Best FN Rifles (2026): SCAR 17S, 16S, 20S, M249S & More

The best FN rifles come from the company that builds machine guns and service rifles for the U.S. military, and you can feel it. FN makes the SCAR, the FN 15 family of AR-15s and a semi-auto version of the M249 SAW, and its civilian rifles carry the same hard use DNA.

Our testers have run them hard. One shot the next generation SCAR 20S out to 1,385 yards at an FN event and went two for two at 1,000. Another ran an M249S Para from belts and magazines without a hiccup. Another put a suppressed FN15 in 300 BLK through super and subsonic loads with not one malfunction.

This guide covers FN rifles only, so FN pistols, including the SCAR 15P, are not here. Every pick comes from a GunsAmerica Digest review, and we list the review year with each one, since several date back to 2016 and 2017. Prices are current manufacturer MSRP checked in October 2026, with the price at the time of review noted where it helps, and discontinued models show their last known price and sit at the end of the list as picks worth finding used.

If you are shopping .308 semi-autos across brands, see our best battle rifles, where the SCAR 17S goes head to head with its rivals. Start with the buyer’s guide, or jump to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best FN Rifles In 2026

FN’s civilian rifles fall into three families, so pick the family first.

SCAR Or FN 15

The SCAR is FN’s piston driven, folding stock rifle that won SOCOM’s 2004 competition. It costs more than an AR and has its own parts and magazines in some models. The FN 15 is FN’s line of AR-15s, so it takes standard AR parts, magazines and accessories. If you want an AR, FN also announced the FN 15 Guardian at a $999 suggested retail in 2023. To compare FN 15s with other ARs at every budget, see our best AR-15 rifles by price.

The 2026 Next Gen SCAR

For 2026, FN rebuilt the SCAR 16S, 17S and 20S with a hydraulically buffered two piece bolt carrier, an extended receiver with M-LOK, ambidextrous controls, AR grip compatibility, updated triggers and U.S. standard muzzle threads. Our tester said recoil felt cut roughly in half. The 17S was slated for Q1 2026 and the 16S and 20S for Q2. Many SCARs on the used market are earlier versions, so know which generation you are buying.

Battle Rifle Or Precision Rifle

The SCAR 17S is a 16 inch .308 carbine built for fast shooting. The SCAR 20S is the precision model with a 20 inch barrel, a Geissele two stage trigger and a precision stock, offered in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Expect the 20S to weigh about 11 pounds unloaded. For the full .308 field, see our battle rifles guide linked above.

Charging Handles

Early SCARs use a reciprocating charging handle that moves when you fire, which our reviewer said is a problem shooting from barricades and odd positions. The SCAR 16S NRCH fixes that with a non reciprocating handle on both sides. The SCAR 20S handle reciprocates but swaps sides.

Suppressors And 300 BLK

The next gen SCARs were built for forward venting suppressors, and FN announced QD cans for them. If you want quiet in an AR, our FN15 Tactical reviewer called 300 BLK at its best suppressed. For more options, see our best 300 Blackout rifles.

What Else Is New

FN also announced the ARKA in 2026, a rifle that pairs familiar controls with the SCAR’s short stroke gas piston system. We have news coverage only, so it is not ranked here. SCAR owners can also look at our Mantis BlackbeardX for SCAR L review, a training accessory.

Best FN Rifles Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

FN SCAR 17S (Next Gen): Best FN Rifle Overall (2026)

The FN SCAR 17S is the best FN rifle overall because it puts .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor power in a piston driven carbine with a folding stock, and the 2026 next gen version tames the recoil that was the old gun’s biggest complaint. Our tester said the new 17S felt way less mean. Review year: 2026, from a hands-on range day at a closed FN media event.

Read our full next gen FN SCAR hands-on here.

He shot it through a VTAC board and said it felt smooth and manageable even during faster shooting, while keeping the familiar heavy carbine feel he listed as a con. Our earlier SCAR 17 review from 2015 found an 8 pound rifle with a muzzle brake that soaked up recoil, best groups of 2 inches at 100 yards and a 5 to 6 pound trigger he wanted to upgrade, at about $2,800 at the time of that review (2015). FN lists the next gen SCAR 17S at $3,999 MSRP in 2026.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51mm or 6.5 Creedmoor
• Operation: short stroke gas piston, hydraulically buffered carrier
• Barrel: 16.25 in (earlier model, per our 2015 review)
• Weight: 8.0 lb empty (earlier model)
• Controls: ambidextrous; AR grip compatible
• Review year: 2026 (range day); 2015 full review
• Price: $3,999 MSRP for the next gen rifle (2026); about $2,800 at the time of review (2015)

Pros

• Recoil cut sharply on the next gen
• Suppressor ready
• Folding stock
• Proven SOCOM design

Cons

• Heavy carbine feel
• 2015 test showed 2 inch groups with the stock trigger

🛒 Check Current Price for FN SCAR 17S on GunsAmerica

FN SCAR 16S NRCH: Best FN 5.56 Rifle (2026)

The FN SCAR 16S NRCH is the best FN 5.56 rifle because it keeps everything that made the SCAR famous and finally fixes its biggest flaw with a non reciprocating charging handle on both sides. Our reviewer, a former CQB instructor who trained Green Berets on the SCAR L, said the 16S is for you if you want something proven in the harshest environments. Review year: 2022.

