The FAMAS, acronym for Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, is a French assault rifle that gained prominence for its distinctive bullpup design. Developed by the State-owned MAS (Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne) in the late 1960s, the FAMAS became the standard issue firearm for the French military in 1978 and served as their primary infantry weapon until the adoption of the Heckler & Koch HK416 in 2017.
The FAMAS is known for its compactness and excellent handling, owing to its bullpup layout where the action mechanism and magazine are placed behind the trigger. This configuration provides a longer barrel within a shorter overall length, giving the rifle increased maneuverability in close-quarters combat. It is chambered for the NATO standard 5.56x45mm cartridge and feeds from 25-round magazines.
Featuring a selective fire system, the FAMAS offers both semi-automatic and three-round burst modes of fire. It incorporates an integral bipod and a bayonet lug, enabling the rifle to be used in various roles, from a standard assault weapon to a light machine gun. The FAMAS has a distinctive handguard with a built-in carrying handle and an optical sight on the left side of the receiver.
Overall, the FAMAS is renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and versatility, and its unique design has attracted attention and admiration from firearm enthusiasts worldwide. Despite its replacement by newer firearms, the FAMAS retains a place in history as an iconic French military rifle.
