First, my mistake was in trying to set up my SCAR like my ARs, most of which have long handguards (railed or otherwise). I wanted a longer rail out front on the SCAR as well, so I ended up trying both the PWS and Branham offerings. I found that these rail extensions made the SCAR too muzzle heavy for my liking; the SCAR lost its lightweight handiness which had impressed me when I first bought it. Once I returned the SCAR to its stock configuration, I was pleased, and I was still able to mount my accessories how i wanted them.
Second, where to get parts. While the conventional word on the internet is that parts are impossible to get, there are multiple sources. The most obvious is to call FN directly, which I have heard of people doing with some success. There are other vendors as well - the two I have used multiple times with success are Midwest Gun Works, and Stryker Enterprises. Each place has goods / others when it comes to buying FN SCAR parts.
- MGW has a great online real time inventory but seems to have a minimum part cost of $5, even for super small parts, pins, and springs. But shipping is fast, they have loads of stuff, and if it's out of stock you can sign up for email notification. They also have an online schematic for the SCAR so you can get an idea of what parts are called and what you need.
- Stryker Enterprises is a vendor at FN Forum and is often able to acquire interesting FN SCAR parts such as operator tool kits, upgraded lower rail, etc. They also make a replacement charging handle called the "EACH", which I like a lot. Downside is all ordering has to be done via email or PM, and for someone who isn't knowledgable about what parts are in a SCAR, or what they are called, this can be a barrier to getting what you want. I'm told they are working on a website, so hopefully that will improve.
*Please note I'm not affiliated with the above mentioned vendors, only that is where I've purchased parts for my SCARs with success.
If you look around the Geissele Super SCAR trigger can be found for sub $300. I would recomend this as the single most important/worthwhile upgrade before bolting all kinds of other stuff to the rifle. Well that and maybe ammo and a long gun class and you will find out what you need and what you dont.
The stock sling attachment points are soft metal. If you attach a sling using an HK hook or MASH clip (particularly the MASH clip) you will eventually eat through the factory loop, which deadlines the gun. Use something like the Blue Force wire adapter or the Urban ERT paracord adapter. The blue force gear 255 and 325 Universal Wire Loops are cost effective and what i run as well as a blue force VCAS sling.
Tango down after market metal rails with QD slots are also good to go and dont add much additional weight.
Scope mounts such as LaRue or ADM need to be reversed so that the throw levers are on the opposite side from the side you are running the charging handle on. Unless you enjoy constant skinned knuckles, that is. Depends on which side you want to run your charging handle on.
My current rifle
Another for inspiration
