FN SCAR 16S 5.56 NATO
Model: 38-102016-100
FN SCAR 16S 5.56 NATO
Model: 38-102016-100
Full Specifications
Threaded barrel: compare 5.56 / .223 suppressor prices.
About This Firearm
The FN SCAR 16S is a short-stroke piston semi-automatic 5.56 NATO built for duty use, and this is the next-generation version FN lists as new for 2026 and coming soon. It has an MSRP of $3,799.00. Its bolt carrier is a hydraulically buffered two-piece unit, which FN fits for less felt recoil and faster follow-up shots, and which is backwards compatible with legacy SCAR rifles.
A vertical foregrip, a piston removal tool and a premium soft case with modular inserts come in the box. The stock telescopes and folds to the side and the cheekpiece adjusts. The charging handles are non-reciprocating and configurable for either side, the bolt catch and release are oversized and double sided, the magazine release buttons are elongated, and the selector levers swap into 24 combinations. The gas regulator has two positions. The grip takes ordinary AR grips, including beavertail shapes, and FN lists an AR buffer tube adapter as a coming accessory.
If you're cross-shopping, a Sig Sauer MCX Spear LT has an MSRP of $2,619.99, also folds and also runs an adjustable gas system, at 1.30 lbs lighter. An HK MR556A1 has an MSRP of $3,499 and is the other piston rifle at this money, 0.10 lbs under the SCAR, with no folding stock and no barrel swap. FN points the SCAR at low backpressure, forward-venting suppressors such as its own QD556.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- A receiver window with a heat shield gives access to the gas regulator and the piston, and the fasteners are Torx, so servicing the gas system needs one driver.
- Barrels are user-changeable for a different length or caliber.
- The barrel is cold hammer forged, chrome lined and free floating, with a compensator fitted.
- FN lists it as coming soon, so delivery and street pricing are not settled yet.
- A piston system and a folding stock add weight, and at 8.7 lbs it is heavier than both rifles here.
- Barrels, selector levers and charging handles are FN parts, so the configurable pieces come from one source even though the grip now takes AR hardware.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same SCAR 16S FN has been selling?
No. FN calls this version new for 2026 with more than 25 upgrades, among them the hydraulically buffered two-piece bolt carrier and the single-stage trigger it rebuilt for better control and feel.
What magazines does it take?
Steel-bodied magazines, which FN lists in a 30-round size and a reduced-capacity one.
Does it need a tax stamp?
No. The barrel is 16.25 inches, past the short-barreled rifle threshold, and the folding stock does not change that.
