First Impressions of FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine is a critical component for maximizing the performance of your SCAR platform rifle. Manufactured by FN America, this magazine promises reliability and durability, essential for both tactical applications and precision shooting. Its compatibility with multiple calibers enhances its versatility, a key factor that caught my attention.
Having spent countless hours on the range and in the field, I was constantly searching for magazines that could withstand the rigors of heavy use. Cheap, aftermarket magazines often failed, causing frustrating malfunctions and impacting accuracy. The promise of a FN America-manufactured magazine, designed specifically for the SCAR platform, felt like a solution.
The magazine arrives in a simple, no-frills package. Lifting it out, the first thing I noticed was the robust steel construction and solid feel in hand. It felt significantly more substantial than some of the polymer magazines I’ve used in the past. Compared to Magpul’s SR25 magazines, which are excellent in their own right, the FN America magazine inspires more confidence in terms of long-term durability, especially considering the SCAR’s reputation for requiring robust magazines.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. While the build quality appeared excellent, the true test would be in its performance under stress. I was excited to see if it would live up to the FN America reputation for quality and reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine was at a local shooting range. I loaded it with .308 Winchester ammunition and ran it through my SCAR 17S alongside my existing magazines. The magazine seated positively and locked in place without any issues.
Throughout several rapid-fire drills, the magazine fed reliably, with no failures to feed or extract. Even after leaving the magazine loaded for a few days, there were no issues with the first round stripping cleanly. The performance was consistent and confidence-inspiring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of excessive wear and tear, despite frequent loading, unloading, and magazine changes during drills. Cleaning is straightforward, and the steel construction resists corrosion well, even after exposure to humid conditions.
Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used, the FN America magazine offers a noticeable improvement in reliability. Its robust construction and consistent feeding make it a worthwhile investment for any SCAR owner. It’s a stark contrast to some cheaper magazines that quickly develop feeding issues or cracked feed lips.
Breaking Down the Features of FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine is specifically designed for the FN SCAR 17S and SCAR 20S rifles. It boasts a 20-round capacity, making it ideal for tactical applications and extended shooting sessions. The magazine is constructed from stainless steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
The magazine’s compatibility with .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO, and 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition adds to its versatility, allowing you to use a single magazine across multiple SCAR platforms (provided the rifle is chambered accordingly). The low-friction follower ensures smooth and reliable feeding of ammunition. These specifications combine to provide a magazine that’s both robust and highly functional.
Performance & Functionality
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine excels in its primary function: reliably feeding ammunition into the SCAR rifle. The feeding is smooth, consistent, and largely unaffected by variations in ammunition types. This ensures minimal disruptions during shooting, which is crucial in both tactical and competitive scenarios.
One of its strengths is its robust construction, preventing deformation or damage that can lead to malfunctions. While the magazine is excellent, it’s worth noting that the SCAR platform itself can be sensitive to magazine quality, meaning even a top-tier magazine like this one may exhibit issues if the rifle’s other components are not properly maintained. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a factory magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine features a straightforward and functional design. Its steel construction gives it a solid, confidence-inspiring weight without being excessively heavy. The magazine is easy to grip and insert into the rifle, even with gloves on.
The low-friction follower contributes to smooth and reliable feeding. There is no significant learning curve; it operates as expected from day one.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine suggests it will last for many years with proper care. It withstands the rigors of regular use, including exposure to dirt, dust, and moisture. Maintenance is simple: disassembly is not typically required, and cleaning can be accomplished with a brush and solvent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine itself does not have any direct customization options. However, it is designed to work seamlessly with the SCAR rifle platform, allowing users to customize their rifles with various accessories such as optics, grips, and stocks. The magazine is compatible with any SCAR 17S or 20S rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO, or 6.5 Creedmoor, and doesn’t require any modifications to the rifle.
Pros and Cons of FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Exceptional reliability: The magazine consistently feeds ammunition without malfunctions.
- Robust construction: The stainless steel build ensures long-term durability.
- Multi-caliber compatibility: It supports .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO, and 6.5 Creedmoor (depending on the rifle chambering).
- Easy to maintain: Cleaning is straightforward.
- Perfect fit: Designed specifically for the SCAR platform, guaranteeing optimal function.
Cons
- Price: It is more expensive than some aftermarket magazines.
- Steel weight: Some users might prefer lighter polymer options.
Who Should Buy FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine?
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for SCAR owners who demand ultimate reliability and performance from their rifles. This includes tactical shooters, competitive shooters, and hunters who rely on their rifles in demanding situations. Anyone who prioritizes consistent feeding and durability will benefit from this magazine.
Those on a very tight budget or who prioritize weight savings above all else might consider alternative options. However, it’s crucial to remember that reliability should never be compromised. There are no must-have accessories, but ensuring you have a quality rifle case and proper cleaning supplies will help maintain both the magazine and your SCAR.
Conclusion on FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round Rifle Magazine is a premium magazine that delivers on its promise of reliability and durability. While the price point may be higher than some aftermarket options, the peace of mind knowing that your rifle will feed consistently is well worth the investment. I wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to any SCAR owner looking to enhance their rifle’s performance. If you value reliability and are serious about your SCAR, this is the magazine to buy.