FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle Review

Let’s Dive into FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle

The FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle aims to bring a slice of special forces realism to the airsoft field. Manufactured under license from FN Herstal, this AEG promises authentic trademarks and controls. Its ABS polymer construction offers a lighter weight without sacrificing the iconic SCAR look. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype surrounding the real-steel SCAR’s reputation.

I’ve spent years lugging around heavier, full-metal airsoft rifles, so I was specifically looking for something lighter and more maneuverable for CQB scenarios. The reversible charging handle and Picatinny rail were also attractive features. I considered the Classic Army SCAR-L and the VFC SCAR-L, but the FN Herstal licensing and the price point swayed me.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the weight (or lack thereof) and the feel of the polymer. It didn’t feel cheap, but rather robust and practical, a good start. The trademarks were crisp and well-defined, giving it a realistic feel. I was excited to get it out to the field and see how it performed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle at my local CQB field, “The Pit,” a notoriously tight and unforgiving environment. The field is mostly indoors with close-quarters engagements. It was a humid day, making everything a bit slippery.

The SCAR-L was surprisingly easy to maneuver in the close spaces, a significant improvement over my heavier M4. The adjustable stock allowed me to shorten it up even more for tighter corners. I did experience a few misfeeds with the included magazine, but after switching to my G&P mid-caps, the issue disappeared.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle in various skirmishes, it has held up remarkably well. The ABS polymer shows no signs of cracking or significant wear, even after a few close encounters with walls and barricades. I played through light rain, and the rifle continued to perform without issue.

Cleaning is straightforward; the polymer wipes down easily, and accessing the hop-up unit is simple. Compared to my previous metal-bodied rifles, the SCAR-L requires less frequent lubrication. It definitely outperforms in terms of weight and maneuverability but doesn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of a full-metal build.

Breaking Down the Features of FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle

Specifications

• Manufacturer: FN Herstal – This licensed reproduction provides a certain level of authenticity and attention to detail.
• Fabric/Material: ABS Polymer – The polymer receiver keeps the weight down and makes it more manageable for extended gameplay.
• Length: 711 – 805 mm – This adjustable length offers flexibility for different body types and playing styles.
• Weight: 3100 g – At 3.1 kg, this rifle is noticeably lighter than many full-metal alternatives, reducing fatigue.
• Magazine Capacity: 300 Round – The high-capacity magazine allows for sustained firing without frequent reloads.
• Velocity: 350 fps – This velocity is ideal for most CQB fields and outdoor engagements, providing a good balance of range and safety.
• Power: 9.6 volts – Using a 9.6V battery provides a decent rate of fire and trigger response without overstressing the gearbox.
• Included Accessories: Tester Battery, Magazine, Gun, Wall Charger, Manual – The included accessories are a good starting point, but upgrading the battery is recommended.
• Gun Make: FN Herstal – Again, highlights the licensed nature of the product.
• Size: Large – While technically a “Large” size rifle, the adjustable and folding stock allows for customization, making it more adaptable.

These specifications translate to a lightweight, maneuverable, and skirmish-ready AEG, perfect for players prioritizing agility and extended playtimes. The FN Herstal licensing ensures that the external dimensions and trademarks are as close to the real-steel SCAR-L as possible, adding to the realism.

Performance & Functionality

The FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle performs admirably for its price point. Accuracy is decent out of the box, easily hitting torso-sized targets at 100 feet. The 350 fps velocity makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor fields, though it may require a spring change for fields with higher FPS limits.

The primary strengths are its lightweight design and maneuverability. The weaknesses include the included tester battery, which offers subpar performance, and the occasional feeding issue with the stock magazine. It definitely meets expectations for a budget-friendly, licensed SCAR-L replica.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid for an ABS polymer receiver. It doesn’t have the same heft or rigidity as metal, but it feels durable enough to withstand regular use. The adjustable and folding stock makes it very comfortable to shoulder and allows for easy transport.

The SCAR-L is quite user-friendly, especially for those familiar with M4/M16-style platforms. The controls are intuitive, and the reversible charging handle is a nice touch. There is a slight learning curve related to hop-up adjustment, but easily surmountable with a bit of research.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, this AEG should last several seasons of regular play. The polymer is resistant to scratches and minor impacts. The full metal Version 2 gearbox is a common and robust design, making it relatively easy to find replacement parts.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and lubrication of the gearbox components are key. The ABS polymer is easy to clean and doesn’t require any special treatment. Overall, the FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle strikes a good balance between durability and ease of maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle comes with a high-capacity magazine, a tester battery, and a wall charger. The full-length 20mm Picatinny rail on the upper receiver provides ample space for mounting optics, such as red dots or scopes. The side and bottom rails on the front handguard allow for attachment of grips, lasers, and flashlights.

The rifle is compatible with most standard M4/M16 magazines, which is a huge plus. Aftermarket stocks and internal upgrade parts are also readily available, allowing for extensive customization. Investing in a better battery and a quality red dot sight are highly recommended upgrades to maximize its performance.

Pros and Cons of FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle

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Who Should Buy FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle?

This FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle is perfect for beginner to intermediate airsoft players who want a licensed SCAR-L replica without breaking the bank. It’s also a great option for players who prioritize lightweight and maneuverable platforms for CQB or milsim events.

Players who prefer the realistic weight and feel of full-metal rifles or those seeking top-tier performance right out of the box should skip this product. A better battery and a red dot sight are must-have accessories for this rifle.

Conclusion on FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle

The FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle offers a solid value proposition for players seeking a lightweight, maneuverable, and officially licensed SCAR-L replica. While the included accessories and ABS polymer construction have their limitations, the rifle’s performance and customization options make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is definitely justified, considering the FN Herstal licensing and the overall build quality. I would definitely recommend it to new and intermediate players looking to add a unique and recognizable platform to their airsoft arsenal. Grab the FN Herstal Licensed SCAR-L Airsoft AEG Rifle and hit the field!