major differences in shooting each?

 

[TheHorta]

Paid $4200 for mine including sales tax from my LGS.

 

[m1ajunkie]

@m1ajunkie - looks like a sweet setup with the Scar 6.5 combo. You mentioned you have owned the LMT MWS, do you notice any major differences in shooting each?

I actually still own the LMT MWS in 6.5CM (pictured below) but don't have it with me at the moment so I won't be able to give any side by side feedback until I visit my family at thanksgiving. With only a handful of rounds through the Scar and several months since I shot the LMT I'm not really prepared to give a true side by side opinion. Overall at this point I'm very happy with the scar and plan to start load development for it in the next couple of weeks to really see what it's made of.

 

[WillHugh]

Thanks for the feedback! Definitely interested to hear more opinions on this rifle. Have been deliberating on an SR 25 for a while, but am more interested in having a 6.5 than another .308.

 

[SVT2NV03]

Msrp is around 4400 and dealer cost is around 3500 so 4k is a good price from a dealer you dont know. They are hard to find so people are paying full retail for them.

Thanks! I ordered one for $3999. $4014 OTD.

 

[JeffLebowski]

Great thread.

 

[bigguns347]

Great feedback. I just ordered a Scar 20 in 6.5 and still waiting to get it. Have you had a chance to develop a load and put it to the test since your initial write up?

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

I actually still own the LMT MWS in 6.5CM (pictured below) but don't have it with me at the moment so I won't be able to give any side by side feedback until I visit my family at thanksgiving. With only a handful of rounds through the Scar and several months since I shot the LMT I'm not really prepared to give a true side by side opinion. Overall at this point I'm very happy with the scar and plan to start load development for it in the next couple of weeks to really see what it's made of.

View attachment 7449471

Recoil difference?

 

[m1ajunkie]

Recoil difference?

I actually prefer the recoil impulse of the large frame AR. I recently picked up a KAC 6.5CM SR25 upper and have put a fair amount of rounds through it. Since picking up the SR25 upper in 6.5CM I really haven't shot the scar very much. Primarily because In my opinion the forward recoil impulse on the scar when the bolt slams home is not as smooth as the 6.5KAC or the 6.5 LMT. I've been thinking I should make a video comparing the scar 20 in 6.5 to a large frame AR but haven't had a chance to knock that out yet.

Not saying the scar is bad, it's just not as smooth to me.

 

[Devildog247]

I just picked up a Scar 6.5 I am now waiting on my glass to come in. What glass are you running and what’s the furthest you have shot it out to?

 

[m1ajunkie]

Running a NF ATACR F1 4-16 on it. Furthest I've made hits is 1045 on a full size IPSC. Really no problem as I'm not one to zoom really far in when I shoot.

Really nice optic for the rifle and caliber IMO.

 

[Devildog247]

I have a Razor HD Gen 2 4.5-27 coming in the mail tomorrow. I am curious to see what I can do with it.

 

[craigos]

I have been looking at one for a long time but damn those SCARs are ugly. I think i am just pulling the trigger on another JP enterprises LRP-07. My 6CM is incredible .. its black, want one in FDE.

 

[Devildog247]

I have been looking at one for a long time but damn those SCARs are ugly. I think i am just pulling the trigger on another JP enterprises LRP-07. My 6CM is incredible .. its black, want one in FDE.

I just happen to like them the 20 looks good to me in FDE. That’s the Marine in me loving it. The LRP’s look good though and a very good gun.

 

[GUNNER10]

I actually prefer the recoil impulse of the large frame AR. I recently picked up a KAC 6.5CM SR25 upper and have put a fair amount of rounds through it. Since picking up the SR25 upper in 6.5CM I really haven't shot the scar very much. Primarily because In my opinion the forward recoil impulse on the scar when the bolt slams home is not as smooth as the 6.5KAC or the 6.5 LMT. I've been thinking I should make a video comparing the scar 20 in 6.5 to a large frame AR but haven't had a chance to knock that out yet.

Not saying the scar is bad, it's just not as smooth to me.

I feel the same way about my 17 compared to my CC and MWS. I have been going back in forth on if I am going to dump it, but considering the generally positive feeback that the 20's have received, I would actually consider a 6.5 mk20 to replace the 17.

Im thinking run the 17's Folder, Cut the barrel back to 16, dimple, maybe get it into the 9lb range that the APC is in. Sorta want.

