FN America has decided it is time for a bit of a house cleaning, though they’ve swapped the feather duster for some serious engineering. The legendary SCAR, a rifle that has been the definitive choice for those who take their gas-operated modularity quite seriously since 2008, is receiving its first proper makeover with the SCAR Next Generation. This series introduces more than two dozen upgrades designed to make the shooting experience a tad more civilised without losing that iconic, somewhat chunky silhouette we’ve all come to recognise.

The real headline here is that the SCAR is finally learning to play well with others—specifically, suppressors. For years, the platform had a bit of a reputation for being somewhat "picky" about backpressure. FN has addressed this by launching its first purpose-built rifle suppressors alongside the updated rifle. By refreshing the muzzle profiles to standard 1/2×28 and 5/8×24 threads, they’ve ensured that American shooters no longer need a degree in bespoke machining just to quieten things down.

Shooting the original SCAR was often described as a vigorous experience, but the new iteration aims for something closer to a firm handshake than a shove. The engineers have tucked a two-piece, hydraulically buffered bolt carrier inside the receiver. Think of it as a miniature shock absorber that soaks up the recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and ensuring your shoulder doesn't feel like it has gone fifteen rounds with a heavyweight boxer by the end of the day.

“The next generation of the SCAR is the culmination of decades of development, proving what can be accomplished when our team is never satisfied,” said Dan Hines, Vice President of Commercial Products for FN America, LLC. “We combined input from consumer feedback and technical analysis of every SCAR component to create the ultimate in performance, shooter experience and adaptability, all at a similar price to the current SCAR.”

While the internals are getting a soft touch, the controls are getting a logical one. FN has listened to the choir of consumer feedback, resulting in a single-stage trigger on the carbines and a crisp two-stage version for the SCAR 20S. They’ve also added a dizzying array of customisation options, including three selector levers that can be arranged in sixteen different combinations. It is the sort of modularity that suggests FN wants the rifle to fit the human, rather than forcing the human to contort around the rifle.

An extended receiver now offers more barrel coverage and includes an integrated rail system with M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. This means you can finally attach all those torches, lasers, and bits of kit without feeling like you’re running out of real estate. Furthermore, the inclusion of true AR-style pistol grip compatibility is a welcome nod to those who have spent years perfecting their preferred handhold on other platforms.

“Improving a legendary product like the FN SCAR was both an honor and a tremendous challenge, but our team succeeded and delivered,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “Through design and testing of the next generation of the SCAR, we are thrilled that we’ve made significant improvements in shooter experience, reliability, suppressor capability and adaptability—all while maintaining the look and DNA of the original SCAR.”

In terms of durability, FN claims these rifles have been hammered through 16,000 rounds without a major component failure, which is likely more than most of us will shoot in a lifetime of Sundays. The barrels are still the same chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged units that built FN’s reputation, and the short-stroke gas piston system remains adjustable, ensuring the rifle continues to cycle even when things get a bit dusty or suppressed.

Speaking of cans, the new FN QD series of suppressors is quite a feat of modern metallurgy. Utilising 3D printing and Inconel superalloy—the sort of material usually reserved for jet engines—these cans use forward-venting technology to keep gas out of the shooter’s face. They’ve even passed the American Department of Defense’s SURG tests, surviving a 10,000-round fully automatic endurance run. It seems they are built to outlast the very people using them.

“The SCAR is the most tested rifle platform that FN has ever developed and is renowned for its uncompromising reliability, durability and accuracy,” said Benjamin Voss, Sr. Product Manager, Long Guns, FN America, LLC. “We are proud to say that the next generation of the SCAR family continues to deliver those legendary values, while giving consumers a smoother shooting and a more modular rifle platform.”

The new family is a broad one, spanning the new 16S, 17S, 20S, and the already existing diminutive 15P "Ultra-Compact" pistol. Whether you prefer the classic 5.56mm or the more authoritative 6.5 Creedmoor, and whether you want it in Black, Flat Dark Earth, or a sensible Grey, there is likely a configuration to suit your fancy. Each rifle even arrives in a premium soft case, complete with a vertical foregrip and the necessary tools for a bit of light maintenance.

Despite all these "Quality of Life" improvements, FN has managed to keep the price point steady, which is perhaps the most impressive engineering feat of all. It is a calculated move to ensure the SCAR remains the benchmark for modular rifles in the United States. It’s the same rugged tool we know, just one that has spent a bit of time at a finishing school to learn some manners.