Need help. New Scar 17s with mag drop and feed problems

[smokey77]

Hi, I'm new to the FN forum, and need some help. After a 5 month wait which felt like forever, I just got my FNH 17s FDE rifle and took it to the range yesterday (Jan 14). After field stripping, cleaning out the factory protection, lubricating (thanks to this website, and the sticky about lube/oiling), and reassembly, I was excited to put some rounds downrange! After the first 40 rounds with no issues, the magazine would suddenly drop out after pulling the trigger. Usually after the second or third shot after inserting the mag, it would drop out. The bolt would cycle after the previous shot normally, (no weird noises), then the next shot, I pull the trigger, click, then mag drops, no bang. I would put the rifle on safe, then I would wait and point the rifle downrange in case it was a round failure, then I would rack the bolt to make sure its clear/safe, and I noticed that the chamber was always empty after the malfunction. each time the bolt was fully forward, and I checked after each failure that the charging handle was fully forward. Each time I insert the mag, I would make sure to hear the click and pull on the mag to make sure it is fully seated/locked. Thinking that it might be a problem with vibrations or shock related issues, something loose or a mag being too full or too new, I loaded the mag with 10 rounds thinking that would work, but still had the same issue. I tried loading a full mag, and shooting rapidly thinking this would cause the mag to drop, but actually the mag held. Out of 120 rounds, I had 7 mag drops. Whenever the mag falls, I would load it full, or unload it to 10 rounds in the mag, and either way, I had the mag drop problem after a few shots. Sadly, I only had the one mag (Ive been searching and searching, so if you would sell me some mags that would be great), and only 1 brand of 7.62x51 NATO ammo. I used Patrone AB22 DM111 7.62mm x 51 NATO Weichkern ammo. Its ball ammo with cupronickel coated steel jacket, that looks kinda like silver or white gold, and it has green paint on the primer end. I was using a grip pod GPSLE bipod. Thinking that perhaps the bipod bounce or something was the problem, so I tried shooting standing, and the mag fell on the table. Im thinking the issue is probably the mag, but having only 1 mag, its tough to test this theory. Hopefully its an easy fix. I didnt see any strange wear on the mag, or anything odd with the feed lips, or the cutout that locks to the mag release in the lower. I did notice that it was pretty damn tough to press in the 20th round in the mag at the beginning. After a while it was easier to feed the mag, but I still got the same problems with the mag falling out. I did notice that it was really tough to unload the rounds after loading them into the mag. could it be an issue with the feed lips? Could it be the rounds? I doubt its a problem with the lower or the mag release. While cleaning the Scar 17s, I noticed no major problems, major wear, damage, etc. I tried to google this and see if anyone else had this problem, and checked this site, but found no info. I will try to call FNH USA. Is this who I contact? I found the info on the FNH USA website. FNH USA Service Department 3005 Arnold Tenbrook Rd Arnold, Missouri 63010-9406 Phone: 800-635-1321 The accuracy and feel of the rifle was outstanding. It was so fun to shoot. I just hope its a simple fix, and that I wont need to ship the rifle back to FNH USA. Let me know if you need specific pictures and I will post it. If FNH says its okay to fire the rifle again, I will try different ammo, and the same ammo (I still have some left) and will try to film it. THANKS! James Photos:

[fmsniper]

Mag catch is bad or your hole in the side of the magazine is miss alined, did you try other mags?
it sounds like the mag catch is not seating all of the way, look at it closed with no magazine in and the with a loaded magazine, there should be no difference, if it is sticking out (left Side )when a mag is in it, there is your issue.

Mag catch should be Flush, on the left side with or with out magazine

[GULL]

One more thing to try besides a different magazine. Try giving the bottom of your magazine a healthy bump with the palm of your hand after loading the magazine to insure the the Mag catch fully engages the magazine. Especially if you load a fully loaded magazine with the bolt closed.

[7.62GUNR]

Especially if you load a fully loaded magazine with the bolt closed.

+1.....classic

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Welcome to FNForums.

[Darius]

I confirm, if you try to load a full magazine with 20 rounds into a SCAR-H with its bolt closed; solution: 19 rounds in magazine or load with open bolt. I prefer the latter...

[Ferris2son]

I confirm, if you try to load a full magazine with 20 rounds into a SCAR-H with its bolt closed; solution: 19 rounds in magazine or load with open bolt. I prefer the latter...

I agree with the open bolt. Lock it open, insert mag with a little pop on the bottom, then release bolt. Fire away. If that works, then you have a mag catch/magazine issue.

Also, is the gas regulator on "normal"?

[smokey77]

thank you for your reply FMsniper! Yes, thats what I first suspected, so when it happened the first time, I tried loading the mag empty, then compared it to full with 20 rounds. When full, It didnt "click" as loudly as when it was empty, but the mag catch was flush each time, and I pulled down on the mag before hitting the bolt slide release to chamber a round to confirm it is locked in. I only have the 1 mag that came with it, I'm trying to find other mags, and have some on order. I'm thinking the feed lips are too tight, or the hole in the side of the magazine doesnt have that "beak" looking part far out enough?

[smokey77]

Thanks GULL, yeah, I was doing that each time! and pulling down to confirm. Yes the bolt was locked open each time before loading a full mag, then when ready, I hit the bolt release, selector to fire, then bang! After the third to 5th round, CLICK, the mag ejects, no fire. Chamber is empty.

[smokey77]

Hi Darius, Thanks for the reply! Yes, I always loaded the mag with the bolt locked open. I tried loading the mag with 10 rounds too, but with the same repeating failure at the 3rd round or so. Also, it was weird that loading it full at 20, then not giving a crap and shooting as fast as I could, the mag did not eject. The gas selector was at the proper 12 o'clock normal, unsupressed position.