 

[Devildog247]

I actually prefer the recoil impulse of the large frame AR. I recently picked up a KAC 6.5CM SR25 upper and have put a fair amount of rounds through it. Since picking up the SR25 upper in 6.5CM I really haven't shot the scar very much. Primarily because In my opinion the forward recoil impulse on the scar when the bolt slams home is not as smooth as the 6.5KAC or the 6.5 LMT. I've been thinking I should make a video comparing the scar 20 in 6.5 to a large frame AR but haven't had a chance to knock that out yet.

Not saying the scar is bad, it's just not as smooth to me.

That would be a good video and I would be interested to watch it and study. In the end either way they are all good. I wish I could have them all.

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

Do any of y’all know the barrel contour details for the SCAR Mk 20?

 

[GUNNER10]

Around the same contour of a 240 barrel

 

[FALex]

Very nice, OP...I've got a 20 in .308. In need of a smith who wants to venture into 20 land to chamber me a 6.5 barrel. He is out there...somewhere.

 

[amymorgan20]

One of my shooting buddies is looking to get one. I am curious to see how it is in person.

 

[theLBC]

2 or 3 shooters on the fn forums have reported good results with the 6.5 (sub moa) but they are just now working up loads.

one of the things we discovered is the G7 BC listed for 140gr ELD-M in our ballistic libraries are way off, so you need to use the BC that hornady provides.

 

[ToddM]

Nice, now if they could only be found for less than the $6k guys are asking for them, I thought they were pushing overpriced at $4k!

 

[ScarlettRed]

Scheels. I bought mine for $4250 right before election which was a tad high, but I had a bad feeling about the election and figured it might be my last opportunity. However, they seem to be stocked everytime I go there. Hell, they had a boatload of primers for about 24 hours last friday. Fed 210, and cci 450's. Yes, primers are being made and shipped!

 

[Devildog247]

Scheels. I bought mine for $4250 right before election which was a tad high, but I had a bad feeling about the election and figured it might be my last opportunity. However, they seem to be stocked everytime I go there. Hell, they had a boatload of primers for about 24 hours last friday. Fed 210, and cci 450's. Yes, primers are being made and shipped!

Where have you seen 6.5 CM model in stock. It took me forever to get one and I had to get it in trade. I found 0 anywhere for sale except one on Gunbroker for $6500 . I have a buddy wanting one but not for $6500

 

[ScarlettRed]

I'm in Colorado. I've seen them at Scheels on a semi regular basis since buying mine at the end of October. I think they hang around a bit due to price and the focus on ammo. They are moving though.

 

[Strykervet]

Nice, now if they could only be found for less than the $6k guys are asking for them, I thought they were pushing overpriced at $4k!

I saw a "Western Desert Viper" Mk20 in 6.5 the other day and I thought the $5500+ price was just ridiculous.

Nobody asked for that desert viper shit. Many of us DO have 17's on back order, it'd be nice if FN got their shit together and asked US what we want?

I got a feeling 20's will be scarce soon, 17's are up next and it seems they can only produce one model at a time.

 

[ToddM]

Yeah that Camo is hideous, Sportsmans Outdoor has one for $4800 and one is on gunbroker at $4600. That said no one is a fan of the color it seems, two camo 6.5's have ended recently on Gunbroker, one didn't get a single bid at $4100, the other sold for $4012. Might be worth it and just have it coated.

308's are easy to find, with some of the markup the few 6.5's that pop up here and there are going for you could buy a .308 for $3800 and a second 6.5 barrel assembly and still be ahead of the game, that's of course if FN would ever ship barrel assembles for the 20s Many of the stores, even that don't have stock recently jacked their listed price from $3999 to $4500-$4700, I noticed EuroOptic just did this, so even if they did get one in, you are $700 higher than you can get a .308 for. Even if the 6.5 barrel assembly was $1300, it's effectively a $600 caliber conversion to run 6.5 and 308, it's a non-starter though when you can't get barrel assemblies.

 

[freedom71]

Any idea when FN might start selling 6.5 barrel assemblies?

 

[theLBC]

Any idea when FN might start selling 6.5 barrel assemblies?

i asked the guy from midwestgunworks and he had no idea (a month ago).
they had a couple of 6.5s that went within an hour. $4k

 

[SauerPatchKid]

Any idea when FN might start selling 6.5 barrel assemblies?

Sometime this year...

 

[FALex]

Dudes, I'm resurrecting this thread nearly a year later.

I got out of my S20 in .308. I bought it at a time when FN had stated the S20 would also be chambered in CM, they would be providing barrel assemblies for swaps, you guys know the story. It's the exact same story we get with many of these "whiz-bang" modular rigs, vis-a-vis the Bushmaster ACR. Essentially, they take forever, and the whole, "they're coming soon" gets old. I just sold the entire rig, and figured I'd buy an all-new rifle.

