FN SCAR 16S vs 17S vs 20S: The Next-Generation SCAR Lineup
FN's next-generation SCAR, announced for 2026 and often called the SCAR Gen 2, comes in three models: the 16S light carbine in 5.56, the 17S heavy carbine in 7.62x51 or 6.5 Creedmoor, and the 20S precision rifle with a 20-inch barrel. All three share the new hydraulically buffered bolt carrier and the extended M-LOK receiver. The short answer: the 17S is the one you can buy today. On October 17, 2026, FN listed the 16S and 20S as "Coming Soon."
Specs side by side
| Spec | SCAR 16S | SCAR 17S | SCAR 20S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role (FN) | Light carbine | Heavy carbine | Precision rifle |
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm | 7.62x51mm or 6.5 Creedmoor | 7.62x51mm or 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Barrel | 16.25 in | 16.25 in | 20 in, 5R rifled |
| Twist | Not listed on FN's page | Not listed on FN's page | 1:10 (7.62 NATO), 1:7.5 (6.5 CM) |
| Magazine | 30 or 10 rd | 20 or 10 rd, steel | 10 rd |
| Weight | 8.7 lb | 8.9 lb | 10.7 lb |
| Length | 34.75-37.25 in | 36-38.5 in | 41.25-43 in |
| Trigger | Improved FN single-stage | Improved FN single-stage | Two-stage precision, 3.5-4.5 lb |
| Stock | Telescoping side-folder, adjustable cheekpiece | Telescoping side-folder, adjustable cheekpiece | Adjustable cheek and length of pull |
| Vertical foregrip included | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| SKUs | 38-102016-100/-200/-300 | 38-102017-100/-130/-200/-230/-300/-330 | 38-102020-100/-150/-200/-250/-300/-350 |
| MSRP (FN) | $3,799 | $3,999 | $4,499 |
| FN availability, Oct 17, 2026 | Coming Soon | Buy Now | Coming Soon |
All specs, SKUs and MSRPs are from FN America's SCAR 16S, 17S and 20S product pages, checked October 17, 2026. We track the line on one page: Shipping, which reflects the 17S. Champion Firearms listed a SCAR 17S (38-102017-200) as "In Stock Now" the same day.
What all three share
FN describes it as the most significant evolution of the SCAR platform since its 2008 introduction. Every model runs a short-stroke gas piston with a two-position adjustable gas regulator, and a new two-piece, hydraulically buffered bolt carrier that FN says is backward compatible with legacy SCAR rifles. Barrels are cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floated and user-changeable, and FN says they're tested to 16,000 rounds. The extended receiver has an integrated top rail with M-LOK at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock and a heat-shielded window for regulator and piston removal.
Controls are fully ambidextrous: an oversized bolt catch and release, elongated mag releases, a non-reciprocating charging handle and configurable selector levers in 24 combinations. The grip takes standard AR grips. QD cups sit on both sides of the receiver rear plate. All three come in black, FDE and gray, and ship in a soft case with modular inserts, a piston removal tool and a locking device. FN lists them as compatible with low-backpressure, forward-venting suppressors such as its QD556 and QD762.
What's different
Caliber and magazines
The 16S is the only 5.56 model, with 30- or 10-round magazines. The 17S and 20S are both offered in 7.62x51mm or 6.5 Creedmoor. The 17S takes 20- or 10-round steel magazines; the 20S ships with 10-rounders.
Barrel, weight and length
The 16S and 17S share a 16.25-inch barrel, and the 17S weighs only 0.2 lb more (8.9 vs 8.7 lb) despite the larger cartridge. The 20S moves to a 20-inch 5R-rifled barrel and weighs 10.7 lb, and at 41.25-43 inches it is about 4.5 to 5 inches longer than the 17S.
Trigger and stock
The two carbines use FN's improved single-stage trigger and the telescoping side-folding stock with an adjustable cheekpiece. The 20S gets a two-stage precision trigger (3.5-4.5 lb) and a stock with adjustable cheek height and length of pull, the setup you want for prone or bench work.
Price and availability
FN lists the 16S at $3,799, the 17S at $3,999 and the 20S at $4,499. Only the 17S had a "Buy Now" button on FN's site on October 17, 2026.
Which one should you buy?
- You want one now: the SCAR 17S. It's the only next-gen model FN listed as available, and it's the classic battle-rifle SCAR in 7.62 or 6.5 Creedmoor.
- Home defense, training and cheap ammo: the SCAR 16S in 5.56, the lightest of the three at 8.7 lb and the least expensive at $3,799. It isn't out yet.
- Long-range and designated-marksman work: the SCAR 20S, with a 20-inch barrel, two-stage trigger and adjustable stock. It's also coming soon, at $4,499.
Any of the three is a premium semi-auto for a free citizen who wants a fighting rifle with the folding stock that made the SCAR famous.
See the FN SCAR next-generation release page for live status, plus every new FN release, the new rifles of 2026, new AR-15s, new suppressors and all our comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the FN SCAR 16S, 17S and 20S?
- Caliber, barrel and role. The 16S is a 5.56 carbine with a 16.25-inch barrel (8.7 lb). The 17S is a 7.62x51 or 6.5 Creedmoor carbine with a 16.25-inch barrel (8.9 lb). The 20S is a 7.62x51 or 6.5 Creedmoor precision rifle with a 20-inch barrel, two-stage trigger and adjustable stock (10.7 lb), per FN America.
- Is the new FN SCAR 16S available?
- Not yet. On October 17, 2026 FN America listed the next-generation SCAR 16S ($3,799) and 20S ($4,499) as "Coming Soon." The SCAR 17S ($3,999) had a "Buy Now" link.
- How much is the FN SCAR Gen 2?
- FN America lists the next-generation SCAR 16S at $3,799, the 17S at $3,999 and the 20S at $4,499 MSRP, checked October 17, 2026.
- Is the new SCAR bolt carrier compatible with old SCARs?
- FN says the new two-piece, hydraulically buffered bolt carrier is backward compatible with legacy SCAR rifles.
- What is the twist rate of the FN SCAR 20S?
- 1:10 for 7.62x51mm and 1:7.5 for 6.5 Creedmoor, with a 20-inch 5R-rifled barrel, per FN America.
Sources
- FN America: SCAR 16S product page
- FN America: SCAR 17S product page
- FN America: SCAR 20S product page
- FN America: next-generation SCAR press release
- Champion Firearms: SCAR 17S (38-102017-200) listing
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