Emerging from USSOCOM’s SCAR program, the MK 16, MK 17 and MK 13 weapons system is highly modular and intended to be easily adaptable to future upgrades and enhanced ammunition designs. They are also built with an eye toward the economic realities and small logistic footprint requirements of today’s highly mobile military. Overall life cycle costs are reduced via features like a chrome-lined steel barrel with a service life of 15,000+ rounds while maintaining exceptional accuracy to give added years of dependable service while reducing maintenance downtime. Both the MK 16 and MK 17 rifles break down into five major components: the buttstock module, moving parts assembly, complete receiver assembly, trigger module and magazine. Most maintenance requirements on the MK 16, MK 17 and MK 13 can be easily accomplished at the operator or unit armorer level. The compact design of the MK 16 and MK 17 makes them ideal in the Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) role for air and vehicle crews, transportation and support troops and senior officer/VIP protective details.