Elevate Your FN SCAR 17S Performance: The Definitive Guide to the 20-Inch Factory Barrel Assembly

Are you an FN SCAR 17S owner looking to significantly expand your rifle's capabilities, particularly for long-range precision, enhanced ballistic performance, or specific competitive and hunting applications? Do you find yourself asking, "How can I get more range and accuracy from my SCAR 17S?", "What's the best way to optimize my 7.62mm NATO rifle for distant targets?", or "Where can I find a genuine, high-quality barrel upgrade for my FN SCAR 17S?" If so, this comprehensive guide on the FN SCAR 17S 20-inch Factory Barrel Assembly is precisely what you need.

This isn't just a replacement part; it's a strategic upgrade designed to unlock the full potential of your SCAR 17S. Engineered by FN to the most exacting standards, this 20-inch barrel assembly provides a direct, factory-certified solution for converting your current SCAR 17S, often equipped with a shorter barrel, into a configuration optimized for greater muzzle velocity, flatter trajectories, and superior accuracy at extended distances. It directly addresses the common desire among SCAR 17S enthusiasts to push their rifle's effective range and precision beyond typical carbine capabilities.

The Quest for Precision: Why a 20-Inch Barrel is a Game Changer for Your SCAR 17S

When considering upgrades for a high-performance rifle like the FN SCAR 17S, the barrel is arguably the most critical component influencing accuracy and ballistic efficiency. While shorter barrels offer superb maneuverability, a 20-inch barrel dramatically enhances the 7.62mm NATO cartridge's performance, transforming your SCAR 17S into a true long-range precision instrument.

• Unleashing Muzzle Velocity and Energy: The primary benefit of a longer barrel, especially for cartridges like the 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester), is the increased time the propellant gasses have to act upon the projectile. This translates directly into higher muzzle velocities. For every additional inch of barrel length, you can expect a measurable increase in feet per second (FPS), which means more kinetic energy delivered downrange. This is crucial for ethically taking game at distance or ensuring sufficient energy for target impact in precision shooting scenarios.
• Flattening Trajectories: Higher muzzle velocity directly correlates to a flatter bullet trajectory. A flatter trajectory means less bullet drop over distance, simplifying range estimation and holdovers for the shooter. This translates to fewer errors and more consistent hits, particularly as targets extend beyond 300-400 yards. For hunters, it means a larger vital zone at unexpected ranges. For competitive shooters, it means less mental calculation and more focus on fundamentals.
• Enhancing Accuracy and Consistency: While often debated, a longer barrel generally provides a longer sight radius (if using iron sights) and can contribute to a more stable shot. More importantly, it allows the full burn of slower-burning powders often used in cartridges like the 7.62mm NATO, leading to more consistent velocities shot-to-shot. Consistency is the cornerstone of precision. A 20-inch barrel, coupled with FN's manufacturing precision, ensures that each shot has the optimal conditions for tight groups.
• Optimized for 7.62mm NATO / .308 Winchester: The 7.62mm NATO cartridge truly begins to shine from barrel lengths of 18-22 inches. The 20-inch length strikes an excellent balance, providing significant ballistic gains without becoming overly cumbersome. It allows various bullet weights to stabilize effectively and achieve their intended performance envelope, from lighter match bullets to heavier hunting rounds.

Engineered for Excellence: Unpacking FN's Uncompromising Quality

The FN SCAR 17S 20" Barrel Assembly is not just any barrel; it's a genuine FN factory-certified part. This distinction is critical for maintaining the renowned reliability, accuracy, and modularity of your SCAR 17S platform. FN's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of this barrel's construction:

