MAS FAMAS

MAS FAMAS History

In 1981, the French Army abandoned the MAS Modele 49 self-loading semi-automatic rifle in favor of a new standardized automatic design, the MAS. FAMAS" - "Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne" ("Assault Rifle of the Saint-Etienne Arms Maker") (now Nexter). The French adopted a traditional assault rifle design that supported the Past the "Bulldog" configuration, where action and feed are concentrated behind the pistol grip.

The shortened compact shape allows for the preservation of the full-length barrel, and - with a narrower dimension - the weapon can serve equally well with front- and second-line troops.

Shortly after World War II (1939-1945), during the reconstruction of the military-industrial complex, the French began to develop bullpup automatic weapons. Testing was carried out in the second half of the 1940s, and after many tests, the design became more refined. Formal work on the project began in 1967 and the cartridge of choice became the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.

The first prototype was introduced in 1971, and the French Army adopted the evaluation model the following year. Trials continued for some time before the French Army adopted the "FAMAS" in 1978 and entered service as a standard French Army assault rifle in 1981. Its unique shape has earned it the nickname "Le Clairon" or "horn"

The first production brand of FAMAS was named "F1" and these brands were adopted by the French army in hundreds of thousands, replacing several upcoming models including the MAS 49 rifle. It took on today's widely accepted unsupported form, with its enlarged fixed shoulders housing key internal working components. The stock is padded for added comfort while firing, and the straight detachable magazine is placed in a groove under the stock behind the pistol grip.

Due to the enlarged stock, the casing was given a rather slim profile with finger grooves under the front end. Above the receiver is a large one-piece carry handle that is also used to mount the optical unit in its designated channel - a rear port with a tritium night insert attached to the front post.

The charging handle is located in the open loop of the handle and can be operated with both hands. Choose from shots that allow single, triple, and fully automatic fire. The pistol grip hangs about halfway through the design in the usual way.

The release ring is deliberately large enough to accommodate a gloved finger. The barrel protrudes a short distance in front of the receiver body, most of its length hidden by the compact design. The body includes plastic where appropriate for the lightest possible design.

The barrel is further tightened by a slotted flash suppressor and supports a bayonet for close range work. The barrel can also fire rifle grenades to expand its tactical use on the battlefield. Another unique feature of the FAMAS is its standard foldable bipod that flips up on the side of the receiver. Sling loops are also standard, allowing traditional shoulder straps to be added.

Internally, the weapon relies on a lever-delayed recoil system for firing and can be quickly configured for left-handed use with a few mechanical tweaks.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service

1981

Origins

France

Categories

Bullpup Assault Rifle

Manufacturer

MAS Saint-Etienne / Nexter - France

Operators

Argentina; Djibouti; France; Gabon; Indonesia; Iraq; Lebanon; Papua New Guinea; Senegal; Serbia; Tunisia; United Arab Emirates; Vanuatu

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Assault Rifle

A modern class of long guns with selected fire characteristics, automatic internals and magazine feeding.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

757mm

29. 80 inches

Barrel length

488mm

19. 21 inches

Cured weight

7.96 lbs

3.61 kg

Attractions

Rear Tritium Night Vision Goggles; Front Post

Action

Lever delay recoil; select fire

Backflush operation

The air pressure created by the rearward movement of the fired case provides the necessary bolt movement, case ejection and stripping of the new case from the magazine.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

5. 56x45mm French

Circle/Feed

25 or 30 rounds magazine with removable case

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

984 feet

(300m | 328m)

Rate of fire

900

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

3,100 ft/sec

(945m/s)

VARIANTS

FAMAS F1 - original production model; straight 25-round magazine; no handguards; 1/12 barrel rifle; 400,000 units produced. FAMAS G1 - Proposed improved F1; modified handle; enlarged trigger guard; not accepted. FAMAS G2 - 1994 model; refined exterior features and handling; enhanced internal mechanism to improve rifle grenade support; full-hand trigger guard; "Lippe" front guard for muzzle safety; 30-round curved STANAG Magazine holder; 1/9 barrel pull. Farmas. 223 - Imported model for the US market; for the .223 cartridge; limited production.

G2 Export - Export Model G2 SMG - Submachine Gun Model; 12. 6" Barrel G2 Civil - Civil Market Model G2 Commando - Special Forces Variant; 15. 9" Barrel G2 Sniper - Precision Sniper Model; 24. 4" barrel