So, I am looking at an S20 in 6.5. This model has the NRCH. I know it's not a huge deal, but I want to shoot it in some matches, and that reciprocating CH just won't work in every position.

Before I drop the coin, I wanted to see if you guys have had any chances to do some accuracy reporting on what you have? I do plan to reload for it, particularly with "match" ammo being as unavailable and stupid expensive as it is...

Any thoughts or updates?

Thanks much.

 

[theLBC]

people with 6.5 say they shoot lights out, but people are popping primers so i would hold off until they figure out why.
i thought about it, but manbun ammo is pricey and i don't compete so there is no reason to make it easier for me right now.

 

[ToddM]

It sounds like for now FN might be just ignoring the issue. There's some posts on the FN forum stating that FN basically blamed the ammo, and suggested that only ammo with large rifle primers be used. That said the same post clearly shows the same issue with factory ammo like Hornady 147gr, 140gr is supposed to fair better which as far as I understand is large primer. Federal is supposed to be one of the worst for this issue, not surprising I've heard for decades that Federal primers are some of the softest/weakest.

Not sure if FN has changed to a small firing pin for new guns, but they don't seem to be doing anything for current users with issues aside blaming ammo.

 

[Texascbr]

My 6.5 was a train wreck. Short story, recently returned to FN, received an updated bolt and firing pin. Note on return said something to the effect that this setup may not reliably work with military 7.62 ammo. Of course I’m not planning to swap barrels to 7.62 on this gun and in limited testing seems flawless now.

 

[FALex]

My 6.5 was a train wreck. Short story, recently returned to FN, received an updated bolt and firing pin. Note on return said something to the effect that this setup may not reliably work with military 7.62 ammo. Of course I’m not planning to swap barrels to 7.62 on this gun and in limited testing seems flawless now.

WTH??? That doesn't instill any real confidence. LMAO!!

Being that I have about 1000 Lapua SR cases, I was planning on working up a nice load in them, but it appears that isn't going to be happening anymore, which sucks because I was going to be going to grab it this morning.

I was thinking another JP LRP/LRI would be silly, but I know that fucker would shoot most anything, and shoot it very well.

 

[VegasKyle]

It's hard to say how prevalent the primer issue is, it seems that it is a combination of firing pin and ammo issues.

It's clear FN designed the rifle around 7.62x51 and then added the 6.5 option after the fact, it seems the firing pin and the firing pin hole in the bolt that were designed with 7.62 in mind are on the edge of what works for 6.5. FN (thus far) hasn't redesigned the parts with the intention of woking with 6.5. This could mean anything from FN is a bunch of assholes and doesn't care about it's customers to the issue is so rare it's better to just deal with them on a case by case basis.

FN recommends Hornady 147 eldm the same way KAC recommends FGMM or M118LR in their SR-25. It's a known quantity that the manufacture can test and assure works, it would be impossible to test every make of ammo and even if they did, ensuring they function with all of them would force some big compromises for rifles that are known for accuracy. Compounding the problem is the difference between bolt guns and gas guns, much of the 6.5 ammo on the market is designed with bolt guns in mind and that recipe isn't necessarily going to be what works best for a gas gun. Someone on the FN forum did some pretty extensive testing and came to the conclusion much of the ammo out there is too hot for the SCAR. It doesn't seem handloaders are having popped primer issues the same way people running various factory ammo are.

Again, we don't know if its 10% of the guns that have problems, 1%, or .01%. All I know is my 20S in 7.62 has been fantastic for the limited number of rounds I've been able to put through it thus far. Accuracy has been great and it seems like it is very forgiving to load for. Picking up a 6.5 barrel is on my short list and I'm confident I'll be able to work up some loads that function as they should, if not I'll just return the barrel to FN and enjoy my 308.

 

[ToddM]

If I had a 6.5 20s I'd probably stick with Hornady 140gr ELD as that seems to be reported as the best option, at least in one returned work order 140gr ELD was what FN used for test firing and it was mentioned on the forum that it was the ammo they provided to testers as well. A few early reports stated that FN said their firing pin holes were oversized, replaced their bolts etc. but the problem was not always resolved.

It's not a surprising reaction by FN, every firearms company is very fond of blaming the ammo for various issues with their products, I'd wager at a much higher rate than the ammo is actually to blame for. The real answer is to make a bolt that can handle the 6.5. It's what basically every large frame AR producer learned very quickly. It's why Aero, JP, Toolcraft, Seekins, etc. all run/recommend small firing pin setups and high pressure bolts for 6.5 guns. I get what FN did, they tried to take the cheapest possible route to getting a 6.5 into a platform that was built around the .308, but it's time to own up to the mistake and fix it.

