The rumour mill has finally ground to a halt, leaving us with a rather solemn piece of news: FN America has officially completed production of its entire SCAR rifle series. What began as industry whispers and anxious chatter on forums—a true sign of a modern military icon's status—has been formally verified by the manufacturer. It's the end of an era for one of the most recognisable and distinctive firearms platforms in recent history, and one can’t help but feel a little pang of sorrow that a true legend is hanging up its boots.

The confirmation, which followed initial discussions on the FN SCAR subreddit—that little corner of the internet where enthusiasts gather to share their hopes, dreams, and technical queries—was initially ambiguous. There was some understandable confusion over whether the term "legacy" models meant only the original reciprocating charging handle versions, or if the newer, perhaps less shoulder-bruising, NRCH (non-reciprocating charging handle) variants were also destined for the retirement home. The Firearm Blog dutifully followed the information to get full confirmation.

FN America has since provided the necessary, if slightly heartbreaking, clarity via their official channels. The company’s announcement confirms that the full complement of rifles has ceased production. This includes the entire family: the SCAR 16 (in both its reciprocating and NRCH forms), the more potent SCAR 17 (likewise in both configurations), and the long-range precision master, the SCAR 20. It’s a clean sweep, much to the chagrin of collectors who now face the dilemma of whether to open that box or keep it sealed for posterity.

Developed in 2004 at the behest of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) was designed to be a paragon of modularity, reliability, and adaptability on the modern battlefield. It arrived as a family of systems: the SCAR-L (Light) in the more common 5.56x45 NATO calibre, the SCAR-H (Heavy) with its substantial 7.62x51 NATO round, the compact SCAR-SC for close-quarters work, and the aforementioned precision-focused SCAR 20S. It’s a design whose silhouette is as iconic as its military pedigree.

The manufacturer has been quite clear: as of this moment, all production has been officially shuttered. What’s currently on the market is, quite simply, all there will ever be, a genuine scarcity that will no doubt have a few collectors frantically checking their piggy banks. The platform's passing is visible on FN’s own website, where all SCAR models have been solemnly moved to the Discontinued section. One can imagine the scene: a quiet moment, perhaps a single tear shed, before the mouse click sealed its fate.

While the ‘real steel’ world is left to mourn, the airsoft community can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The SCAR is a genuine must-have in this world of plastic projectiles, boasting an enormous fan base. Major airsoft manufacturers, such as Tokyo Marui, VFC, and Cybergun, have long produced detailed replicas, whether they be AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) or Gas Blowback (GBB) models, complete with licensed or unlicensed trademarks.

The airsoft SCAR’s popularity isn't merely down to its iconic military look, though that certainly helps one look the part during a Sunday skirmish. Its faithful replication of the real rifle's ergonomics—particularly the signature folding, adjustable stock—and its monolithic top rail offering ample space for accessories, make it a highly desirable platform. The lighter SCAR-L version also handily accepts ubiquitous M4/AR magazines, a huge practical advantage in the airsoft world where borrowing a spare from a teammate is a common occurrence.

Crucially, the production halt applies only to the real-steel versions manufactured by FN America. The airsoft market, thankfully, operates on its own set of rules, completely separate from this factory decision. Therefore, airsoft versions of the SCAR will absolutely remain in production, with manufacturers likely keen to capitalise on the platform’s newly legendary status. Airsofters can still enjoy the look and feel of this celebrated rifle without fear of spare parts vanishing into the ether.

The SCAR’s time in the sun has concluded, but its impact on the firearms industry and its devoted community remains significant. For owners and collectors, this discontinuation transforms their rifles from current production models into bona fide pieces of history. They represent a complete chapter of FN’s manufacturing prowess—a platform that achieved iconic status and earned its stripes among the most respected rifle systems of the 21st century, ensuring that these distinct, shouldered rifles will continue to be cherished and maintained for many years to come. Do you think this news will lead to a sudden rush on the airsoft models, too?