Introduction

Responding to concerns from the US Special Operations community regarding the reliability, accuracy, safety and ergonomics of the current M16/M4 assault rifle platform, the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) began an investigation for a new, more reliable and more adaptable individual weapon. In late 2004 the US SOCOM announced the procurement of Special Operations Force Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) from FN USA, a US-based subsidiary of the famous Belgian company Fabrique Nationale Herstal. SCAR was designed in two basic weapon configurations: SCAR-L (Mk.16) and SCAR-H (Mk.17). Both weapon systems use a common multi-caliber architecture that is highly modular and instantly adaptable to virtually any mission requirements, and is further enhanced by the Mk.13 grenade launcher.

SCAR-L is chambered in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and uses improved M16-type magazines, while SCAR-H fires 7.62x51mm NATO rounds and uses the new 20-round proprietary magazines or standard AK-type magazines. Both SCAR systems are available in three versions: Standard (S), Close Quarters Combat (CQC) and Long Barrel (LB). Parts commonality between SCAR-L and SCAR-H is astounding 90%.

There has been much debate of the poor performance of the 5.56 bullet on target, originating from the first Gulf war and Somalia, with criticisms escalating dramatically during the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is one of the main reasons US Special Operations Command announced in 2010 that it was canceling the acquisition of SCAR-L and focused its procurement plans for the SCAR-H version exclusively.

The SCAR-H CQC is a selective-fire (semi/full-auto) 7.62x51mm NATO caliber assault rifle, fitted with a short 13" barrel for close quarter combat. By using a short stroke gas piston, the Mk.17 can be quickly configured by the individual operator in just minutes for Close Quarters Combat (CQC), tactical and precision fire roles. Unlike many currently fielded 7.62x51mm rifles, controlability under recoil is a hallmark of the Mk.17, allowing the operator to readily engage targets with multiple well-aimed rounds. The SCAR-H CQC is now serving with US armed forces in hostile environments around the globe, providing them with a larger caliber option and a significant advantage over current individual combat rifles in every operational engagement.

Review

Live Resin products come in a standard zip-lock plastic bag between a cardboard 3D box-art. The front image is showing the parts layout, while the back image illustrates the optional resin accessories for this specific gun system like various scopes, lights, laser designators, fore-grips etc.

The set includes 2 different SCAR-H weapon options: SCAR-H (Mk.17) CQC (3x) and SCAR-H (Mk.17) CQC with the Advanced Armament Corp. suppressor (3x). Each weapon is located on a separate casting block and each block is enumerated with the product serial number and option lettering (in this case LRE35056A and LRE35056B which is strange since this set actually represents LRE-35055 and not LRE-35056; a bit of a puzzling slip by Live Resin). The weapons are molded in light gray resin that allows every detail to be visible, and the casting itself is astonishing. There are no imperfections, bubbles or any other types of defects in this sample. The molding stubs are the thinnest I have ever seen which should facilitate cleaning of the pieces; however caution will be required not to break off the weapon barrels or suppressors which are very delicate.

The SCAR-H CQC is fitted with a short 13" barrel for close quarter combat. Like the other SCAR assault rifle variants, it features side-folding polymer buttstock adjustable for length of pull and shaped to provide cheek rest with adaptable cheek support. Also, SCARs feature a reversible charging handle and an ambidextrous safety/firing selector and magazine release. The rail mounting system is represented through upper Picatinny rail for optional day or night sighting systems (in-line mounting possible) and lower and side rails for other accessories (e.g. light, laser, foregrip). Further accessories are available, such as sling, bipod, carrying bag and blank firing system.

The detailing on these weapons in 1/35 scale is flawless and every single feature (like ambidextrous safety switches) can be clearly seen. The Picatinny rails are well defined, as are the specific details that easily give away the differences between the L and H variants such as the newly designed magazine/receiver setup. One thing I was confused by was the correct nomenclature of the suppressor. Live Resin packaging always states what the weapon system and the accessories are which makes research really simple. However, browsing the Advanced Armament Corp. website, I couldn’t find the exact model of the suppressor shown in this set. The logical identifier would be Mk13-SD, but I have found a suppressor from Remington Defense which looks more the part: SCAR-D-SD.

The best thing about these weapons they can be upgraded with a number of already released Live Resin accessory sets with ease and without any doubt about proper fitting. A nice multi-color paint job will do these weapons the real justice they deserve.

Conclusion

This 1/35 scale weapon set includes 6 SCAR-H (Mk.17) CQC assault rifles: 3 in the standard version and 3 in the suppressed version. The cast is absolutely perfect with a lot of intricate weapon details.

SCAR systems were designed exclusively for US Special Forces and these weapons are not fielded by a wide number of users. If you’re interested in contemporary US SF figures, this weapon set is a great asset. As for the quality of the Live Resin products, this one is a no-brainer. Get it if you want to detail your figures with a first class resin modern weapon.

References

World Guns
Advanced Armament Corp.
Military.com