• Cold Hammer Forged (CHF) Barrel: This is a hallmark of premium rifle barrels and a standard for FN. The CHF process involves hammering a blank around a hardened mandrel, shaping the bore and rifling simultaneously.
  • Durability: CHF barrels are inherently stronger and more durable, as the cold working process strengthens the steel, making it highly resistant to wear from heat and friction. This translates to a significantly longer service life, even under high-volume shooting.
  • Accuracy: The hammering process creates a highly uniform bore with precise dimensions, which is crucial for consistent bullet flight and exceptional accuracy. The resulting bore finish is incredibly smooth, minimizing fouling and maximizing bullet velocity consistency.
  • Consistency: The precise control over bore dimensions and rifling ensures that every barrel produced through this method meets stringent quality standards, contributing to the SCAR's legendary reliability.
• Chrome Lined Bore and Chamber: Another essential feature for a high-performance military-grade rifle, chrome lining offers substantial benefits:
  • Corrosion Resistance: Chrome is highly resistant to corrosion, making the barrel exceptionally durable in harsh environments and easier to maintain, especially after exposure to moisture or corrosive ammunition.
  • Extended Barrel Life: The hard chrome layer reduces wear from hot gases and bullet friction, further extending the barrel's longevity beyond unlined steel barrels.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Fouling (carbon and copper buildup) adheres less readily to chrome, making the barrel significantly easier and quicker to clean, saving time and effort for the shooter.
• 1:12 Twist Rate: The 1:12 twist rate is a common and highly effective standard for the 7.62mm NATO / .308 Winchester cartridge, especially with common bullet weights ranging from 147 grains up to 175 grains. This twist rate ensures optimal gyroscopic stability for these projectile weights, promoting pinpoint accuracy. Understanding barrel twist rate is vital for shooters who reload or select specific ammunition types, as it dictates how well a given bullet will stabilize and perform.
• Matte Black Finish: The matte black finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and minimizes glare, which is crucial for tactical applications, hunting, and competition where reflectivity could be a disadvantage. It also ensures the barrel seamlessly integrates with the existing aesthetics of your FN SCAR 17S.

Seamless Integration: Converting Your SCAR 17S with Ease

One of the defining features of the FN SCAR platform is its incredible modularity and user-friendly design. Converting your SCAR 17S to a 20-inch barrel model with this factory assembly is remarkably straightforward, designed to be achievable by the end-user with basic tools and a good understanding of their rifle.

• Designed for Conversion: The FN SCAR 17S was engineered from the ground up for quick barrel changes, enabling operators to adapt their rifle to various mission requirements. This 20-inch assembly leverages that inherent design, allowing you to switch between configurations easily.
• Simple Installation Process: While detailed instructions should always be followed (referencing your SCAR owner's manual or FN's official guides), the general process involves disassembling the upper receiver, removing the existing barrel assembly, and installing the new 20-inch unit. No permanent modifications to your rifle are required. This modularity means you can retain your original barrel and swap back if desired.
• When to Consider a Gunsmith: While many owners are capable of performing this conversion themselves, if you are unfamiliar with firearm disassembly and reassembly, or if you lack the appropriate torque wrench and other specialized tools, consulting a qualified gunsmith is always recommended. A professional installation ensures that all components are correctly seated and torqued to factory specifications, guaranteeing optimal performance and safety.

The FN Factory Certified Advantage: Trust and Uncompromising Performance

The designation "FN Factory Certified Part" is not just a label; it's a guarantee of quality, compatibility, and performance. When you invest in an FN factory part for your FN SCAR 17S, you are ensuring:

• Exact Specifications and Tolerances: Unlike aftermarket components that may vary in quality or fit, a factory-certified part is manufactured to the precise specifications and tolerances established by FN Herstal. This means perfect fitment with your existing SCAR 17S components, eliminating any potential for wobble, misalignment, or function issues.
• Same Manufacturing and Materials as Original Equipment: This barrel assembly is made using the identical manufacturing processes and high-grade materials as the barrel that originally came with your SCAR 17S. This ensures consistency in performance, durability, and reliability that only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts can provide.
• Maintaining Rifle Integrity and Warranty: Using genuine FN factory parts helps preserve the integrity of your rifle's design and often ensures that your manufacturer's warranty remains valid. Attempting to use unapproved or poorly manufactured aftermarket parts can sometimes void warranties or, more critically, lead to safety issues or diminished performance.
• Guaranteed Perfect Fit and Operation: This is the ultimate promise of an FN factory-certified part. It will fit perfectly, function flawlessly, and deliver the performance expected from an FN firearm. For a rifle as sophisticated and mission-critical as the SCAR 17S, this assurance is invaluable.

Unlocking New Potentials: Use Cases and Scenarios for the 20-Inch Barrel

The decision to upgrade to a 20-inch barrel on your FN SCAR 17S opens up a world of new possibilities and enhances existing applications.

• Long-Range Target Shooting: For enthusiasts dedicated to punching paper or steel at 500 yards and beyond, the increased velocity and flatter trajectory offered by the 20-inch barrel are indispensable. It allows for more precise holdovers and reduced wind deflection, making consistent hits at extended ranges more achievable.
• Precision Hunting: Whether pursuing deer across open fields or larger game where ethical long-range shots are necessary, the enhanced ballistic performance of the 20-inch barrel provides the kinetic energy and accuracy needed for clean, humane kills. The increased velocity also expands the effective range of many hunting bullet types.
• Competitive Shooting: In disciplines that require precision and extended engagement distances, such as tactical rifle matches or precision rifle series (PRS) style competitions (where the SCAR 17S with a longer barrel might be adapted for a gas-gun division), the 20-inch barrel offers a competitive edge by minimizing ballistic complexities and maximizing accuracy.
• Tactical Applications Requiring Extended Reach: For law enforcement or military personnel whose roles demand the ability to engage targets accurately at distance, the 20-inch barrel provides a significant capability boost, extending the effective reach of the SCAR 17S platform.