It is hard to know the rate of issue, but I sure won't spend $1800 for an already ridiculously overpriced barrel assembly that I'm not confident will run most 6.5 factory ammo without issues.

 

[VegasKyle]

If I had a 6.5 20s I'd probably stick with Hornady 140gr ELD as that seems to be reported as the best option, at least in one returned work order 140gr ELD was what FN used for test firing and it was mentioned on the forum that it was the ammo they provided to testers as well. A few early reports stated that FN said their firing pin holes were oversized, replaced their bolts etc. but the problem was not always resolved.

It's not a surprising reaction by FN, every firearms company is very fond of blaming the ammo for various issues with their products, I'd wager at a much higher rate than the ammo is actually to blame for. The real answer is to make a bolt that can handle the 6.5. It's what basically every large frame AR producer learned very quickly. It's why Aero, JP, Toolcraft, Seekins, etc. all run/recommend small firing pin setups and high pressure bolts for 6.5 guns. I get what FN did, they tried to take the cheapest possible route to getting a 6.5 into a platform that was built around the .308, but it's time to own up to the mistake and fix it.

It is hard to know the rate of issue, but I sure won't spend $1800 for an already ridiculously overpriced barrel assembly that I'm not confident will run most 6.5 factory ammo without issues.

In a perfect world FN would have just got it right the first time. The way it is now if the primer issue is more widespread than just the few unlucky ones that have taken to the internet to share their plight FN should include an appropriate bolt and firing pin with the 6.5 rifles and barrel assemblies. For $1599 I don’t think it’s too much to ask.

I was disappointed in the original 1:12 SCAR configuration and held off on getting one until the 6.5 was released. I still ended up with a 308 but the 1:10 was more appealing and knowing I could switch between 308 and 6.5 was what I wanted since day 1. I doubt I’ll ever shoot factory ammo so the risk of having problems is low in my case. If I do I’ll give FN a chance to fix it and worst case I’ll get my money back.

 

[FALex]

Well, it’s too fucking bad they couldn’t figure out what many AR manufacturers did many years ago: high pressure bolts are a must for the 6/6.5’s. Spending close to 5k on a rifle that forces your to stick with one type of ammo is just ridiculous.

Tim from MAC did a video on a 20 in 6.5, with the NRCH. That fucker just had way too many problems, to the point that it was just ridiculous.

The Lapua SR brass is the bees knees for CM. Hornady brass is just too expensive for how shitty it is. In a semi with a large FP hole, it’s going to last much less longer than it would normally.

That’s too bad. I suppose it’s for the best that I asked. Thanks all for the responses.

 

[ScarlettRed]

I got a 6.5 mk20 in November of 2020. It shot great initially, then started piercing primers and blew a couple. I shot 140 eld's only suppressed. It did it with and without the suppressor on. I sent it back and they sent me a new bolt and barrel installed. I shot one box through it and the accuracy was great, then I measured velocity at under 2500fps. It should be at least 2700fps. Hornady has done this to me before, horrible consistency. This spring I'll shoot it again with hopefully a decent lot# and see if it still shoots under realistic velocities.

 

[VegasKyle]

Well, it’s too fucking bad they couldn’t figure out what many AR manufacturers did many years ago: high pressure bolts are a must for the 6/6.5’s. Spending close to 5k on a rifle that forces your to stick with one type of ammo is just ridiculous.

Tim from MAC did a video on a 20 in 6.5, with the NRCH. That fucker just had way too many problems, to the point that it was just ridiculous.

The Lapua SR brass is the bees knees for CM. Hornady brass is just too expensive for how shitty it is. In a semi with a large FP hole, it’s going to last much less longer than it would normally.

That’s too bad. I suppose it’s for the best that I asked. Thanks all for the responses.

I don’t see why the Lapua SRP brass would be a problem if you used loads appropriate for a gas gun but there is only one way to find out and it seems you’ve already made up your mind not to try it.

 

[FALex]

I don’t see why the Lapua SRP brass would be a problem if you used loads appropriate for a gas gun but there is only one way to find out and it seems you’ve already made up your mind not to try it.

You are correct. However, in the event I wanted to shoot factory ammo (normally a huge benefit of running CM is having that option), I would not want to have any issues...being that FN seems to believe the only fix is to shoot 140gr Hornady and nothing else, that's a bunch of bullshit too.

I'm not sure why the end user, who is paying almost 5k for the rifle, is stuck with having to figure this out? I would hate to see FN spend a few bucks to change their CNC to cut a smaller diameter FP hole, so this is a non-issue.