Scratch on Receiver Guide Rail (more than one gun).

[Burt Gummer]

I’d like to hear everyone’s opinion on this. Two brand new SCAR 17S, right out of the box, serial numbers HC171xx and HC173xx (200 apart). Upon close inspection, BOTH show a “scratch” running lengthwise down the bottom left of the receiver guide rail (see pics). The only rounds through the rifles where fired at the factory.

HC171xx.jpgHC173xx.jpg

The scratch goes below the surface (but not deep enough to be considered a “gouge” IMO), and is clearly made by the bolt carrier, particularly where the rail contact points restrict at the rear of the carrier. I’m unable to find any burrs on either of the bolt carriers of the two rifles to have caused this, and both bolt carriers glide freely within their prospective receivers

My two SCAR 16S do not exhibit any wear at the receiver guide rails, even after hundreds of rounds fired through them.

I contacted FNH, and the customer service department was less than helpful (wish Bob Ailes was still around!). Basically, they said not to worry about it and that was that. When asked if they've seen this before, they answered, “No”. But I have it on TWO rifles!

I don’t mean to sound like a worrywart (e.g.; “is that chip off the bolt lug supposed to be there?” ), but this has got me stumped. I search this forum and was not able to find any mention of this.

Does anyone else have this same “scratch” on their receiver guide rail? Could this continue to wear and become a problem in the future?

[cb4017]

Got that on my SCAR 17 also. I noticed it the first time I cleaned my SCAR. I just figure it is normal finish wear and I'm not concerned about it.

[Turnanewleaf]

I may have what you're referring to, but it's really hard to tell on the FDE. Black provides a lot of contrast, so your eye will pick up any imperfection.

[Burt Gummer]

Not black, I have the rarer "green" 17S, lol. Thanks for the replies. Keep 'em coming, anyone else? Could this be normal "birthmarks"?

[Rifleshooterscar]

Could it be that all the HC173-XX S/N series get these special markings. glad there are no XXs on my 16s my S/N, will this mean my rifle is not as good as the 17Hs?

[SgtStrykerUSMC43]

I wouldn't be concerned about it either. The FAL platform does the same thing and it's due to the BC riding on rails. AR variants exhibit a different wear pattern but it's still a wear pattern.

[emptybrass]

I wouldnt worry about it. The more its shot the more it will wear. Just like Sgt said.

[Longknife]

No worries mate, it's just a normal "scar"!

[LVlawdawg]

Grease it and forget about it. I have the same, and at >1000rds, it hasn't gotten any worse.

[101ABN327]

Id' say this is a result of how the bolt carriers are CNC machined. The computer mills all the carriers like this, which would account for the markings looking alike. I have the same marks on my 16 and 17. Once worn in they stop getting worse.