To unlock the SCAR-L, players must complete the "Set Us Up The Bomb" assignment. The requirements are:
20 kills with underslung Grenade Launcher
15 kills with Hand Grenades
The SCAR-L performs much like any other assault rifle in its class, and deviates from its carbine counterpart both in statistics and aesthetics. The SCAR-H has the upper-hand in damage, but the SCAR-L compensates with less damage drop-off at range and a larger magazine. Furthermore, while the H has very potent recoil the L has almost none. Some visual differences to the H Variant appear to be a more grayish color and duct tape wrapped around the stock. It is available to the Assault Class, and is capable of mounting an underslung weapon such as the M320 or the M26. It is obtained by completing the Set Us Up The Bomb assignment in the Close Quarters expansion pack.
The SCAR rifle system's modularity allows for many different configurations. The Mk. 16 "SCAR-L" features a 14 inch barrel as well as a full 30 round magazine. Compared to its 20 round carbine counterpart, the heavier Mk. 17, the SCAR-L provides greater target acquisition at longer ranges due to the extended barrel length as well as more controlled fire due to manageable recoil.