Read our full FN SCAR 16S NRCH review here.

His test rifle averaged 1.5 MOA, which he called well inside acceptable for a battle rifle. He liked the folding stock, built in adjustable cheek piece and monolithic top rail, and noted his sample’s selector lacked a third position. FN lists the SCAR 16S at $3,799 MSRP in 2026. At the 2026 FN event, our tester said the next gen 16S shot incredibly soft through about 150 rounds with no issues, though the handguard heated up after about 30 rounds.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Operation: short stroke gas piston
• Charging handle: non reciprocating, both sides
• Stock: folding, adjustable cheek piece
• Accuracy: 1.5 MOA average in our test
• Review year: 2022
• Price: $3,799 MSRP (2026)

Pros

• Non reciprocating charging handle
• Folding stock
• 1.5 MOA average

Cons

• Handguard heats up on the next gen 16S

🛒 Check Current Price for FN SCAR 16S on GunsAmerica

FN SCAR 20S: Best FN Precision Rifle (2026)

The FN SCAR 20S is the best FN precision rifle because it is a civilian version of the USSOCOM MK20 sniper support rifle, with a 20 inch cold hammer forged barrel, a Geissele Super SCAR two stage trigger and a tool free adjustable stock. Our reviewer called it a well engineered precision platform of high quality. Review year: 2019.

Read our full FN SCAR 20S field test here.

Cheap ammo shot nearly three inches at 100 yards for five shots, but Hornady 168 grain Match cut that to a 1.2 inch best, with every Hornady load between 1.2 and 1.7 inches from a bench. He said loading the bipod and pulling the rifle into the shoulder made the difference, and prone would likely shoot better. After 200 rounds the bolt showed no fouling. His gripes were one 10 round magazine in the box, a left side only bolt catch and the price, $4,499 MSRP at the time of review (2019) and still $4,499 MSRP in 2026. At our 2026 range day, the next gen 20S rang steel out to 1,385 yards.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51mm (as tested); 6.5 Creedmoor offered
• Barrel: 20 in chrome lined, cold hammer forged, 1:12
• Trigger: Geissele Super SCAR two stage
• Weight: 11.2 lb unloaded
• Magazine: one 10 round
• Review year: 2019
• Price: $4,499 MSRP (2026), unchanged since the review (2019)

Pros

• 1.2 inch best group with match ammo
• Excellent stock and trigger
• Clean running piston

Cons

• Expensive
• One magazine included
• Picky about cheap ammo

🛒 Check Current Price for FN SCAR 20S on GunsAmerica

FN Military Collector Series M4: Best FN Mil-Spec Carbine (2026)

The FN Military Collector Series M4 is the best FN mil-spec carbine because our reviewer said it is the closest thing a civilian can own to the true military M4. It has the stepped down 14.5 inch barrel with a permanently attached flash suppressor to reach 16 inches, a Knight’s Armament M4 RAS rail and a six position stock. Review year: 2016, and it is still in the FN lineup at $1,950 MSRP in 2026.

Read our full FN Military Collector Series M4 review here.

He said that apart from one extra hole in the receiver and the lower parts group, it is as true a mil-spec gun as you can buy. The trigger on his sample was heavy, in the 8 pound range, but broke cleanly. With iron sights and Winchester white box .223 at 100 yards, he shot a three shot group he could cover with a quarter. If you want a modern AR instead, see our AR-15 guide linked in the buyer’s guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Barrel: 14.5 in plus pinned compensator (16 in)
• Weight: 6 lb
• Stock: six position collapsible
• Sights: A2 style front, folding rear
• Review year: 2016
• Price: $1,950 MSRP (2026)

Pros

• True to the military M4
• Quarter sized group with irons
• Knight’s Armament rail

Cons

• Heavy trigger, about 8 lb
• Review is from 2016

🛒 Check Current Price for FN Military Collector M4 on GunsAmerica

FN M249S Para: Best FN Collector Rifle (2026)

The FN M249S Para is the best FN collector rifle because it is a semi-auto, street legal take on the M249 SAW that keeps the dual feed system, so it runs from belts or M16 magazines. Our reviewer, who has carried a real M249 in combat, worried it would feel neutered and found his fears were unfounded. Review year: 2017.

