Shot Show 2026 The Latest from FN

SHOT Show 2026 — FN | The new SCAR 17S (next-generation)

SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas (Jan 20–23 at the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum), and I stopped by the FN booth to check out what a lot of people have been asking for: an updated SCAR 17S that’s more than just “same rifle, new paint.” FN is calling this the next generation of the SCAR platform, and they rolled it out at SHOT Show 2026.

The headline change that matters is shootability. The next-gen SCAR 17S gets a hydraulically buffered, two-piece bolt carrier that FN says is designed to reduce felt recoil and help with faster follow-up shots. If you’ve run older SCARs, you already know why that’s a big deal—those rifles have never been accused of being gentle on recoil impulse or optics.

FN is also leaning into the modern “actually let me mount stuff” approach. The next gen SCAR includes an extended receiver with more barrel coverage and an integrated rail setup with M-LOK at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, aimed at better reach, stability, and accessory support without immediately budgeting for aftermarket surgery.

Suppressor use is another clear priority. FN is positioning the new SCAR line as suppressor compatible, specifically with low backpressure / forward-venting suppressors, and they’re pairing that messaging with their new FN QD suppressor line that debuted alongside the next-gen SCAR at SHOT.

On the SCAR 17S specifics, FN lists it in 7.62x51 mm or 6.5 Creedmoor, with a 16.25-inch barrel, and 10- or 20-round magazines. That’s the kind of spec set that keeps it in the “serious rifle” lane, not the “range toy that looks cool in photos” lane.

My takeaway from the booth is simple: FN didn’t try to reinvent the SCAR’s identity. They kept the silhouette and the DNA, but targeted the pain points that real owners have complained about for years—recoil behavior, suppressor practicality, and modern mounting options. That’s the right approach, assuming the improvements hold up over real round counts and not just booth chatter.

As always, everything I cover gets handled safely and evaluated responsibly. This is not an endorsement of any storefront — it’s simply my first look and my perspective on what I’m seeing on the floor and what matters to shooters in the real world.

Full parts lists, links, and additional context will be posted on my website at www.razormp.com.

Thanks for supporting the channel — especially my member subscribers — and as always, I’ll see you on the high ground or in the next video. RazorMP out.