Classic Army are finally circulating promotional photos of their long awaited SCAR 'H'. Good news for all the FN fans out there who also - like myself - happen to be fans of the 7.62 mm NATO replicas.

 I have to say that the initial SCAR version - the 'L', or light 5.56mm replica - didn't do much for me. But it's amazing what the beefing up of the calibre version can do. This AEG is firmly on my wish list, and will be a nice addition to my intended Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FNH) collection.

The SCAR 'H' is NOT related to the legendary FN FAL, but a completely new design based on a modern modular system produced specifically for the for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). In my opinion, the American influence in the design is obvious - not wandering far, superficially at least, from the Armalite format which will be comforting for the US Army and Marines.

7.62mm? But it's just an AEG! 

Now, you might say - 'if it's an airsoft gun, why does the real calibre matter?'. And I guess you have a point, but - after all - I am a Milgeek!

I have to admit to a bit of self-satisfied smugness here. I have been one of those old gimmers who have always moaned on about how the modern 5.56mm calibre just wasn't adequate for the job. Experience seems to have finally proved 'us' right, and the US government (including SOCOM) are investigating various larger calibres between 6.5mm and the older 7.62mm,

So I was very please when, first of all the venerable 7.62mm M14 was brought out of mothballs for US troops in Iraq, then we saw US SWAT teams following suit with the DSA INC. 7.62mm SA58 series, and finally comes the SOCOM inspired 7.62mm SCAR Heavy. 

Above: Terrific news for the brand geeks out there is that CA's 'H' version comes with full 'FN HERSTAL BELGIUM' trademarks on the reciever.

The Classic Army replica is not the only SCAR 'H' in the pipeline, STAR has already published some very sexy pictures of the 'H' with their replica of the 40mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher (EGLM). VFC has a beautiful SCAR 'L' relica in production, and I would like to think that they will follow this with Heavy version too.

Right: Star Airsoft's promotional poster for their SCAR series. This depicts the very nicely modelled EGLM. Click on picture to enlarge.

Although all our AEG's fire 6mm plastic BBs, I at least like the psychological effect that having a large calibre based replica has for me. The SCAR 'H" will allow me to continue my enthusiasm for '7.62mm' with a contemporary special forces loadout. 

Recommended links:

> Wikipedia - The FN SCAR
> Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FNH) - SCAR Heavy
> Defence Review SCAR fact sheet
> Wikipedia - The US Special Operations Command (SOCOM)