Read our full FN M249S Para review here.

It ran without a hiccup from belts and magazines, shot about a 3.5 inch group at 100 meters and was, in his words, really fun. It is also heavy at 16 pounds, with a 16.1 inch barrel, a collapsible stock and a folding bipod. MSRP was $8,799 at the time of review (2017), and he admitted he is not in the habit of buying $8,500 guns. FN lists it at $11,094 MSRP in 2026.

Safety note: in 2022 FN issued a mandatory recall of M249S rifles made and sold before January 1, 2022, for a fire control group issue that could cause an unsafe firing event, including guns updated after a 2017 recall. If you buy a used M249S, check the serial number with FN before you shoot it. We also reviewed the standard full length M249S in 2016, a 17 pound rifle with a removable 20.5 inch barrel.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Barrel: 16.1 in
• Weight: 16 lb
• Feed: belt or M16 magazine
• Action: semi-auto
• Review year: 2017
• Price: $11,094 MSRP (2026); $8,799 at the time of review (2017)

Pros

• Belt or magazine feed
• Ran flawlessly
• Very fun to shoot

Cons

• Very expensive
• 16 pounds
• 2022 recall; check the serial number

🛒 Check Current Price for FN M249S Para on GunsAmerica

FN 15 Competition: Best Used FN AR For Competition (2026)

The FN 15 Competition is the best used FN AR for competition because it was tailor made for 3-Gun, with an 18 inch match grade, cold hammer forged heavy barrel, a rifle length gas system, a SureFire ProComp brake and a Timney trigger. Review year: 2017, and FN now lists it among its discontinued rifles.

Read our full FN 15 Competition review here.

The billet receivers wear blue anodizing, the trigger guard is oversized for gloves, and the 3.5 to 4 pound single stage Timney broke crisply. Our reviewer topped it with a 1x to 4x scope and still shot at least two groups at or under MOA at 4x. The rifle weighs 8.1 pounds. Price was $2,249 at the time of review (2017), which he said was in line with other high end precision ARs.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Barrel: 18 in chrome lined, 1:8, heavy profile
• Gas: rifle length
• Trigger: Timney single stage, 3.5 to 4 lb
• Weight: 8.1 lb
• Review year: 2017
• Price: Discontinued; last known $2,249 (2017)

Pros

• Sub-MOA groups at 4x
• Timney trigger
• Free floated match barrel

Cons

• Pricey for an AR
• Review is from 2017

🛒 Check Current Price for FN 15 Competition on GunsAmerica

FN15 Tactical 300 BLK: Best Used FN AR In 300 BLK (2026)

The FN15 Tactical 300 BLK is the best used FN AR in 300 BLK because our reviewer said he could not find a better deal in the $1,500 price range in 2016, and it ran flawlessly suppressed and unsuppressed. He called it remarkably average, and meant that as praise: it gives you everything you need and nothing you do not. Review year: 2016, and FN now lists it among its discontinued rifles.

Read our full FN15 Tactical 300 BLK review here.

He swapped the brake for a GEMTECH mount and ran a GEMTECH ONE suppressor, and with SIG 220 grain subsonics it was quiet as a church mouse. He shot 1.5 inch groups at 100 meters and one 5/8 inch group at 50 meters, with not one malfunction across super and subsonic loads. The parkerized carrier was smooth and free of burrs. MSRP was $1,479 at the time of review (2016).

Key Specs

• Caliber: 300 AAC Blackout
• Barrel: 16 in
• Weight: 6 lb empty
• Action: direct impingement
• Sights: Magpul MBUS
• Review year: 2016
• Price: Discontinued; last known $1,479 MSRP (2016)

Pros

• Zero malfunctions
• Great suppressed
• Standard AR parts

Cons

• No frills
• Review is from 2016

🛒 Check Current Price for FN15 Tactical on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best FN Rifles Of 2026

The best FN rifle for most buyers is the SCAR 17S, now softer shooting in its 2026 next gen form. The SCAR 16S NRCH is the 5.56 pick with a charging handle that finally stays put, and the SCAR 20S is the precision rifle. On the AR side, the Military Collector M4 is the closest thing to a military carbine. The M249S Para is the collector’s toy, but check it against FN’s 2022 recall. The FN 15 Competition, built for 3-Gun, and the FN15 Tactical 300 BLK are discontinued but worth finding used.

Related reading: see our guide to the best Springfield Armory rifles.

Several of these reviews are years old, and the next gen SCARs changed a lot, so check which generation and price you are looking at. Every pick here comes from a GunsAmerica Digest review, gripes included. Before you buy a SCAR 17S, compare it in our best battle rifles, then shop FN rifles on GunsAmerica.com.