One of the things that makes the SCAR series of rifles so cool is the ability to easily swap out all its major components. When it was first introduced the plan was to have a conversion kit for the SCAR 17 that would allow it to shoot not only 7.62 NATO ammo but 5.56 NATO as well, easily swapping out the barrel in just a few minutes, with more calibers coming online in short order. That has yet to appear on the civilian market, but hope springs eternal. In the meantime other manufacturers have created 300 BLK kits and other conversions, but now it looks like FN is getting back into the game with a 7.62×39 Russian conversion . . .
As Soldier Systems points out (pictures from there as well), one of the major requirements for the SOCOM contract that FN won was the ability to swap between not only the more popular NATO calibers but also the ubiquitous 7.62×39 cartridge as well. Five years after the contract was awarded FN has finally produced the last piece of the puzzle and provided a conversion kit that truly allows a US soldier to deploy with a single rifle yet use almost any ammo they might find in the field.
One of the best parts of this new kit is that the gas block has dropped that awkward flip-up front sight. Much sleeker and lighter than the original, I just hope they roll that change out to the entire product line.
There’s no word as to whether this will be available for civilian sale, but I’m gunna put in a purchase order for one anyway. Just in case.