Maintaining Your Investment: Care for Your New Barrel

To ensure your FN SCAR 17S 20" Barrel Assembly delivers peak performance and longevity, proper maintenance is key. The chrome lining significantly eases this process, but a consistent cleaning regimen is essential.

• Routine Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially if high round counts are involved, clean the bore. Use a quality bore solvent designed to remove copper and carbon fouling, followed by a bore brush and patches. The chrome lining will make the process quicker and easier than with unlined barrels.
• Proper Tools: Utilize appropriate cleaning rods, jags, and brushes that are the correct caliber to avoid damaging the bore or rifling. A bore guide can help protect the chamber and crown during cleaning.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the muzzle crown, chamber, and bore for any signs of damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. The excellent durability of FN's CHF and chrome-lined barrels means these issues are rare, but vigilance is always prudent.
• Storage: Store your rifle in a clean, dry environment. A light coat of gun oil on exterior metal surfaces can prevent corrosion, though the barrel's matte black finish is highly resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FN SCAR 17S 20" Barrel Assembly

Q: Is this barrel assembly compatible with the FN SCAR 16S?
A: No, this barrel assembly is specifically designed and engineered for the FN SCAR 17S models only, which fire the 7.62mm NATO / .308 Winchester cartridge. It is not compatible with the 5.56mm NATO SCAR 16S.

Q: Will installing this barrel void my FN SCAR 17S warranty?
A: As this is an FN factory-certified part, installing it according to the manufacturer's guidelines will not void your warranty. Using genuine FN parts ensures compatibility and maintains the rifle's original design integrity.

Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect with this 20-inch barrel?
A: While specific accuracy depends on ammunition quality, shooter skill, and environmental factors, the FN SCAR 17S, when paired with this precision 20-inch cold hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel, is capable of sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy with match-grade ammunition. Many users report consistent performance in the 1-1.5 MOA range even with good quality bulk ammunition.

Q: Do I need special tools for the installation?
A: The FN SCAR platform is designed for user-level barrel changes. You will typically need a SCAR barrel wrench or a standard large adjustable wrench and possibly a torque wrench for proper reassembly. Always consult your FN SCAR 17S owner's manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.

Q: What are the main advantages of a cold hammer forged (CHF) barrel?
A: CHF barrels are known for their exceptional durability, longevity, and consistent accuracy. The manufacturing process strengthens the steel, creating a very hard, uniform bore that resists wear from heat and friction, leading to a longer barrel life and less performance degradation over time.

Q: How does chrome lining benefit the barrel?
A: Chrome lining provides superior corrosion resistance, making the barrel easier to clean and more durable in harsh environments. It also reduces friction, which can marginally increase muzzle velocity and extend barrel life by resisting erosion from hot gasses.

Q: Can I use .308 Winchester ammunition in this 7.62mm NATO barrel?
A: Yes, 7.62mm NATO chambers are generally designed to safely and effectively fire both 7.62mm NATO and .308 Winchester ammunition. While there are slight differences in pressure specifications, the FN SCAR 17S is robustly built to handle both.

Where to Acquire This Essential Upgrade

For those ready to transform their FN SCAR 17S into an even more capable long-range precision machine, the FN SCAR 17S 20" Barrel Assembly is a must-have. As a factory-certified part, it guarantees the same uncompromising quality and reliability you've come to expect from FN. You can find this authentic FN factory part, along with other genuine FN accessories and firearms, at reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns.com. Investing in this barrel means investing in the continued performance and versatility of your iconic FN SCAR 17S.

FN SCAR 17S 20" Barrel Assembly Specifications

Feature	Specification	Notes
Manufacturer	FN	Factory Certified Part
Model	SCAR 17 S 20"	Designed for SCAR 17S conversion
Caliber	7.62mm NATO	Also compatible with .308 Winchester
Twist Rate	1:12	Optimal for common 7.62mm bullet weights
Barrel Type	Cold Hammer Forged	Enhanced durability and accuracy
Bore/Chamber	Chrome Lined	Corrosion resistance, easy cleaning
Finish	Matte Black	Reduced glare, durable coating
Compatibility	SCAR 17S only	Specific to the 7.62mm platform
UPC	845737002671	Unique Product Code
SKU	98818	Stock Keeping Unit