FAMAS
From Airsoft Community Wiki
The FAMAS (Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de St-Étienne, Assault Rifle by St-Étienne Arms Factory) is an assault rifle in bullpup configuration designed and manufactured in France by the Saint Étienne arms factory, which is a member of the French government-owned Nexter (ex-GIAT Industries) complex. It is the current service rifle of the French military and has been nicknamed "The Bugle" or Trumpet for its unique design.
There are currently two Airsoft versions made by Tokyo Marui and several clones made by various other companies and cheapsoft manufacturers.
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General Information
The TM FAMAS was the first modern AEG produced by the company in 1990 and has the Version 1 gearbox. The weapon weighs around 3kg. The version 1 gearbox has been said by some to be the strongest that TM ever made. The FAMAS fires 17 rounds a second (1020 rounds a minute) and empties a standard 68 round magazine in seconds. The FAMAS has a bull-pup design which means that the magazine is behind the trigger, thig gives a longer barrel and therefore longer range. The FAMAS is a popular choice for rental guns because they are very reliable and a very reasonable price. If you like the odd futuristic look of this gun or want a cheaper model to get started with, this is a very good choice.
Add on's for the Famas include the twin magazine clamp (which also fits AK, G3 and M16 magazines) and a scope rail.
Both versions retail at around £160 un-upgraded or £200 upgraded.
Metal Parts
The FAMAS features very few metal parts and is mostly made from ABS plastic. The metal parts are the outer barrel, flash-hider and the trigger guard (F1 version)
Sights
The handle on the top of the gun incorporates the sights. The front sight adjusts for windage. In the middle is a flip up sight that sits higher than the others sights and it does help when you need a sight and are aiming with a mask on. At the rear is a battery of flip up pinholes which are useful for accurate shooting.
Safeties
The Famas has a unique double-safety incorporated into the frame; the First safety is located directly in front of the trigger (which, when lined up prevents the firer's finger from depressing the trigger) and the second is located behind the magwell (where the Semi/Full toggle is.)
Battery
The battery is stored inside the foregrip which allows the use of large sizes batteries. To access the battery storage you have to twist the lever further to the left. The battery is disengaged by turning the trigger safety towards the guns front.
In The Box
Rifle & 60rd Magazine, Cleaning Rod, Loading Rod, Approx. 200 0.25g BB's, Manual & Marui Catalogue
Modifications
The look of the FAMAS can be improved by removing the odd-looking carry handle and replacing it with a G36C top rail or Scoped carry handle. The Bullpup layout and unusual style lead to FAMAS being used as a base for custom guns such as Poseidon's line of Ghost in the Shell kits.
Many FAMAS owners modify M16 magazines and the FAMAS mag well to allow their use.
Different Versions
There are currently two different versions of the FAMAS for airsoft.
FAMAS F1
The FAMAS F1 features a grenade sight, smaller handguard and a built in bipod for support or accurate shooting.
FAMAS SV
The FAMAS SV is based on the real steel FAMAS G1 variant. The differences between the Famas F1 and the Famas SV are purely cosmetic. The SV has an enlarged handguard and sling attachments.
Reviews/Useful Links
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/?filnavn=/reviews/famas_f1/famas_f1_review.htm/ (UK)
http://www.softair.it/articolo11.php (Italy) A site detailing how to modify the FAMAS to use M16 magazines
