First Impressions of FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine isn’t just another magazine; it’s a crucial component for maintaining the legendary reliability and performance of the SCAR platform. Manufactured by FN America, this magazine is designed to ensure seamless feeding and consistent operation in the SCAR 17S and 20S rifles chambered in the versatile .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7.62x51mm NATO calibers.
I’ve been running SCAR rifles in various configurations for over a decade, primarily in tactical training environments and for long-range precision shooting. My biggest gripe has always been the availability of reliable, high-capacity magazines that meet the FN America standard. Many aftermarket options have come and gone, promising enhanced performance, but few live up to the rigorous demands of sustained use.
When I first handled the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine, the immediate impression was one of robust quality. The Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish is evenly applied and appears exceptionally durable, and the steel construction feels reassuringly solid in hand. Compared to some polymer magazines I’ve used in the past, this one exudes confidence from the start.
I’ve previously used Magpul SR25 magazines in my .308 AR-10 platform and even experimented with some cheaper, generic steel magazines. The FN America magazine, however, immediately stood out due to its precise fit and finish, suggesting a much tighter tolerance and attention to detail. I picked this magazine specifically because I trust the FN America name.
My initial feeling was a mix of relief and anticipation. Knowing that I had a genuine FN America magazine, designed specifically for my SCAR, immediately eased any concerns about feeding issues or malfunctions. I was genuinely excited to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range, which offers both indoor and outdoor facilities. My focus was on evaluating the magazine’s reliability under rapid-fire conditions and its ability to maintain consistent feeding with different types of ammunition. I ran a mix of .308 Winchester rounds, including Federal Gold Medal Match and some surplus 7.62x51mm NATO.
The magazine performed flawlessly in all conditions. Whether it was the rapid cycling of rounds during timed drills or the deliberate, slow fire of precision shots, the magazine fed consistently and without any hiccups. Loading was smooth, and the rounds seated securely without any noticeable resistance.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. There was no learning curve involved; it simply worked as expected, which is precisely what you want from a magazine. After the first use, there were no issues or surprises to report; the magazine lived up to the FN America reputation.
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 FDE Rifle Magazine continues to impress. I’ve used it in multiple training sessions, running several hundred rounds through it each time, and it still performs like new. The FDE finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after being subjected to the usual bumps and scrapes of range use.
Durability has been excellent, with no signs of dents, deformation, or weakening of the magazine body. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. I simply wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use and occasionally use a bit of CLP to keep the spring and follower moving smoothly.
Compared to some of the aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It consistently outperforms the cheaper alternatives in terms of reliability, durability, and overall build quality. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a factory magazine.
Breaking Down the Features of FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: FN America
- Caliber: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62x51mm NATO
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
- Compatibility: FN SCAR 17S, FN SCAR 20S
These specifications are critical to the magazine’s performance and reliability. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, vital for reliable function in harsh conditions. The 20-round capacity strikes a good balance between firepower and manageability.
Performance & Functionality
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine excels at its primary function: providing consistent and reliable feeding of ammunition. Accuracy is not directly affected by the magazine itself, but the consistent feeding it provides contributes to maintaining a stable shooting platform. Usability is excellent, with smooth loading and easy insertion/removal.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its reliability and durability. It consistently feeds rounds without any issues, even under rapid-fire conditions. One area that could potentially be improved is the availability of higher-capacity options from FN America themselves.
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine meets and exceeds my expectations for a factory magazine. It delivers the reliable performance I need in my SCAR rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is simple yet effective. The steel construction provides a solid feel in hand, and the FDE finish matches the aesthetics of many SCAR rifles. The magazine fits snugly into the magazine well without any excessive wobble or play, contributing to a secure and confident feel.
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine is exceptionally user-friendly. There is no learning curve; it’s as simple as loading and inserting the magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine suggests a long service life. With proper care and maintenance, I expect this magazine to last for many years.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down after each use is generally sufficient. Periodically, I disassemble the magazine to clean the interior and lubricate the spring, which is a simple process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a self-contained component. However, it is compatible with a variety of magazine pouches and carriers designed for .308/7.62 magazines.
There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself, but users can certainly customize their SCAR rifles with various optics, stocks, and other accessories to enhance overall performance and ergonomics. Consider aftermarket baseplates for easier extraction.
Pros and Cons of FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Exceptional Reliability: Consistent feeding with various types of .308/7.62 ammunition.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel build ensures longevity.
- Perfect Fit: Designed specifically for FN SCAR 17S and 20S rifles.
- Easy to Use: Simple loading and insertion/removal.
- Corrosion Resistant: FDE finish provides extra protection against the elements.
Cons
- Price: More expensive than some aftermarket options.
- Limited Capacity Options: Only available in 20-round capacity from FN America.
Who Should Buy FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for SCAR 17S and 20S owners who demand the highest level of reliability and performance from their rifles. It’s ideal for tactical shooters, competitive shooters, and anyone who relies on their SCAR for self-defense or professional use.
Those who are primarily concerned with cost and are willing to sacrifice some reliability may want to explore cheaper aftermarket options. Also, those who require higher magazine capacities may need to look at third-party extensions or drum magazines, though reliability may be compromised.
A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch or carrier for convenient and secure storage and transport of spare magazines. Consider adding a magazine loader to speed up the loading process, especially during extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion on FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine
The FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine is a top-tier magazine that delivers exceptional reliability and durability. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, the peace of mind it provides is well worth the investment.
The price is justified by the magazine’s robust construction, consistent performance, and the fact that it’s a genuine FN America product. It is a worthwhile investment for any SCAR owner.
I wholeheartedly recommend the FN America SCAR 17S/20S 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO 20 Round FDE Rifle Magazine to anyone who owns a SCAR 17S or 20S and values reliable performance. Upgrade your SCAR today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make.