Goodbye Famas

[Moose242]

A while back in Canada I posted about how big of a failure that the Famas really is. In short, the Famas' lever delayed blowback system is so violent that it rips brass cases apart, so they have to use steel cased ammo imported from China. They also have to use 55 grain bullets due to the 1 in 12 twist of the rifling. This prevents them from using the SS109 62 grain 5.56 cartridge that pretty much every other NATO country uses, taking away the advantage of standardizing a cartridge with your allies (way to go, France).


Anyways, more here-

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/11/23/french-army-to-replace-the-famas-rifle/

During a recent meeting with the Commission of Defense, the French CEMAT (Chef d'Etat Major de l'Armée de Terre / Chief of Staff of the Army), General Ract Madoux, confirmed that the French Army would issue a RFP (Request For Proposals) in 2013 for a replacement service rifle for the French Army.



Contenders to replace the rifle include:
The HK 416
FN SCAR
FN2000
SIG 550
SIG 516
Beretta ARX
CZ 805 BREN A2
HS VHS
Remington ACR
Colt Canada C7
IMI Tavor



I would almost guarantee that they replace the Famas with a bullpup though.

One great thing about this is that we may see an influx of Famas parts kits here in the US! If a firearm manufacturer makes only a few parts for them, they could be built and sold here. This would make me one seriously happy man.

[YALE]

Well, you would be able to shoot the cheapest ammo on the shelf. That's something.

[racrguy]

Another good thing about the Famas, guaranteed to have never seen combat.

[Moose242]

Another good thing about the Famas, guaranteed to have never seen combat.

Quite the contrary, they have been used in five wars...

[racrguy]

Have they been shot though?
Just continuing the old French never fight mantra.

[Moose242]

Have they been shot though?
Just continuing the old French never fight mantra.

I never understood that mantra. They have the best military record of any country in the Old World.

"The French soldiers are grand. They are grand. There is no other word to express it." - Arthur Conan Doyle

[Nash B.]

WWII and Vietnam?

[Moose242]

WWII and Vietnam?

They have the best military record of any country in the Old World.

Funny how a century with a few military mistakes over shadows millenniums of military triumphs.

[John -- '02 HAWK]

or forget the French Foreign Legion

[dee]

I would imagine your right to assume they'll go with a bullpup just for familiarity in design.

[Slowhand]

Funny how a century with a few military mistakes over shadows millenniums of military triumphs.

Identify the bonds between the modern French army and their battles and those of the French army of two centuries ago and that statement might mean a little more.

[KBScobravert]

I bet their next battle rifle is just as weird looking. It is such an ugly rifle and looks like a movie prop from a sci-fi film.

That said, I would still own one or would not mind shooting one at least.

[Mr_Fiux]

I could use a Famas and shoot some wolf ammo.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

My guess is a toss up between the Scar, 416, and the Tavor. My best guess is likely the Tavor or the 416 winning.

[svauto-erotic855]

If I was the guy in charge my troops would all be getting the SIG550 or some other AK derivative. If starting from scratch I would prefer something chambered in in 6.8SPC, 6.5 Grendal or anything other then 5.56mm.