I was recently able to spend time with FNH UK to have a look at the SCAR 16 & 17 Mk2 plus the Evolys ultralight machine gun. Both are available in 5.56x45 mm and 7.62x51 mm. 

I have to say that recent updates to the SCAR Mk 2 have transformed it. The non-reciprocating changing handle completely overcomes previous nervousness about inadvertently putting your thumb in the wrong place. They have also managed to soften the recoil, so that it is more comfortable to shoot and more gentle on sights (although this was always more of a problem with the 7.62x51 mm version rather than the 5.56x45 mm one). I remember shooting this weapon almost 10 years ago and liking it more than loving it. Though it looks similar today, it has been refined and improved in lots of subtle ways. I was amazed that two relatively minor engineering changes could make such a huge difference. I had also forgotten how incredibly light it is. But what I like most is the simplicity of the design and small number of working parts. 

My experience reminds me that new military weapons take time before they become totally reliable. Anyway, SCAR seems to have reached a level of maturity that makes it ready for prime time. I managed to troll FNH with a photoshopped bullpup version. 

Secondly, the Evolys ultralight machine gun is equally impressive. I find it extraordinary that a belt-fed 7.62x51 mm weapon can weigh the same as the UK's 5.56x45 mm L85A3 rifle. The side-opening feed tray really is very clever. If you tilt the weapon slightly to the right, it almost loads like a MAG 58. Anyway, it was very easy to operate. 

FNH also showed me the SCAR 20 Mk 2, which is now available in 6.5 mm Creedmoor. I would say this calibre is almost ideal for the SCAR platform, although I haven't yet fired it. 

Together SCAR and Evolys is that they make sense as a system. 

I would be interested to hear other perspectives from those who have fired the SCAR Mk 2 version.  

Other than forgot to caption the bullpup IN 6.8mm NGSW, pretty good!

Was there any discussion with the FNH personnel about what it would take for these weapons to reliably use higher pressure ammo like the SIG 6.8 NGSW?  Offhand, I can't remember how the Evolys locks the bolt.

Thanks

I didn't ask, but will when I go back. 

Does the SCAR16 have any advantages over the AR15 when it comes to using larger diameter, more powerful cartridges like the 6mm ACR or are the limitations posed by the dimensions of the magazine well and strength of the bolt/barrel extension about the same?  I vaguely recall a multi-caliber SCAR, but I think it was based on the larger SCAR17.  Is that correct?

These questions are related to an earlier discussion about the potential development of something along the lines of a "NGSW-lite" cartridge somewhere between the existing 5.56x45 and the proposed 6.8mm ones.

with 7.62 SAWs that are as light as an SA80....what would the recoil be like on full auto?

7.62 mm Evolys has a hydraulic buffer, so recoil is mitigated 

SMG, it depends a lot on the nature of the recoil.  The total force depends solely on the cartridge and firing rate.  When that is smoothed out correctly, the shooter mainly feels a continual push rather than the rapid pulsing of the bolt carrier slamming into the receiver.

In this video, Ian talks about the Knight's 7.62x51 Assault Machinegun which he says weighs about 14 pounds (6.35kg), essentially the same as the Evolys (depending upon who is fibbing more about the weight).

https://youtu.be/6hsOrULshco?t=515

smg762 said:

with 7.62 SAWs that are as light as an SA80....what would the recoil be like on full auto?

I had the opportunity to shoot the Evolys in 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, and the recoil was very, very smooth (and I'm only 5'7" & 150 lbs).

To the point that one of the senior officer shooting the Evolys told us "the 7.62 mm is so light & easy to shoot, why do we need a 5.56 mm?"

So, the soft recoil, basically, means that the forward bolt stroke starts from the zero initial velocity, and thus the power reserve to feed the cartridge under less than ideal conditions (such as increased internal friction due to ingress of dirt, sand, lack of lubrication etc) is minimal. Or am i wrong here?